bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of water content on the ultimate properties of rubbery nanocomposite gels
Authors: Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Li Huan‐Jun
Published: October 2009

An investigation was conducted into the effects of water content (R) on the ultimate tensile properties of nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels) based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/clay networks. Rubbery NC gels with low clay contents (<NC10) exhibited unique changes in their stress–strain curves, depending on the R. At high R, where PNIPA chains are fully hydrated, NC gels retained their rubbery tensile properties, whereas they changed to exhibit plastic‐like deformations with decreasing R. Consequently, for a series of NC gels with different R, a failure envelope was obtained by connecting the rupture points in the stress–strain curves. Here, the counterclockwise movement was observed as either the R decreased or the strain rate increased. This seemed to be analogous to that of a conventional elastomer (e.g., SBR), although the mechanisms are different in the two cases. From the R and Cclay dependences of the ultimate properties, three critical values of R were defined, where R showed a maximum strain at break, a steep increase in initial modulus, and onset of brittle fracture. Compared with NC gels, OR gels (chemically crosslinked hydrogels) showed similar but very small changes in their stress–strain curves on altering R, whereas LR (viscous PNIPA solution) showed a monotonic decrease (increase) in εb (Ei) with decreasing R. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2328–2340, 2009
Vibrational spectroscopic investigation of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide)
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Shukla Sandeep Kumar , Tandon Poonam , Gupta Vishwambhar Dayal
Published: October 2009

Poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is an important polymer of engineering interest particularly useful in the electronics and automotive industries. Normal mode analysis including phonon dispersion has been performed to understand completely the vibrational spectra of this polymer. Various characteristic features of the dispersion curves have been reported. Crossing/Repulsion between various pairs of modes at certain phase values have been explained as arising due to internal symmetry in the energy momentum space. The heat capacity is calculated as a function of temperature via density‐of‐states in the range 220–360 K. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2353–2367, 2009
Strongly segregated cubic microdomain morphology consistent with the double gyroid phase in high molecular weight diblock copolymers of polystyrene and poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Politakos Nikolaos , Ntoukas Eleftherios , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Krikorian Vahik , Pate Brian D. , Thomas Edwin L. , Hill Randal M.
Published: October 2009

We report the observation of a cubic phase consistent with the double gyroid structure in strongly segregated diblock copolymers of PS‐b‐PDMS over a volume fraction (φPDMS) range of ∼0.39 to 0.45. The samples have respective molecular weights of 127 kg/mol and 73 kg/mol and degree of segregation Nχ equal to 187 and 106, respectively, at annealing temperature of 130 °C. It is important to highlight that two out of the total four samples investigated, exhibited hexagonally close packed cylindrical domains of PDMS and alternating lamellae at φPDMS = 0.39 and 0.45, respectively, indicating the possible narrow range of the DG morphology for the specific diblock copolymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2419–2427, 2009
Psychosocial adjustment of siblings of children with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Alderfer Melissa A. , Long Kristin A. , Lown E. Anne , Marsland Anna L. , Ostrowski Nancy L. , Hock Janet M. , Ewing Linda J.
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To promote a broader understanding of the psychosocial impact of childhood cancer on siblings, a systematic review was undertaken. Directions for future research are proposed and clinical strategies are suggested for addressing the needs of these children.

Methods: Searches of Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL revealed 65 relevant qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods' papers published between 1997 and 2008. These papers were rated for scientific merit and findings were extracted for summary.

Results: Siblings of children with cancer do not experience elevated mean rates of psychiatric disorders, but a significant subset experiences post‐traumatic stress symptoms, negative emotional reactions (e.g. shock, fear, worry, sadness, helplessness, anger, and guilt), and poor quality of life in emotional, family, and social domains. In general, distress is greater closer to time of diagnosis. School difficulties are also evident within 2 years of diagnosis. Qualitative studies reveal family‐level themes such as loss of attention and status as well as positive outcomes including increased sibling maturity and empathy.

Conclusions: Research regarding siblings of children with cancer continues to be methodologically limited. The conclusions of qualitative and quantitative studies differ considerably. We propose a research agenda to propel this field forward including greater attention to alterations in normative development (as opposed to psychiatric conditions), development of more appropriate quantitative measures, examination of potential moderators of adaptation, and use of prospective longitudinal designs. Siblings of children with cancer are a psychosocially at‐risk group and should be provided with appropriate supportive services. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual functioning in young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Zebrack Brad J. , Foley Sallie , Wittmann Daniela , Leonard Marcia
Published: October 2009

Background: Studies of sexuality or sexual behavior in childhood cancer survivors tend to examine relationships or achievement of developmental milestones but not physiological response to cancer or treatment. The purpose of this study is to (1) identify prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors, and (2) examine the extent to which sexual dysfunction may be associated with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: Five hundred ninety‐nine survivors age 18–39 years completed standardized measures of sexual functioning, HRQOL, psychological distress and life satisfaction. Descriptive statistics assessed prevalence of sexual symptoms. Bivariate analyses identified correlates of sexual symptoms and examined associations between symptoms and HRQOL/psychosocial outcomes.

Results: Most survivors appear to be doing well, although 52% of female survivors and 32% of male survivors reported at least ‘a little of a problem' in one or more areas of sexual functioning. Mean symptom score for females was more than twice that of males. Sexual symptoms were associated with reporting health problems. Significant associations between sexual functioning and HRQOL outcomes were observed, with gender differences in strengths of association suggesting that males find sexual symptoms more distressing than do females.

Conclusions: While most survivors appear to be doing well in this important life domain, some young adult survivors report sexual concerns. While female survivors may report more sexual symptoms than male survivors, males may experience more distress associated with sexual difficulties. Better‐specified measures of sexual function, behavior and outcomes are needed for this young adult population. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Looking past the obvious: experiences of altered masculinity in penile cancer
Authors: Bullen Kathryn , Edwards Stephen , Marke Victoria , Matthews Sarah
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Penile cancer, although statistically rare in Western countries (1:100 000 per year), results in considerable physical and psychological morbidity. The treatment of choice for penile cancer is either partial or total amputation of the penis. Metastatic spread into the surrounding lymphatic system may require additional surgery. To date, little is known of the lived experiences of men with penile cancer regarding the impact of the disease and its treatment on dimensions of masculinity.

Methods: A small‐scale qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). IPA aims at exploring the experience of life events and the meaning and implications for the person living through them. A purposive sample of men with penile cancer who were within a minimum of 18 months post‐surgery were recruited via a specialist urology clinic (n = 9). Participants were interviewed by a male researcher using a pre‐agreed semi‐structured interview schedule; interviews were audio recorded for transcription with detailed analyses of main and sub‐themes conducted independently by three researchers. To maintain analytical rigour, constant comparisons of main and sub‐themes were made between the individual transcripts and across the emergent themes within the research group.

Results: Central themes were (1) grappling with reality; (2) learning to cope and (3) changes to self.

Conclusions: That men should have an altered sense of masculine identity following penile cancer surgery is not unexpected. However, the ways in which altered masculinity manifested itself were both subtle and insidious. The results have implications for clinical practice and demonstrated the need for further research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Electrode Protrusion Length, Pre‐Existing Bubbles, Solution Conductivity and Temperature, on Liquid Phase Pulsed Electrical Discharge
Authors: Shih Kai‐Yuan , Locke Bruce R.
Published: October 2009

The effects of high voltage electrode needle protrusion length and the presence of low density pre‐existing bubbles on liquid phase pulsed electrical discharge were investigated. Liquid phase pulsed corona discharge was operated with two different protrusion length needle electrodes (short – 2 mm and long – 20 mm) with different bulk solution conductivities (5 µS · cm−1and 150 µS · cm−1) at room temperature (25 °C) and near boiling (95 °C). Chemical reactions formed in the discharge were also investigated by measuring the generation rates of hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

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Potential enhancement of degradation of the nematicides aldicarb, oxamyl and fosthiazate in UK agricultural soils through repeated applications
Authors: Osborn Rachel K , Edwards Simon G , Wilcox Andrew , Haydock Patrick PJ
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: The potential for enhanced degradation of the carbamoyloxime nematicides aldicarb and oxamyl and the organophosphate fosthiazate was investigated in 35 UK agricultural soils. Under laboratory conditions, soil samples received three successive applications of nematicide at 25 day intervals.

RESULTS: The second and third applications of aldicarb were degraded at a faster rate than the first application in six of the 15 aldicarb‐treated soils, and a further three soils demonstrated rapid degradation of all three applications. High organic matter content and low pH had an inhibitory effect on the rate of aldicarb degradation. Rapid degradation was observed in nine out of the ten soils treated with oxamyl. In contrast, none of the fosthiazate‐treated soils demonstrated enhanced degradation.

CONCLUSION: The potential for enhanced degradation of aldicarb and oxamyl was demonstrated in nine out of 15 and nine out of ten soils respectively that had previously been treated with these active substances. Degradation of fosthiazate occurred at a much slower rate, with no evidence of enhanced degradation. Fosthiazate may provide a useful alternative in cases where the efficacy of aldicarb and oxamyl has been reduced as a result of enhanced degradation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Deep defect level spectra in the neutron irradiated Si ionizing radiation detectors
Authors: Kažukauskas Vaidotas , Kalendra Vidmantas , Vainorius Neimantas , Pranaitis Mindaugas , Vaitkus Juozas Vidmantis
Published: October 2009

In the framework of WODEAN project of CERN‐RD50 collaboration the photoconductivity spectra of p+‐n‐n+ Si detectors were investigated depending on irradiation by high energy neutrons. The samples were irradiated by neutrons to the fluencies 1×1013 –1×1016 cm2. The extrinsic photoconductivity spectra indicated that upon irradiation deep levels (DL) below the middle of the band gap were created. Their activation energies were in the ranges of 0.49‐0.52 eV, 0.77‐0.81 eV, 0.88‐0.91 eV, and 1.02‐1.11 eV. The effective concentrations of these levels were depending on the fluencies and on the isochronal thermal treatments at low temperatures. The changes of DL population induced by annealing have been compared with the steady state lifetimes and photoconductivity decay constants. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
SiON as a barrier layer for depositing an Al2O3 thin film on Si for gate applications
Authors: Zhen Congmian , He Gang , Wang Xiaoliang , Shimogaki Yukihiro
Published: October 2009

Oxynitridization of an Si wafer was conducted by rapid thermal annealing in NH3 and O2. The refractive index of the SiON barrier layer formed at 1000 °C for 0.5 min was relatively high, about 1.96 at 589 nm, showing that the oxynitridized layer formed was compact. An Al2O3 film was then deposited on the SiON layer by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using new chemical vapor deposition chemistry. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the SiON barrier layer effectively prevents the formation of a layer of SiO2 or aluminum silicate at the interface between the Al2O3 layer and the Si wafer. Electrical measurements confirmed that few mobile charges were found to exist in the Al2O3 film. The higher Al2O3 dielectric constant and the lower equivalent oxide thickness were achieved when the sample was subjected to oxynitridization. A reduced flat band voltage shows that the SiON layer also decreases the interface trap charges and improves the interface quality. The leakage current density of the sample with oxynitridization obviously reduced with JA = 2.54 × 10−8 A/cm2 at a voltage Vg = +1.00 V. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early exposure to haloperidol or olanzapine induces long‐term alterations of dendritic form
Authors: Frost Douglas O. , Page Stephanie Cerceo , Carroll Cathy , Kolb Bryan
Published: October 2009

Exposure of the developing brain to a wide variety of drugs of abuse (e.g., stimulants, opioids, ethanol, etc.) can induce life‐long changes in behavior and neural circuitry. However, the long‐term effects of exposure to therapeutic, psychotropic drugs have only recently begun to be appreciated. Antipsychotic drugs are little studied in this regard. Here, we quantitatively analyzed dendritic architecture in adult mice treated with paradigmatic typical‐ (haloperidol) or atypical (olanzapine) antipsychotic drugs at developmental stages corresponding to fetal or fetal plus early childhood stages in humans. In layer 3 pyramidal cells of the medial and orbital prefrontal cortices and the parietal cortex and in spiny neurons of the core of the nucleus accumbens, both drugs induced significant changes (predominantly reductions) in the amount and complexity of dendritic arbor and the density of dendritic spines. The drug‐induced plasticity of dendritic architecture suggests changes in patterns of neuronal connectivity in multiple brain regions that are likely to be functionally significant. Synapse 64: 191–199, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscarinic receptor blockade in the ventral tegmental area attenuates cocaine enhancement of laterodorsal tegmentum stimulation‐evoked accumbens dopamine efflux in the mouse
Authors: Lester Deranda B. , Miller Anthony D. , Blaha Charles D.
Published: October 2009

The reinforcing properties of cocaine have been related to increased extracellular concentrations of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) on dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) facilitate mesoaccumbens dopamine transmission and are critically involved in mediating natural and drug reinforcement. We investigated the effects of pharmacological blockade of mAChRs in the VTA on cocaine's ability to enhance electrically evoked NAc dopamine efflux. Using fixed potential amperometry together with carbon fiber recording microelectrodes positioned in the NAc core, we quantified dopamine oxidation currents (dopamine efflux) evoked by brief stimulation (15 monophasic pulses at 50 Hz every 30 s) of the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT) in urethane (1.5 g/kg, i.p.) anesthetized mice. Compared to predrug baseline responses, cocaine (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose‐dependently enhanced LDT stimulation‐evoked NAc dopamine efflux, whereas the nonsubtype selective mAChR antagonist scopolamine (10 μg/0.5 μl) microinfused into the VTA diminished LDT‐evoked NAc dopamine efflux. Preinfusion of scopolamine into the VTA diminished the facilitatory actions of cocaine on LDT stimulation‐evoked NAc dopamine efflux, and when infused at the peak effect of cocaine attenuated LDT‐evoked dopamine efflux to below predrug baseline levels. These findings suggest that LDT cholinergic inputs to dopamine neurons in the VTA, via activation of mAChRs (probably of the M5 subtype), are involved in modulating the facilitatory effects of cocaine on NAc dopamine neurotransmission. They also suggest that the development of antagonists aimed at selectively disrupting M5 receptor function may be valuable in reducing abuse liability of psychostimulants. Synapse 64:216–223, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo evaluation of N‐[18F]fluoroethylpiperidin‐4ylmethyl acetate in rats compared with MP4A as a probe for measuring cerebral acetylcholinesterase activity
Authors: Kikuchi Tatsuya , Okamura Toshimitsu , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Fukushi Kiyoshi , Irie Toshiaki
Published: October 2009

[11C]MP4A is an established radioprobe for quantification of cerebral acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by positron emission tomography (PET) based on the kinetics of AChE‐mediated metabolism and metabolite trapping. It has been used to assess the deficiency in cholinergic innervation in the brain of patients with dementia. Because 18F has a longer half‐life than 11C, 18F‐labeled derivatives of [11C]MP4A allow delivery of the probe to other PET centers, making AChE measurement more widely applicable. Previously, N‐[18F]fluoroethylpiperidin‐4ylmethyl acetate ([18F]FEP‐4MA) showed that the 18F‐labeled analog of MP4A possessed desirable properties for the quantification of cerebral AChE activity by PET. Here, we evaluated the in vivo kinetics of [18F]FEP‐4MA and validated the responsiveness of brain uptake to AChE activity based on a mathematical model derived from the AChE‐mediated trapping rationale and compared it with MP4A in rats. Almost all radioactivity in the brain was composed of [18F]FEP‐4MA and the hydrolyzed metabolite at 0–60‐min postinjection. When the authentic radioprobe was not observed in the brain, the regional 18F uptake in the brain correlated well with regional MP4A uptake, and the elimination rate of 18F from the brain was higher than that of the metabolite of MP4A. The responsiveness of regional 18F uptake in the brain was examined by simultaneous assay of 18F concentration, relative blood flow, and AChE activity. Regional 18F uptake correlated with regional AChE activity as well as that of MP4A. Therefore, we concluded that [18F]FEP‐4MA would be applicable to clinical PET study for quantifying cerebral AChE activity. Synapse 64:209–215, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in 5‐HT2A receptor binding in various brain regions among 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced Parkinsonian rats
Authors: Li Yun , Huang Xu‐Feng , Deng Chao , Meyer Barbara , Wu Aimin , Yu Yinghua , Ying Weihai , Yang Guo‐Yuan , Yenari Midori A , Wang Qing
Published: October 2009

The serotonergic system has close interactions with the dopaminergic system and is strongly implicated in the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic paradigms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aims to investigate regional changes in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) 2A receptors in the rat brain 3 weeks after unilateral medial forebrain bundle lesion by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). 5‐HT 2A receptor distributions and alterations in the postmortem rat brain were detected by [3H]ketanserin‐binding autoradiography. In the 6‐OHDA‐induced Parkinson's rat model, nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron loss significantly mediated the decreased [3H]ketanserin binding, predominantly in the agranular insular cortex (17.3%, P = 0.03), cingulate cortex (18.2%, P < 0.001), prefrontal cortex (8%, P = 0.043), primary somatosensory cortex (17.7%, P = 0.002), and caudate putamen (14.5%, P = 0.02) compared to controls while a profound reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining in the striatum was also observed. Alterations in [3H]ketanserin binding in the examined brain areas may represent the specific regions that mediate cognitive dysfunctions via the serotonin system. The downregulation of 5‐HT2A receptor binding in this study also provides indirect evidence for plasticity in the serotonergic system in the rat brains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the critical roles of 5‐HT2A receptors in treating neurodegenerative disorders and implicates 5‐HT2A receptors as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of PD. Synapse 64:224–230, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sleeping management for scalable topology control in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Yu Rong , Zhang Yan , Gao Ruchao , Song Lingyang
Published: October 2009

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is an important instrument to realize wireless monitoring and control in various application fields. Energy conservation are crucial for WSNs to prolong the network lifetime. In this paper, we study sleeping management schemes which can efficiently control the network topology and significantly reduce the energy consumption by selectively turning off the radios of abundant sensor nodes. Based on the observation that a Matérn Hard‐core Process (MHP) could thin out evenly distributed nodes from a dense graph, we propose Backbone Energy Efficient Sleeping (BEES) management scheme, whose central idea is to generate and maintain the backbone by simulating MHPs. There are three attractive features of BEES: (i) the backbone size could be conveniently scaled according to the practical requirements; (ii) the backbone is energy efficient in the point of view of packet forwarding (or routing); (iii) the construction of backbone is robust to possible ranging errors, which ensures the feasibility and reliability in practice. Theoretical analysis and simulation experiments are carried out to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of BEES. Numerical results indicate that, compared with two existing sleeping management schemes, BEES provides about 30% wider range of scalability, consumes about 13% less routing energy, and achieves 11% ∼ 20% longer network lifetime under different traffic loads. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal shifts in giant panda feeding behavior: relationships to bamboo plant part consumption
Authors: Hansen Rachel L. , Carr Meghan M. , Apanavicius Carolyn J. , Jiang Pingping , Bissell Heidi A. , Gocinski Barbara L. , Maury Frances , Himmelreich Marian , Beard Sara , Ouellette John R. , Kouba Andy J.
Published: October 2009

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is classified as a carnivore, yet subsists on a diet comprised almost exclusively of bamboo. Wild and captive giant pandas use highly selective foraging behaviors for processing and consuming bamboo. These behaviors are for the first time quantified in captive giant pandas over a 5‐year period of time showing highly specific seasonal trends. Giant panda feeding behavior was recorded using live video observations of two giant pandas housed at the Memphis Zoo from November 2003 to June 2008. Leaf was the primary plant part consumed from June to December, whereas culm was consumed primarily from February to May, with both bears displaying similar seasonal shifts in plant part consumption. From May to June, leaf consumption increased significantly (P‐values<0.001); from June to August, leaf consumption remained high and stable. From December to March, leaf consumption decreased significantly (P‐values<0.001). Specific behaviors for bamboo leaf and culm consumption were also observed. Both bears formed wads of leaves before ingestion while feeding on leaf, but the male employed this feeding behavior more often than the female (54 and 33%, respectively). Both bears used similar culm‐stripping behavior (26 and 25%), used to remove the outer layer and isolate the pith for consumption. This study indicates that unique seasonal foraging behaviors observed in wild pandas are also apparent in captive animals in relation to plant part selectivity and feeding behaviors. Zoo Biol 29:470–483, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermally Induced Isomerization of Trilinolein and Trilinoelaidin at 250 °C: Analysis of Products by Gas Chromatography and Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Christy Alfred A.
Published: October 2009

The products formed by thermally induced isomerization of trilinolein and trilinoelaidin at 250 °C were studied by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The triglycerides of the 9c12c and 9t12t fatty acids, linoleic and linoelaidic acid respectively, were subjected to thermal treatment under nitrogen in glass. The products were removed at regular intervals and analysed by infrared spectroscopy using a single reflectance attenuated total internal reflectance crystal accessory. Trans‐esterification of the products provided the corresponding fatty acid methyl esters which were studied by gas chromatography. The results show that the samples undergo decomposition and isomerization. Thermally induced 9c12c fatty acid (linoleic acid) molecules in the trilinolein molecules isomerize into 9c12t, 9t12c and 9t12t isomers. Thermally induced 9t12t fatty acid (linoelaidic acid) molecules in the trilinoelaidin molecules isomerize into 9c12t, 9t12c and 9c12c isomers. However, the concentration profiles are different for these two triglyceride samples. The rates of formation of isomers from linoleic acid are higher than the rates of formation of isomers from linoelaidic acid. In addition, these two fatty acids also isomerize into conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). The profiles of the CLAs are identical in both cases.
Recycling of Aqueous Supernatants in Soybean Oleosome Isolation
Authors: Kapchie Virginie N. , Towa Lili T. , Hauck Catherine , Murphy Patricia A.
Published: October 2009

Oleosome extractions from soybean flour typically generate significant quantities of aqueous sucrose‐ and sodium chloride‐rich supernatant which could be recycled. To determine the feasibility of recycling the oleosome process aqueous supernatants, three extraction protocols were evaluated. The first extraction used the original extraction solution, 0.1 M fresh potassium acetate pH 4.6 containing 0.4 M sucrose and 0.5 M NaCl. The second protocol reused the aqueous supernatant obtained from the first extraction. The third protocol reused the aqueous supernatant obtained from the second protocol. Oleosome extraction yields were significantly higher in the first extraction with enzymes (Multifect® Pectinase FE, Multifect® GC, and Multifect® CX B, 1% each, v/w) compared to the yield when the supernatant was reused with no additional enzymes (81.41 ± 2.24 vs. 73.09 ± 3.39%, respectively). Oil yields from oleosome fractions were not statistically different when extractions were made with 0 or 3% enzymes in the third protocol. Protein was the predominant constituent in the supernatant in addition to mineral and carbohydrate. Soybean storage protein profile from recycled supernatants obtained without adding enzyme were similar to a traditional soy protein water extract but with a decrease of intensity of the β‐conglycinin bands. Addition of 3% enzymes in both recycling protocols resulted in the disappearance of the α′ and α subunits of the β‐conglycinin due to a protease contaminant in Multifect® Pectinase FE. Results from this work revealed essential information for a promising possibility of the future industrial application of this technology.
Maternal consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide diminishes the severity of skin inflammation in offspring of NC/Nga mice
Authors: Fujiwara Reiko , Takemura Naoki , Watanabe Jun , Sonoyama Kei
Published: October 2009

Strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota in infancy have been considered to prevent the development of allergic diseases later in life. We aimed to elucidate the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with a prebiotic oligosaccharide on gut microbiota and spontaneously developing atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the offspring of NC/Nga mice. Female NC/Nga mice were fed diets either with or without fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, offspring were fed the diets supplemented with or without fructo-oligosaccharide for 11 weeks in an air-uncontrolled conventional room. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene. Skin lesions were evaluated by a clinical score and scratching behaviour. Serum antibody levels were measured by ELISA, and expression levels of cytokines and chemokines in lesional tissue were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Maternal supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide modulated the gut microbiota in sucklings. Although maternal supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide suppressed the increase in clinical skin severity score and scratching behaviour in offspring, dietary fructo-oligosaccharide after weaning was less effective. The diminution of skin lesions was accompanied by lower serum concentrations of total IgG1 and lower expression levels of TNF-α in the lesional tissue. These data suggest that maternal consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide diminishes the severity of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the offspring of NC/Nga mice.
Comparison of the protective effects of steamed and cooked broccolis on ischaemia–reperfusion-induced cardiac injury
Authors: Mukherjee Subhendu , Lekli Istvan , Ray Diptarka , Gangopadhyay Hiranmoy , Raychaudhuri Utpal , Das Dipak K.
Published: October 2009

Recently, broccoli, a vegetable of the Brassica family, has been found to protect the myocardium from ischaemic reperfusion injury through the redox signalling of sulphoraphane, which is being formed from glucosinolate present in this vegetable. Since cooked broccoli loses most of its glucosinolate, we assumed that fresh broccoli could be a superior cardioprotective agent compared to cooked broccoli. To test this, two groups of rats were fed with fresh (steamed) broccoli or cooked broccoli for 30 d, while a third group was given vehicle only for the same period of time. After 30 d, all the rats were sacrificed, and the isolated working hearts were subjected to 30 min ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Both cooked and steamed broccolis displayed significantly improved post-ischaemic ventricular function and reduced myocardial infarction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis compared to control, but steamed broccoli showed superior cardioprotective abilities compared with the cooked broccoli. Corroborating with these results, both cooked and steamed broccolis demonstrated significantly enhanced induction of the survival signalling proteins including Bcl2, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, haemoxygenase-1, NFE2 related factor 2, superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and SOD2 and down-regulation of the proteins (e.g. Bax, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) of the death signalling pathway, steamed broccoli displaying superior results over its cooked counterpart. The expressions of proteins of the thioredoxin (Trx) superfamily including Trx1 and its precursor sulphoraphane, Trx2 and Trx reductase, were enhanced only in the steamed broccoli group. The results of the present study documented superior cardioprotective properties of the steamed broccoli over cooked broccoli because of the ability of fresh broccoli to perform redox signalling of Trx.
RISK ANALYSIS OF MAIZE-LEGUME CROP COMBINATIONS WITH SMALLHOLDER FARMERS VARYING IN RESOURCE ENDOWMENT IN CENTRAL MALAWI
Authors: KAMANGA B. C. G. , WADDINGTON S. R. , ROBERTSON M. J. , GILLER K. E.
Published: October 2009

Using farmer resource typologies, adaptability analysis and an on-farm mother and baby trial approach, we evaluated the production risks of alternative maize-legume crop combinations for smallholder farmers in Chisepo, central Malawi between 1998 and 2002. Production benefits and risks of four soil fertility and food legumes, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens), intercropped or rotated with maize, were compared by 32 farmers in 4 farmer resource groups (RGs) of different wealth status. The calculation of lower confidence limits was used to determine the production risk of the crops. Alternative crop technologies presented different risks to farmers of different wealth status, and the degree of risk affected their choice of soil fertility management strategy. The better-resourced farmers (RG 1) had larger yields with all crop combinations than the poorly resourced farmers (RG 4). Legumes integrated with maize significantly (p< 0.001) raised maize grain yields by between 0.5 t ha−1and 3.4 t ha−1, when compared with sole crop unfertilized maize. Fertilized maize was less of a risk for the better-resourced farmers (RG 1 and RG 2), and it yielded well when combined with the legumes. Maize-legume intercrops yielded more and were associated with less risk than the maize-legume rotations. Maize intercropped with pigeonpea was predicted overall to be the least risky technology for all RGs. We conclude that new crop technologies may pose more risk to poorly resourced farmers than to wealthier farmers.
High-Mg potassic rocks in the Balkan segment of the Variscan belt (Bulgaria): implications for the genesis of orogenic lamproite magmas
Authors: BUZZI L. , GAGGERO L. , GROZDANOV L. , YANEV S. , SLEJKO F.
Published: October 2009

Ultrapotassic plutons from several domains of the Variscan orogenic belt have been in turn interpreted as syn- to post-orogenic due to their age spread, but assessment of their geodynamic setting and source regions is still open to interpretation. In the Svoge region (Bulgaria), at the southern margin of the Balkan orogen, peralkalic plutons are hosted within Ordovician pelites. The main intrusion, with lamproitic affinity, which hosts monzodiorite xenoliths and a polyphase syenite suite, was emplaced at a shallow level.40Ar–39Ar dating by step-heating of amphibole and biotite yielded a Early Carboniferous intrusion age for the main body (337 ± 4 and 339.1 ± 1.6 Ma). The lamproite intrusion is silica-rich compared with bona fide lamproites and characterized by moderate LILE and LaN/YbNenrichments. Sr and Nd isotopic data (initial ϵNdin the range −4.87 to −5.88) suggest an origin in a depleted lithospheric mantle, possibly refertilized by eo-Variscan subduction. The high-K syn-tectonic plutonism in several zones of the Variscan orogen (Bohemian, Austro-Alpine, Vosges, French and Corsica domains) is consistent with a derivation of high-K magmatism from partial melting of metasomatized mantle following the subduction along the collision front between Gondwana and Laurasia.
A new, high precision U–Pb date from the oldest known rocks in southern Britain
Authors: SCHOFIELD D. I. , MILLAR I. L. , WILBY P. R. , EVANS J. A.
Published: October 2009

A new high precision U–Pb zircon age of 710.8 ± 1.5 Ma for granophyric granitic rock from the Stanner Hanter Complex of the Welsh Borderland lies just within error of an older Rb–Sr isochron age. ϵNd values of −0.3 and −1.2 combined withTDMof 1394 Ma and 1468 Ma indicate that the magma incorporated an older crustal source component. The Nd data highlight differences with western Avalonia, the widely considered Late Neoproterozoic north American counterpart to southern Britain, and point toward a closer similarity with other Peri-Gondwanan terranes that incorporate older, cratonic source material.
Momentum and heat transport in a three-dimensional transitional wake of a heated square cylinder
Authors: DJENIDI L. , ANTONIA R. A.
Published: October 2009

The transport of momentum and a passive scalar (temperature) in a three-dimensional transitional wake of a heated square cylinder has been carried out through direct numerical simulations using the lattice Boltzmann method at a Reynolds number Rd = 200 (d is the cylinder diameter) and a Prandlt number of 0.7. The simulations shows that while momentum and heat are transported by vortical structures, heat is in general more effectively transported than momentum. It is argued that the nature of the structural flow is responsible for the longitudinal heat flux uθ being larger than the lateral one vθ in the wake region extending up to 45d. It was shown that a gradient transport model could, to a first-order approximation, be used to model uv but would be less accurate for modelling vθ. Also the Reynolds analogy between momentum and heat transports is not verified in this flow. The fluctuating temperature field presents thermal structures similar to the velocity structures with, however, a different spatial organization. In addition the analogy between fluctuating turbulent kinetic energy and the temperature variance is relatively well satisfied throughout the wake flow.
The Greenland Ice Sheet Program: 1975 field activities
Authors: Kuivinen Karl C. , Splettstoesser John F.
Published: October 2009

The Greenland Ice Sheet Program (GISP) in August 1975 completed its fourth successful field programme since its beginning in 1971. The GISP research is aimed at the investigation of glaciological, geophysical, geochemical and palaeo-climatological parameters of the Greenland ice sheet and at the interpretation of these factors in terms of climatic significance for the present and for the future.
Oil and Ice in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Wadhams Peter
Published: October 2009

As the world's oil resources dwindle, the search for new supplies is touching regions of the globe previously considered too hostile for any kind of sustained operation. The ice-infested coastal waters of eastern and northern Canada are one such region. Already rigs have been at work off Newfoundland and Labrador where there is a long ice-free season and where drifting icebergs are the chief danger. Wells have been drilled on land in the Arctic islands and in one case from fast ice artificially thickened by flooding. However, a proposal to drill in the environmentally sensitive Beaufort Sea aroused widespread concern because of the enormous damage that could be caused by an accidental oil spill or by the blowout of an offshore well. People realized that the polar pack ice presents great dangers, that almost no information existed on the interactions between oil and sea ice, and that the oceanography and biology of the Beaufort Sea were understood only sketchily. To remedy these deficiencies a major environmental impact study, the Beaufort Sea Project, was undertaken in 1974–75 by the federal government of Canada and the oil industry acting in co-operation. The study also served the purpose of definng the conditions and restrictions under which the government would allow offshore drilling to proceed.
Polar icebreakers and the United States Coast Guard
Authors: Strobridge Truman R. , Noble Dennis L.
Published: October 2009

The United States Coast Guard's involvement in the polar regions and, eventually, with polar icebreakers, reaches back to 1867, when Alaska was purchased from the Soviet Union. That same year the US Revenue Cutter Service, as the US Coast Guard was then known, despatched the Lincoln north to make the first official exploration of the new territory. Out of this voyage was born the Service's close association with the polar regions which continues today (Evans, 1949).
A qualitative description of energy flow and nutrient cycling in the Marion Island terrestrial ecosystem
Authors: Smith V. R.
Published: October 2009

Since 1965 South Africa- has conducted a biological research programme on its two sub-Antarctic islands, Marion and Prince Edward. This programme is organized under the auspices of the South African Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SASCAR) and is sponsored by the South African Department of Transport. The first South African scientific expedition to the islands in 1965–66 yielded much information on the geology, zoology and botany of the two islands (van Zinderen Bakker Sr and others, 1971). The programme has since developed into a sophisticated ecological/physiological study, having as its major objective an understanding of the food cycles operative within the islands' ecosystems. The realization of this objective involves detailed investigations into the primary and secondary production of the various components of the islands' biota as well as a quantitative inquiry into the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients operative within the terrestrial, fresh and salt-water environs of the islands.
Polytechnic of Central London Spitsbergen Manhaul Expedition, 1976
Authors: Daynes Roger
Published: October 2009

A seven-man party from the Polytechnic of Central London spent from 25 July to 26 August in north-west Spitsbergen. Field work included botanical survey and sampling, recording of human sleep patterns, and the making of a 16 mm colour film. The party had the support facility of a former Scottish fishing vessel, the Copious, which it shared with the Cambridge Spitsbergen Expedition. The group landed in the far north of Vasahalvøya on Makarovbreen. Overland glacier journeys were made from Makarovbreen south to Liefdef jorden and Bockf jorden, and from the lower end of Woodf jorden across to Kongsf jorden via Blomstrandbreen—roughly 160 km in all.
Passive microwave images of the polar regions and research applications
Authors: Zwally H. Jay , Gloersen Per
Published: October 2009

Passive microwave images of the polar regions, first produced after the launch of the Nimbus-5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR)in December 1972, have become a valuable new source of polar information. Some of the potential applications of this new capability were anticipated. Of these, the sensing of sea ice through clouds and the polar night is probably the most important application for polar research and for operations on the polar seas. Other applications, such as the measurement of certain near-surfaceice sheet parameters, have been formulated more recently. Measurement of various ocean surface parameters is expected from the forthcoming multifrequency microwave observations. Undoubtedly additional uses of passive microwave datawill be conceived and developed. Two remarkable aspects of satellite-borne microwave radiometers are the complete spatial detail obtained by the scanning sensors and the temporal detail provided by continual coverage. For example, the observations of detailed microwave emission patterns over the Antarctic ice sheet should yield information that could not be obtained by surface or even aircraft measurements. Sequences of images produced at three-day intervalsreveal short-term ice sheet and sea ice phenomena that would otherwise be missed.
Eskimo: a language with a future?
Authors: Brody Hugh
Published: October 2009

Native languages in northern Canada are under great pressure. Even in the remote settlements of the central and eastern Arctic schooling is primarily in English; Eskimo or Indian languages tend to be regarded as special items of culture that warrant a half-day per week in a ‘cultural inclusion’ programme, along with story-telling and traditional crafts. Even this ‘inclusion’ is a result of recent reforms in curriculum development: in the 1950's and '60's there were schools where the use of native language was simply forbidden. This pressure from within the educational system is compounded by demands from employers in the industrial sector: functional English has sometimes been a condition of being hired, and native languages are generally given minimum usefulness or status at the work-place.
The Ross's Gull (Rhodostethia rosea) in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Densley M.
Published: October 2009

The Ross's Gull breeds between 62°27' and 70°30'N and 142° to 160°E in wet alder and birch scrub in the deltas of some of the larger north flowing rivers of north-eastern Siberia (Buturlin, 1906; Dementiev and Gladkov, 1951). The species was first discovered on 23 June 1823 by James Clark Ross, then a lieutenant with W. E. Parry's second expedition in search of the North-west Passage. At the time, they were stationed at Igloolik, east Melville Peninsula, in the central Canadian Arctic (Stenhouse, 1930). Ross, once more in company with Parry, saw the species again north of Spitsbergen during their attempt at the pole in July 1827.
An outline of mineral extraction in the Arctic
Authors: Miles P. , Wright N. J. R.
Published: October 2009

This article attempts to locate and briefly describe all the main mining operations that are currently active within the Arctic. In addition, many smaller mining operations, where grouped into recognizable mining districts, are included, as well as some mines which are no longer active. It is beyond the scope of this work to review the potential mineral resources of the Arctic, but where deposits are large, and figure prominently in the literature or have been investigated in detail with a view to future exploitation, they have been included and located on the various maps.
The beginnings of political organization among the Swedish Lapps (Sami)
Authors: Whitaker Ian
Published: October 2009

It is now 60 years since the Swedish Lapps held their first national assembly (landsmöte) in Östersund in 1918. One year later the first issue appeared of Samefolkets Egen Tidning [The Lappish People's Own Newspaper], which, under the title Samefolket [The Lappish People], is still published, and thus provides a continuous record of organizational developments among the Swedish Lapps. In this article I shall survey political organization among this particular ethnic group during the period 1918 to 1937. Although Lappish debates now transcend the national frontiers of Fennoscandia, in the early years of ethnic politics there were separate developments in Norway, Sweden and Finland, with rather rare organizational contacts between the Lapps of the different countries. It is to be hoped that the record will later be completed by discussions of events in Norway and Finland; Sweden, however, provides a useful starting point, both because of the continuous publication of an ethnic newspaper, and the sustained interest of the Swedish state authorities, which permitted the publication of the proceedings of national meetings at a time when the other two countries were tardy in encouraging such ethnic awareness.
Anglo-Danish Universities East Greenland Expedition, 1977
Authors: Matthews D. W.
Published: October 2009

A group of 10 geologists—6 Danish, 3 English and 1 Canadian—organised themselves last summer into an expedition to carry on their extensive field work on the Tertiary geology of the Kangerdlugssuak-Blosseville Kyst area of east Greenland. The English group was led this year by Dr N. J. Soper of Sheffield University, but overall leadership was under Dr C. K. Brooks of Kobennavns Universitet; the status of being an official Danish expedition as opposed to an independent English party made things much more straightforward. The expedition was notably successful in obtaining large quantities of data and samples from new areas of considerable importance to the studies of Tertiary stratigraphy and palaeomagnetism. 1977 was a uniquely ice-free year on the Blosseville Kyst and, apart from swell problems with small boat landings, sea access was easy. The ice break up and dispersal in, for example, Angmagssalik, was probably the earliest in living memory.