bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid assessment approach to prioritizing streams for control of Great Lakes sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus): a case study in adaptive management
Authors: Hansen Gretchen J.A. , Jones Michael L.
Published: November 2008

We developed and evaluated an alternative method (rapid assessment or RA) for assessment of larval sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus . We determined that using RA would result in at least as many, if not more, sea lampreys being killed than would using the current assessment method (quantitative assessment sampling or QAS) to select streams for lampricide treatment. Both assessment methods were carried out simultaneously throughout the entire Great Lakes basin from 2005 to 2007. RA required fewer resources than the current method and thus allowed for the chemical treatment of additional streams with lampricides, given a fixed overall budget for control. Population estimates generated from the QAS surveys showed that using RA would result in approximately equal numbers of metamorphosing lamprey and greater numbers of larval lamprey killed than by using QAS. Mark–recapture results indicated that prioritizing streams for treatment using RA may result in higher numbers of metamorphosing and larval lampreys killed than by using QAS. RA is currently being adopted throughout the Great Lakes as the method for assessing larval sea lamprey populations. Other fishery management programs may benefit from examining the value of their assessment programs relative to other uses of resources.
Surplus production dynamics in declining and recovering fish populations
Authors: Walters Carl J. , Hilborn Ray , Christensen Villy
Published: November 2008

Surplus production rates predicted by simple biomass dynamics models are generally expected to follow a simple dome-shaped pattern as population size changes and to show similar trajectories during population decline and recovery. Age-structured models, however, predict substantially lower surplus production rates during population recovery than during decline because of reduced mean fecundity, unless recruitment compensation is very strong. Ecosystem models like Ecosim predict more complex patterns, with reduced production during recoveries due to both age-structure effects and cultivation–depensation effects related to changes in competitor and predator abundances. Production-driven recoveries, where surplus production per biomass is higher during recovery than decline, are predicted in cases where there has been substantial change in overall ecosystem productivity or community structure. 110 case examples illustrate that simple, repeatable relationships between stock size and production are uncommon, and the most common pattern is production-driven change in stock size, where changes in production rate apparently independent of stock size then drive stock increase or decrease. We conclude that nonstationarity in productivity needs to be considered as part of population rebuilding and that empirical estimates of surplus production may provide insight in this process.
Impact resonance method for damage detection in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer–strengthened reinforced concrete beams subjected to fatigue and thermal cycling
Authors: Ward C. , Rattanawangcharoen N. , Gheorghiu C.
Published: November 2008

Much of North America’s civil infrastructure is rapidly aging and, in some cases, exceeding its design life and load. To combat this, the exploration of simple and effective methods for rehabilitation and structural health monitoring has been receiving much attention in industry and academia. This paper reports on the use of the impact resonance method (IRM) for evaluating the structural health of thermal-cycled reinforced concrete (RC) beams with and without externally strengthened carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) pultruded plates. In the experimental program, 1.2 m long specimens were subjected to 55 thermal cycles ranging from +23 to −18 °C. Fatigue loading consisting of up to two million cycles at high and low stress levels was performed. At pre-determined load cycle intervals, the loading was stopped and the IRM was performed on the specimens. Parameters including the appearance of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) spectrum of the specimens’ vibration, modal fundamental frequencies, and dynamic properties were used to assess damage in the specimen. Conclusions were made regarding the use of the IRM in monitoring the health of strengthened and unstrengthened RC beams subjected to thermal and fatigue cycles.
Laboratory investigation of shaft resistance of rock-socketed piers using the constant normal stiffness direct shear test
Authors: Benmokrane Brahim , Mouchaorab Khaled S. , Ballivy Gérard
Published: November 2008

This paper presents the results of a laboratory investigation of shaft resistance of rock-socketed piers using constant normal stiffness (CNS) direct shear tests. In this context, an experimental program is conducted in which small-scale piers are loaded in compression, and specimens having the same pier-surrounding medium interface geometry and components as those found in the small-scale models are subjected to direct shearing. Pseudorock materials were used for the construction of the model piers and shear specimens. These materials were chosen to simulate rocks of very weak to medium strength to investigate the influence of relative stiffness of pier and surrounding medium construction materials on the shear resistance. Furthermore, predicted values of side shear resistance using empirical relationships are compared with experimental results to examine the validity of these relationships. Key words : rock, socketed piers, shaft resistance, direct shear, model pier, constant normal stiffness.
Undrained stability of a plane strain heading
Authors: Sloan S.W. , Assadi A.
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the undrained stability of a shallow heading under conditions of plane strain loading. The soil is assumed to have a uniform shear strength and self weight. Rigorous bounds on the load needed to support the heading against active failure are derived using two numerical techniques that employ finite elements in conjunction with the limit theorems of classical plasticity. In both of these techniques, the collapse load is found by solving a linear programming problem. The solution to the lower bound linear programming problem defines a statically admissible stress field and a "safe" estimate of the collapse load, whereas the solution to the upper bound linear programming problem defines a kinematically admissible velocity field and an "unsafe" estimate of the collapse load. For the range of heading geometries considered, the upper and lower bound solutions bracket the exact collapse load to within 20% or better. Key words : heading, stability, limit analysis, plane strain.
Plasmid transformation and expression of the firefly luciferase in Microbacterium testaceum type and endophytic colonizing field strains
Authors: Zinniel Denise K. , Feng Zhengyu , Blum Paul H. , Barletta Raúl G. , Vidaver Anne K.
Published: November 2008

Microbacterium testaceum is a predominant endophytic bacterial species isolated from corn and sorghum in the midwestern United States. The development of genetic transfer systems for M. testaceum may enable its use for biocontrol and other applications. The type strain (IFO 12675) and field isolates (SE017, SE034, and CE648) were grown to mid-exponential phase, concentrated (1.0 × 1011CFU·mL–1), electroporated ( Escherichia coli  – Clavibacter shuttle plasmid pDM302), and plated on TSA with 10 µg·mL–1chloramphenicol. Transformation efficiencies averaged 140 CFU·µg–1of DNA. Restriction endonuclease analysis showed that pDM302 was not altered after extraction from transformants and re-introduction into E. coli. Transformants with pDM302 were also subjected to nonselective growth conditions, with the frequency of loss after one passage being 84% for IFO 12675 and 88% for SE034. We inserted the green fluorescent protein and the firefly luciferase (FFlux) reporter genes into pDM302, confirming the expression of FFlux in IFO 12675 and SE034. The SE034 FFlux strain was recovered from inoculated corn in greenhouse studies and found to fluoresce by luminometry. These results in M. testaceum demonstrate for the first time its transformability, pDM302 replication, FFlux gene expression, and the recovery of the FFlux recombinant strain from inoculated corn.
Comparison of enzymatic antioxidant defence systems in different metabolic types of yeasts
Authors: Koleva Dafinka I. , Petrova Ventsislava Y. , Kujumdzieva Anna V.
Published: November 2008

The enzymatic defence system in the 2 yeasts Kluyveromyces marxianus and Rhodotorula glutinis , differing in their mode of oxygen uptake and energy generation, was characterized and compared with the well-studied facultatively fermentative Crabtree-positive Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Twofold higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were detected in K. marxianus and R. glutinis when cells were cultured on glucose. Further increases of 10%–15% in SOD activity and 30%–50% in catalase were measured in all studied yeasts strains after transfer to media containing ethanol. An evaluation of the ratio of Cu/Zn SOD / Mn SOD was performed as a measure of the oxidative metabolism. A 20% decrease was observed when the respiratory source of energy was ethanol, with the lowest ratio being observed for the oxidative type of K. marxianus yeasts. Electrophoretic analysis revealed that all tested strains possess active Cu/Zn and Mn SODs. A reverse electrophoretic mobility pattern of K. marxianus and R. glutinis SOD enzymes was observed in comparison with the same couple in S. cerevisiae. The investigation of electrophoretic profile of catalase enzymes showed that alongside their different taxonomic status and fermentative capacity, all tested strains possess 2 separate catalases. The role of antioxidant enzymes in preventing oxidant-induced cytotoxicity (treatment with hydrogen peroxide, paraquat, and menadione) was shown.
Tracing salmon nutrients in riparian food webs: isotopic evidence in a ground-foraging passerine
Authors: Christie Katie S. , Hocking Morgan D. , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: November 2008

The predictable annual spawning of anadromous salmon (genus Oncorhynchus Suckley, 1861) provides an important marine resource subsidy to terrestrial species throughout the North Pacific. Using isotopic ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C), we examine pathways of salmon nutrient uptake by a ground-foraging passerine, the winter wren ( Troglodytes troglodytes (L., 1758)), captured above and below waterfall barriers to salmon migration from two rivers on the central coast of British Columbia. Wren feathers exhibited substantial variation in δ15N (range = 18.6‰) and δ13C (range =7.9‰), approximating the isotopic range of invertebrates sampled at our study sites. Mean δ15N values of feathers and feces representing the fall diet of winter wrens were enriched by 4.8‰ and 8.0‰, respectively, below versus above the waterfall barriers. We observed positive relationships between δ15N and δ13C in fall-grown feathers and fecal samples below the falls but not above the falls, and large positive shifts (as high as 14.3‰) in15N from summer to fall within individual birds. The large isotopic variation observed in this system likely can be explained by the mobility of wrens, isotopic variation in their prey, and individual variation in the consumption of fly larvae from salmon carcasses. Our results identify both direct and indirect pathways by which salmon-derived nutrients are cycled into top-level consumers.
An analysis of the horizontal burrow morphology of the oriental mole cricket (Gryllotalpa orientalis) and the distribution pattern of surface vegetation
Authors: Endo C.
Published: November 2008

Food acquisition in animals that construct burrows for foraging is influenced by burrow structure associated with food distribution and searching patterns. The burrowing patterns of the oriental mole cricket ( Gryllotalpa orientalis Brumeister, 1838) (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) were investigated based on analyses of the relation between burrow morphology and plant distribution. To assess differences between horizontal burrows (HB) with and without vertical burrows (VB), the number of branching points, the length of the horizontal parts, the plant ratio of the burrow area, and the burrow fractal dimension were compared. The size of the burrow area was positively related to the degree of branching. Cyperaceae and Gramineae occurred less frequently, whereas Hydrocotyle sibthorpioide Lam. and areas with no plants were more frequent in the burrow area than in the quadrat area. Juncaceae and Persicaria thunbergii (Siebold and Zucc.) H. Gross ex Nakai occurred more frequently and Lindernia crustacea (L.) F. Muell. occurred less frequently in HB without VB than in HB with VB. The ratio of burrow length to the number of branching points was not significantly different between HB with or without VB. HB with VB had a nearly planar structure (higher burrow fractal dimension) than that of HB alone. HB structure and plant composition of the burrow area differed depending on the presence of VB.
Size-selective predation by river otter (Lontra canadensis) improves refuge properties of shallow coastal marine nursery habitats
Authors: Cote D. , Gregory R. S. , Stewart H. M.J.
Published: November 2008

Young fish often avoid deep water to reduce predation risk from larger fish. Less clear are explanations for the avoidance of shallows by large piscivorous fish; however, one hypothesis suggests that this distribution reduces contact with depth-limited semi-aquatic mammal and bird piscivores. We determined prey size selection of the river otter ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) to test the hypothesis that larger fish are at elevated risk in shallow coastal waters in Newman Sound, Newfoundland, during June–November 2001 and May 2002. We compared otter diet (scat analysis) and prey availability (seine sampling) to test this hypothesis. Five fish taxa (Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L., 1758), Greenland cod ( Gadus ogac Richardson, 1836), shorthorn sculpin ( Myoxocephalus scorpius (L., 1758)), cunner ( Tautogolabrus adspersus (Walbaum, 1792)), and winter flounder ( Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum, 1792))) dominated the shallow-water fish community and were sufficiently abundant in otter scats to examine feeding preferences. Larger, piscivorous fish were selected by otters, suggesting that they were at greater risk of predation than smaller fish, consistent with our hypothesis that depth-limited, diurnally active predators restrict large fish from hunting in shallow water during daytime. We suggest that depth-limited air-breathing predators may reduce the presence of such predatory fish in shallow-water juvenile fish nursery habitats.
Male breeding success is predicted by call frequency in a territorial species, the agile frog (Rana dalmatina)
Authors: Lesbarrères David , Merilä Juha , Lodé Thierry
Published: November 2008

Calling behaviour and the characteristics of the male call are important for both female mate choice and male mating success in anurans. As with most other ranid frogs, males of the agile frog ( Rana dalmatina Fitzinger in Bonaparte, 1839) emit advertisement calls during the mating period. However, since males occupy and defend territories, it is not clear whether the calls serve to defend a territory and (or) to attract a mate. We investigated the relationship between male call characteristics and male breeding success in a field study by relating individual males’ call parameters (viz. call duration, number pulses, pulse rate, and fundamental frequency) with their breeding success as indicated by the number and size of egg clutches in the territories of males. We found that the number and size (in number of eggs) of clutches in the territories of males increased with decreasing fundamental frequency of calls. We found no correlation between territory characteristics and breeding success, suggesting that the observed correlation between male call characteristics and mating success is not likely to be explained by differences in territory quality, but by female potential preference for males calling with low fundamental frequency.
GENERALIZED G2-MANIFOLDS AND SU(3)-STRUCTURES
Authors: FINO ANNA , TOMASSINI ADRIANO
Published: November 2008

We construct a family of compact 7-dimensional manifolds endowed with a weakly integrable generalized G2-structure with respect to a closed and non-zero 3-form. We relate the previous structures with SU(3)-structures in dimension 7. Moreover, we investigate which types of SU(3)-structures on a 6-dimensional manifold N give rise to a strongly integrable generalized G2-structure with respect to a non-zero 3-form on the product N × S1.
HYDROGEN-LIKE CLASSIFICATION FOR LIGHT NONSTRANGE MESONS
Authors: AFONIN S. S.
Published: November 2008

The recent experimental results on the spectrum of highly excited light nonstrange mesons are known to reveal a high degree of degeneracy among different groups of states. We revise some suggestions about the nature of the phenomenon and put the relevant ideas into the final shape. The full group of approximate mass degeneracies is argued to be SU (2)f × I × O(4), where I is the degeneracy of isosinglets and isotriplets and O(4) is the degeneracy group of the relativistic hydrogen atom. We discuss the dynamical origin and consequences of considered symmetry with a special emphasis on distinctions of this symmetry from the so-called chiral symmetry restoration scenario.
STRUCTURE CONSTANT OF THE YANG–LEE EDGE SINGULARITY
Authors: WYDRO TOMASZ , McCABE JOHN F.
Published: November 2008

This paper studies the Yang–Lee singularity of the 2-dimensional Ising model on the cylinder via transfer matrix and finite-size scaling techniques. These techniques enable a measurement of the 2-point and 3-point correlations and a comparison of a measurement of a corresponding universal amplitude with a prediction for the amplitude from the (A4, A1) minimal conformal field theory.
THE CRYSTAL FIELD EFFECTS ON THE PHASE DIAGRAMS OF THE SPIN-2 BILAYER BETHE LATTICE
Authors: ALBAYRAK ERHAN , AKKAYA SEYMA , YILMAZ SABAN
Published: November 2008

The bilayer spin-2 Ising model on the Bethe lattice is investigated by taking into account the intralayer coupling constants of the two layers J1 and J2, interlayer coupling constant between the layers J3 and crystal field interaction Δ by using the exact recursion equations in a pairwise approach. The ground state (GS) phase diagrams of the model are obtained on the (J2/|J1|, J3/q|J1|) planes for given Δ values and on the (Δ/qJ, J3/qJ) plane when J1 = J2 = J, and thus 33 distinct GS configurations are found. The temperature-dependent phase diagrams are obtained for J1 > 0, J2 > 0, and for J3 > 0 or J3 < 0 on the (kT/J1, J3/J1) planes for given Δ/qJ1 and J2/J1 and on the (Δ/J, kT/J) plane for given J3/J when J1 = J2 = J for the coordination number q = 3. It was found that the system exhibits both first- and second-order phase transitions and tricritical points. The paramagnetic phases are also classified by studying the thermal variations of the quadrupolar moments.
RECONSIDERATION OF THE LEVITATION DRIFT SUBJECT TO A VIBRATION OF A PERMANENT MAGNET
Authors: ZHANG XING-YI , ZHOU YOU-HE , ZHOU JUN
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a reconsideration of the levitation drift of YBaCuO superconductor induced by the vibration of a permanent magnet. On the descending curve, the drift occurs with decreasing levitation force, and on the departing process, the drift shows an increase of the levitation force except that the gap between the superconductor and magnet is small. A qualitative interpretation reveals the essence of the drift using the Preisach model.
A COMPARISON OF DIFFUSION MODELED BY TWO MIXED DERIVATIVE EQUATIONS
Authors: MOMONIAT E.
Published: November 2008

Fourier and Bessel function solutions of two mixed derivative equations are investigated. For the appropriate sign of the material constants in the derivation of the mixed derivative equation, we obtain both Fourier and Bessel function solutions that tend to the corresponding solutions of the phenomenological diffusion equation. For the opposite sign of the material constants, the solutions diverge.
ONE-SIDED BAYESIAN S2 CONTROL CHARTS FOR THE CONTROL OF PROCESS DISPERSION IN FINITE PRODUCTION RUNS
Authors: CELANO GIOVANNI , COSTA ANTONIO , FICHERA SERGIO , TROVATO ENRICO
Published: November 2008

In the industrial setting characterized by short run processes, adaptive Bayesian control charts have been demonstrated to be an efficient means to perform the on-line process monitoring. Up to now, Bayesian charts have been implemented on manufacturing processes to monitor attribute variables and the sample mean. In this paper the Bayesian approach is extended to the control of the process data dispersion: several adaptive schemes of one-sided Bayesian charts monitoring the sample variance S2 have been designed. The design of each Bayesian S2 chart is performed to achieve an economic goal: the minimization of the total quality cost incurred during the production run. The quality economic performance of the Bayesian S2 charts is compared with that of a static Shewhart S2 chart and two other strategies which do not require sampling from the process. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis has been carried out to investigate the positive effects on costs deriving from the adoption of the different adaptive policies. Finally, some practical guidelines are suggested to help decision makers to select the best performing strategy to be employed within their own industrial environment.
AVAILABILITY AND COST ANALYSIS OF A PARALLEL REDUNDANT COMPLEX SYSTEM WITH TWO TYPES OF FAILURE UNDER PREEMPTIVE-RESUME REPAIR DISCIPLINE USING GUMBEL-HOUGAARD FAMILY COPULA IN REPAIR
Authors: RAM MANGEY , SINGH S. B.
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses about the availability of a complex system, which consists of two independent repairable subsystems A and B in (1-out-of-2: F) and (1-out-of-n: F) arrangement respectively. Subsystem A has two identical units arranged in parallel redundancy (1-out-of-2: G), subsystem B has n unit in series (1-out-of-n: F) with two types of failure, viz., partial and catastrophic. Except at two transitions where two types of repair namely exponential and general possible all other transitions have single possibility between any two states. The failure and repair time for both subsystems follow exponential and general distributions respectively. The model is analyzed under "preemptive-resume repair discipline" where A is considered to be in priority while B is non-priority. By employing supplementary variable technique, Laplace transformation and Gumbel-Hougaard family copula various transition state probabilities, availability, Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) and cost analysis (expected profit) are obtained along with steady-state behaviour of the system. Inversions have also been carried out so as to obtain time dependent probabilities, which determine availability of the system at any instant. At last some special cases of the system have been taken.
Comparison of thallium deposition with segmental perfusion in pigs with chronic hibernating myocardium
Authors: Baldwa Sunil , Rana Muzamil , Canty John M. , Fallavollita James A.
Published: November 2008

Viable, chronically dysfunctional myocardium with reduced resting flow (or hibernating myocardium) is an important prognostic factor in ischemic heart disease. Although thallium-201 imaging is frequently used to assess myocardial viability in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, there are limited data regarding its deposition in hibernating myocardium, and this data suggest that thallium retention may be supernormal compared with control myocardium. Accordingly, pigs ( n = 7) were chronically instrumented with a 1.5 mm Delrin stenosis on the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to produce hibernating myocardium. Four months later, severe anteroapical hypokinesis was documented with contrast ventriculography (wall motion score, 0.7 ± 0.8; normal = 3), and microsphere measurements confirmed reduced resting flow (LAD subendocardium, 0.78 ± 0.34 vs. 0.96 ± 0.24 ml·min−1·g−1 in remote; P < 0.001). Absolute deposition of thallium-201 and insulin-stimulated [18F]-2 fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) were assessed over 1 h and compared with resting flow ( n = 704 samples). Thallium-201 deposition was only weakly correlated with perfusion ( r2 = 0.20; P < 0.001) and was more homogeneously distributed (relative dispersion, 0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.29 ± 0.10 for microsphere flow; P < 0.01). Thus after 1 h relative thallium-201 (subendocardium LAD/remote, 0.96 ± 0.16) overestimated relative perfusion (0.78 ± 0.32; P < 0.0001) and underestimated the relative reduction in flow. Viability was confirmed by both histology and preserved FDG uptake. We conclude that under resting conditions, thallium-201 redistribution in hibernating myocardium is nearly complete within 1 h, with similar deposition to remote myocardium despite regional differences in flow. These data suggest that in this time frame thallium-201 deposition may not discriminate hibernating myocardium from dysfunction myocardium with normal resting flow. Since hibernating myocardium has been associated with a worse prognosis, this limitation could have significant clinical implications.
Multiresolution wavelet analysis of time-dependent physiological responses in syncopal youths
Authors: Nowak Jennifer A. , Ocon Anthony , Taneja Indu , Medow Marvin S. , Stewart Julian M.
Published: November 2008

Our prior studies indicated that postural fainting relates to thoracic hypovolemia. A supranormal increase in initial vascular resistance was sustained by increased peripheral resistance until late during head-up tilt (HUT), whereas splanchnic resistance, cardiac output, and blood pressure (BP) decreased throughout HUT. Our aim in the present study was to investigate the alterations of baroreflex activity that occur in synchrony with the beat-to-beat time-dependent changes in heart rate (HR), BP, and total peripheral resistance (TPR). We proposed that changes of low-frequency Mayer waves reflect sympathetic baroreflex. We used DWT multiresolution analyses to measure their time dependence. We studied 22 patients, 13 to 21 yr old, 14 who fainted within 10 min of upright tilt (fainters) and 8 healthy control subjects. Multiresolution analysis was obtained of continuous BP, HR, and respirations as a function of time during 70° upright tilt at different scales corresponding to frequency bands. Wavelet power was concentrated in scales corresponding to 0.125 and 0.25 Hz. A major difference from control subjects was observed in fainters at the 0.125 Hz AP scale, which progressively decreased from early HUT. The alpha index at 0.125 Hz was increased in fainters. RR interval 0.25 Hz power decreased in fainters and controls but was markedly increased in fainters with syncope and thereafter corresponding to increased vagal tone compared with control subjects at those times only. The data imply a rapid reduction in time-dependent sympathetic baroreflex activity in fainters but not control subjects during HUT.
Diurnal cycle influences peripheral and brain iron levels in mice
Authors: Unger Erica L. , Earley Christopher J. , Beard John L.
Published: November 2008

Iron movement between organ pools involves a dynamic equilibrium of iron efflux and uptake, and homeostatic mechanisms are likely involved in providing iron to cells and organs when required. Daily iron levels in the plasma pool fluctuate with the diurnal cycle, but clear explanations regarding the objectives and regulation of the flux are lacking. The association between diurnal cycle and iron flux is relevant in the disease of restless legs syndrome (RLS), where individuals display diurnal deficits in motor control, have impaired brain iron metabolism, and perhaps altered iron uptake from the plasma pool. The goal of the present study was to examine diurnal variations in peripheral and regional brain iron to evaluate iron flux between organs in iron-sufficient and iron-deficient mice. In mice fed control diet, liver iron was elevated 30–40%, and plasma iron was reduced 20–30% in the active dark period compared with the inactive light phase. Dietary iron deficiency eliminated this variation in liver iron in male and female mice and in plasma iron in male mice. Reductions in ventral midbrain and nucleus accumbens iron and ferritin were apparent in iron-deficient mice during both diurnal phases, but only during the light phase was an ∼25% reduction in whole brain iron observed, suggesting different brain iron requirements between phases. These data demonstrate that iron flux between organs is sensitive to diurnal regulatory biology. Importantly, variations in brain iron may have temporal implications regarding neural functioning and may contribute to the diurnal cycle-dependent symptoms of RLS.
Anti-Inflammatory Action of a Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine and N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine-Enriched Diet in Carrageenan-Induced Pleurisy
Authors: Erõs G. , Varga G. , Váradi R. , Czóbel M. , Kaszaki J. , Ghyczy M. , Boros M.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Phosphatidylcholine (PC)-derived choline exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in stress conditions. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) are endogenous bioactive phospholipids linked to the PC and endocannabinoid metabolisms. We hypothesized that an increased dietary input of PC, PE and NAPE may interfere with leukocyte reactions and thus decreases the inflammatory activation. Methods: CFLP mice were fed with a control diet or with a diet supplemented with 1% PC, 0.4% PE and 0.1% NAPE for 7 days before the induction of pleurisy with carrageenan. Pleural leukocyte migration, pulmonary mast cell degranulation (Alcian blue-safranin O staining), and the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase, xanthine oxidoreductase and myeloperoxidase were determined in lung tissue biopsies. Results: The carrageenan-induced inflammatory response was characterized by pulmonary leukocyte infiltration, mast cell degranulation and significantly increased inducible nitric oxide synthase and xanthine oxidoreductase activities (by 82 and 60%, respectively). Treatment of mice with acetylsalicylic acid or with dietary PC + PE + NAPE supplementation significantly decreased the leukocyte reaction, and suppressed the activity of the pulmonary proinflammatory enzymes. Conclusion: This study confirms a potential for dietary PC + PE + NAPE supplementation to influence events crucial for the remission of acute inflammation. PC + PE + NAPE administration could possibly be a novel preventive or pharmacotherapeutic option in inflammatory pathologies.
Design and Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Human Heart Valves
Authors: Schaefermeier P.K. , Szymanski D. , Weiss F. , Fu P. , Lueth T. , Schmitz C. , Meiser B.M. , Reichart B. , Sodian R.
Published: November 2008

We developed a new fabrication technique for 3-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering of human heart valve tissue. A human aortic homograft was scanned with an X-ray computer tomograph. The data derived from the X-ray computed tomogram were processed by a computer-aided design program to reconstruct a human heart valve 3-dimensionally. Based on this stereolithographic model, a silicone valve model resembling a human aortic valve was generated. By taking advantage of the thermoplastic properties of polyglycolic acid as scaffold material, we molded a 3-dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering of human heart valves. The valve scaffold showed a deviation of only ±3–4% in height, length and inner diameter compared with the homograft. The newly developed technique allows fabricating custom-made, patient-specific polymeric cardiovascular scaffolds for tissue engineering without requiring any suture materials.
Chlorhexidine Efficacy in Preventing Lesion Formation in Enamel and Dentine
Authors: van Strijp A.J.P. , Gerardu V.A.M. , Buijs M.J. , van Loveren C. , ten Cate J.M.
Published: November 2008

Background: Clinical studies on the caries-preventive properties of chlorhexidine mouthrinses are limited and the results are inconclusive. Aim: The aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse to the protection of enamel and dentine against demineralization. Methods: In this randomized two-treatment, two-leg study 14 individuals wearing partial prostheses were enrolled. Sound enamel and dentine specimens were placed in situ for 4 weeks. Twice daily, a mouthrinse was performed with either chlorhexidine or saline (control) depending on the experimental group the participant was allocated to. After the experimental period, plaque samples were collected from the surface of the specimens and from natural tooth surfaces to assess the organic acid production upon a sucrose challenge. The specimens were analyzed for mineral loss by transversal microradiography. Results: This study could not demonstrate a significantly better protection of enamel and dentine against demineralization by the chlorhexidine treatment compared to saline. No differences in acid production of plaque samples from the chlorhexidine-treated and control groups were observed. This result was also found for plaque samples originating from the natural tooth surfaces. Conclusion: Mouth rinsing with 0.2% chlorhexidine did not prevent demineralization of dentine and enamel in situ.
Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes, Core Promoter and Precore Mutations in Eastern India
Authors: Datta Sibnarayan , Biswas Avik , Chandra Partha Kumar , Banerjee Arup , Panigrahi Rajesh , Mahapatra Pradip Kumar , Chakrabarti Shekhar , Panda Chinmoy Kumar , Chakravarty Runu
Published: November 2008

Objectives: This unmatched case-control study aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology and clinical significance of HBV genotypes, core promoter (CP) and precore (PC) mutations in Eastern India. Methods: Serological, biochemical and molecular assays were used to examine antigens, ALT, genotypes, mutations and viremia among 106 inactive carriers and 183 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. Results: Male gender (p < 0.001), HBeAg positivity (p = 0.050), high ALT (p < 0.001), high viremia (p < 0.001), CP mutations (p < 0.001), and genotypes A (p < 0.001) and C (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with CLD. Subjects infected with genotypes A and C had significantly higher prevalence of BCP mutations (p < 0.001), and low incidence of PC mutation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). Prevalence of genotype D was significantly higher among subjects with history of familial/childhood jaundice, while genotypes A and C were frequent among subjects with possible percutaneous exposure. Conclusions: Significant differences in risk factors and disease manifestation do exist among patients infected with different HBV genotypes. Genotypes A and C are frequently found among chronic liver disease patients, while genotype D is associated with inactive HBeAg-negative infections. This evaluation of clinical relevance of HBV genotypes, mutations and risk factors may be useful in disease prognosis, management and prevention strategies.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Deficiency Reduces MMP-13–Mediated Cleavage of ICAM-1 in Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Tarín Carlos , Gomez Monica , Calvo Enrique , López Juan Antonio , Zaragoza Carlos
Published: November 2008

Objective—

Lack of endothelial nitric oxide synthase worsens atherosclerosis at least by increasing monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism elicited by NO.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated atherosclerosis in apoE and NOS3/apoE-deficient mice fed with high-cholesterol diet. We found significant increase in aortic lesion size, and infiltration of macrophages in NOS3/apoE-null mice when compared to apoE-deficient animals. To test the relevance of cellular adhesion as well as extracellular matrix degradation, we evaluated ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, MT1-MMP, and MMP-13 levels in mouse aortas. Lack of NO inhibits MMP-13 and increases ICAM-1 levels in atherosclerosis as compared to apoE-null mice. Ectopically expression of ICAM-1 in eukaryotic cells revealed that extracellular domain of ICAM-1 harbors a substrate recognized by MMP-13. Incubation of COS-7 cells expressing ectopic ICAM-1 in the presence of active MMP-13 induced inhibition of RAW 264.7 cell adhesion to COS-7 monolayers. MALDI-TOF MS analysis combined to Liquid chromatography coupled to Ion Trap MS on ICAM-1 incubated with MMP-13 allowed us to determine the cleavage sites of MMP-13 at positions E61 and G98 of ICAM-1. G98 is part of a PDGQS moiety, which shows homology with the consensus PDGLS substrate located at the MMP-13 cleaved site of type II collagen I-alpha.

Conclusions—

Taking together, these results point toward MMP-13 as a mechanism for the NO-mediated protection of atherosclerosis.
The Gastrodynamics of Displacement: Place-Making and Gustatory Identity in the Immigrants' Midwest
Authors: Oyangen Knut
Published: November 2008

Eating is one of the most basic human activities, and food interconnects with both collective and individual identities. As Europeans migrated to the rural United States in the nineteenth century, adopting and interpreting new food-ways was an important aspect of the forging of new immigrant selves. Thinking about food helped immigrants both to resist and to accommodate changes that eventually would prove inevitable for them.
Getting the Hands Dirty
Authors: Richards John
Published: November 2008

“Getting the hands dirty” refers to an approach in which process and performance are inseparably bound. The “performance” begins on the workbench and is extended onto the “stage” through live bricolage. The idea of “dirt” is seen as a critical ingredient in the process of live electronic music, and the term “dirty electronics” is used to describe an increasing focus in electronic music on shared experiences face-to-face, ritual, gesture, touch, social interaction and the exploration of devised instruments. The author concludes that digital technology has merely reinforced the importance of the human body and the physical in live performance.
Eavesdropping: Network Mediated Performance in Social Space
Authors: Stockholm Jack
Published: November 2008

The author describes an Internet-based audio composition and diffusion system, Eavesdropping (2007–2008), designed for public spaces where several computer users are gathered, such as cafés. Compositions are created from abstract mood objects rather than musical structures. A composer uploads a set of audio files to represent the different moods in the composition. During a performance, a server-based Conductor selects audio files from this set to be played at each participant's laptop based on the composition, the number of participants in the room and the time they joined the performance. This project aims to enhance awareness of and connectedness among individual members of an audience at a generative musical performance by encouraging shared experiences.
Listening to History: Some Proposals for Reclaiming the Practice of Live Music
Authors: Rose Jon
Published: November 2008

The author explores the vibrant, but often hidden, unorthodox musical culture of Australia, recounting little known movements, events, dates, personalities and Aboriginal traditions. He urges the listener to investigate and value this unique and fecund musical history, and in so doing, find models that are relevant to solving the dilemmas of a declining contemporary music practice. Live music encourages direct interconnectivity among people and with the physical world upon which we rely for our existence; music can be life supporting, and in some situations, as important as life itself. While there is much to learn from the past, digital technology can be utilized as an interface establishing a tactile praxis and enabling musical expression that promotes original content, social connection and environmental context.
“This Is Not a Meeting for Women”
Authors: Pape I.S.R.
Published: November 2008

Study of women's political participation in two rural municipalities in Bolivia challenges the notion that Andean gender complementarity is necessarily a sign of gender equality. Analysis of the function of gender complementarity in rural communities uncovers its inherent epistemological dynamics and demonstrates that, rather than producing gender equality, it serves to reproduce women's political exclusion from both communal political institutions and the relatively newly created rural municipalities, in spite of legislation that stipulates women's participation here. The assumption that gender equality exists in indigenous communities because their cosmology contains a paradigm of gender complementarity has real and negative repercussions in rural Andean women's lives. Women express a desire to participate and clearly identify the obstacles to their participation and the mechanisms that perpetuate them.
Study on Crystallization, Thermal and Flame Retardant Properties of Nylon 66/Organoclay Nanocomposites by in situ Polymerization
Authors: Lei Song  , Yuan Hu  , Qingliang He  , Fei You
Published: November 2008

Exfoliated Nylon 66/organoclay (PA66/OMT) nanocomposites were synthesized based on adipic acid, hexamethylendiamine, and organoclay (organically modified montmorillonite, OMT) modified by protonated aminocaproic acid via in situ polymerization. X-ray diffraction and transmission electronic microscopy were used to characterize their morphologies. Results confirmed that the exfoliated nanocomposites with different organoclay content were obtained. The crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and flame retardant properties of the PA66/OMT nanocomposites were investigated through thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and cone calorimetry experiments. The addition of OMT can induce the generation of γ-crystalline phase, increase the crystallization temperature and affect the crystallinity in PA66 matrix. The exfoliated nanocomposites have enhanced thermal stability and flame retardant properties compared with pure PA66. And it shows that a synergistic effect occurred between nanoscale clay layers and flame-retardant melamine polyphosphate.
Perceptions of People and Place
Authors: Booth Margaret Zoller , Sheehan Heather Chase
Published: November 2008

This article investigates the impact of different school models (middle school, K-8, and the UK secondary) on young adolescents' perceptions of their school climates. In particular, it analyzes the importance of people and place in the positive and negative attitudes that middle-level students develop about their schools. Based on mixed-method longitudinal research conducted during the 2004-2005 academic year, the study finds that 11- to 12-year-old students' happiness in school is most influenced by their peers, followed by the relationship with teachers. The study also reveals negative implications for students in large, crowded, control-oriented middle schools. On the other hand, it also reveals how larger secondary schools (found in the United Kingdom) include programmatic qualities to promote young adolescents' comfort level in large schools. Effective transition programs in particular can mitigate the negative qualities of large, urban, low socioeconomic status school settings by assisting with student comfort and lessening the feeling of anonymity.
Pseudepigrapha Notes II
Authors: Ditommaso Lorenzo
Published: November 2008

This is the second in a series of articles intended to present the results of manuscript research or provide bibliographic updates relevant to the study of the “OT Pseudepigrapha.” This article discusses the contribution of the manuscript catalogues compiled by M.R. James (1862—1936), FBA, and the author of Apocrypha Anecdota (1893), Apocrypha Anecdota II (1897), the Lost Apocrypha of the Old Testament (1920), and The Apocryphal New Testament (1924).
The Metaphor of Terror: Terrorism Studies and the Constructivist Turn
Authors: Hülsse Rainer , Spencer Alexander
Published: November 2008

Terrorism studies is fascinated with the terrorist actor. Though this may seem natural, the present article argues that a different perspective can be fruitful. From a constructivist point of view, terrorism is a social construction. The terrorist actor is a product of discourse, and hence discourse is the logical starting point for terrorism research. In particular, it is the discourse of the terrorists' adversaries that constitutes terrorist motivations, strategies, organizational structures and goals. Hence, the article suggests a shift of perspective in terrorism studies — from an actor-centred to a discourse-centred perspective. It develops a discourse approach that emphasizes the crucial role of metaphors in the making of reality. To illustrate this approach, the metaphorical construction of Al-Qaeda in the German popular press in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington (2001), Madrid (2004) and London (2005) is analysed. Terrorism was first constituted as war, but from 2004 onwards the principal metaphor shifted from war to crime, constructing Al-Qaeda as a criminal rather than a military organization. This shift has transformed Al-Qaeda from an external to an internal threat, which has entailed a shift in counter-terrorism practices from a military to a judicial response.
Triage in children
Authors: Patel Meena , Maconochie Ian
Published: November 2008

The importance of triage tools designed specifically for children in major incidents and in the emergency department (ED) is being increasingly recognised. Triage tools should be clinically safe and evidence based where possible. This review aims to summarise the triage systems available for children in the pre-hospital and ED setting, discuss the differences in triage systems around the world and look at possible triage solutions of the future.
Ex vivo characterization of polyclonal memory CD8+ T-cell responses to PRAME-specific peptides in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute and chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rezvani Katayoun , Yong Agnes S. M. , Tawab Abdul , Jafarpour Behnam , Eniafe Rhoda , Mielke Stephan , Savani Bipin N. , Keyvanfar Keyvan , Li Yixin , Kurlander Roger , Barrett A. John
Published: November 2008

Preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME) is aberrantly expressed in hematologic malignancies and may be a useful target for immunotherapy in leukemia. To determine whether PRAME is naturally immunogenic, we studied CD8+ T-cell responses to 4 HLA-A*0201–restricted PRAME-derived epitopes (PRA100, PRA142, PRA300, PRA425) in HLA-A*0201-positive patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and healthy donors. CD8+ T cells recognizing PRAME peptides could be detected ex vivo in 4 of 10 ALL, 6 of 10 AML, 3 of 10 CML patients, and 3 of 10 donors by HLA-A2 tetramer analysis and flow cytometry for intracellular interferon-γ. The frequency of PRAME-specific CD8+ T cells was greater in patients with AML, CML, and ALL than healthy controls. All peptides were immunogenic in patients, while responses were only detected to PRA300 in donors. High PRAME expression in patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells was associated with responses to greater than or equal to 2 PRAME epitopes compared with low PRAME expression levels (4/7 vs 0/23, P = .001), suggesting a PRAME-driven T-cell response. PRAME-specific T cells were readily expanded in short-term cultures in donors and patients. These results provide evidence for spontaneous T cell reactivity against multiple epitopes of PRAME in ALL, AML, and CML. The potential for developing PRAME as a target for immunotherapy in leukemia deserves further exploration.