bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geophysical and intrusive site investigations to detect an abandoned coal‐mine access shaft, Apedale, Staffordshire, UK
Authors: Banham S.G. , Pringle J.K.
Published: August 2011

Derelict coal mine workings at Apedale in Staffordshire, United Kingdom were the focus for a multi‐disciplinary geophysical and intrusive site investigation. Objectives were to: 1) locate the surface entrance to a coal mine access shaft, 2) determine the inclined shaft’s changing depth below present ground level, 3) determine if it was open, partly or fully filled, 4) locate it beneath a known shaft if (1) was unsuccessful and finally 5) compare geophysical mineshaft detection techniques in difficult ground conditions.

After initial site reconnaissance, desktop study and modelling, field work collected surface micro‐gravity and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) 2D profiles to locate the shaft and entrance area. The made‐ground nature of the site made identification of clear geophysical anomalies challenging. Subsequent intrusive investigations to locate the entrance were unsuccessful. A second phase of fieldwork down a known mineshaft imaged three geophysical anomalies beneath this shaft floor; after comparison with modelled data, subsequent intrusive investigations of the ERI anomaly successfully located the target shaft. Collapsed material was progressively cleared to the surface and a new shaft entrance stabilized.

Surface micro‐gravity 2D profiles surprisingly did not produce clear target anomalies, likely to be due to the target depth below ground level and the variety of above‐ground, relict mine structures present. Surface ERI 2D profiles were less affected by above‐ground structures but investigated anomalies were found to be heterogeneous ground materials. Comparisons of 2D micro‐gravity, ERI and ground‐penetrating radar profiles collected within a mineshaft showed ERI data were optimal. 2D micro‐gravity and ERI modelling were shown to aid geophysical interpretations.
Development of Autoimmune Diabetes in the Absence of Detectable IL-17A in a CD8-Driven Virally Induced Model
Authors: Van Belle Tom L. , Esplugues Enric , Liao Jeanette , Juntti Therese , Flavell Richard A. , von Herrath Matthias G.
Published: August 2011

Recent studies have shown that IL-17 can contribute beneficially to pathogen defense but also that excessive IL-17 levels are associated with chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. To date, the role of IL-17 in viral infections and type 1 diabetes is ambiguous. In this study, we used IL-17A enhanced green fluorescent protein bicistronic reporter mouse strains to analyze in situ production of IL-17A. Upon Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial infection, CD4+ and γδ T cells produce IL-17A. In contrast, CD4+ or CD8+ T cells do not produce IL-17A in response to acute or protracted viral infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or during autoimmune diabetes development in the CD8-driven lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-induced model of type 1 diabetes. We conclude that viral elimination and type 1 diabetes can occur in the absence of detectable IL-17A production, suggesting IL-17A is not essential in these settings.
Two-Step Binding of Transcription Factors Causes Sequential Chromatin Structural Changes at the Activated IL-2 Promoter
Authors: Ishihara Satoru , Schwartz Ronald H.
Published: August 2011

Most gene promoters have multiple binding sequences for many transcription factors, but the contribution of each of these factors to chromatin remodeling is still unclear. Although we previously found a dynamic change in the arrangement of nucleosome arrays at the Il2 promoter during T cell activation, its timing preceded that of a decrease in nucleosome occupancy at the promoter. In this article, we show that the initial nucleosome rearrangement was temporally correlated with the binding of NFAT1 and AP-1 (Fos/Jun), whereas the second step occurred in parallel with the recruitment of other transcription factors and RNA polymerase II. Pharmacologic inhibitors for activation of NFAT1 or induction of Fos blocked the initial phase in the sequential changes. This step was not affected, however, by inhibition of c-Jun phosphorylation, which instead blocked the binding of the late transcription factors, the recruitment of CREB-binding protein, and the acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27. Thus, the sequential recruitment of transcription factors appears to facilitate two separate steps in chromatin remodeling at the Il2 locus.
TRAIL/DR5 Plays a Critical Role in NK Cell-Mediated Negative Regulation of Dendritic Cell Cross-Priming of T Cells
Authors: Iyori Mitsuhiro , Zhang Tong , Pantel Haddon , Gagne Bethany A. , Sentman Charles L.
Published: August 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical in initiating immune responses by cross-priming of tumor Ags to T cells. Previous results showed that NK cells inhibited DC-mediated cross-presentation of tumor Ags both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, enhanced Ag presentation was observed in draining lymph nodes in TRAIL−/− and DR5−/− mice compared with that of wild-type mice. NK cells inhibit DC cross-priming of tumor Ags in vitro, but not direct presentation of endogenous Ags. NK cells lacking TRAIL, but not perforin, were not able to inhibit DC cross-priming of tumor Ags. DCs that lack expression of TRAIL receptor DR5 were less susceptible to NK cell-mediated inhibition of cross-priming, and cross-linking of DR5 receptor led to reduced generation of MHC class I–Ag peptide complexes, followed by attenuated cross-priming of CD8+ T cells. In addition, key molecules involved in the TRAIL/DR5 pathway during DC/NK cell interactions were determined. In summary, these data indicate a novel alternative pathway for DC/NK cell interactions in antitumor immunity and may reflect homeostasis of both DCs and NK cells for regulation of CD8+ T cell function in physiological conditions.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Antibody-Induced Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Plays a Prominent Role in Inhibiting Tumorigenesis, Even of Tumor Cells Insensitive to EGFR Signaling Inhibition
Authors: Overdijk Marije B. , Verploegen Sandra , van den Brakel Jeroen H. , Lammerts van Bueren Jeroen J. , Vink Tom , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Parren Paul W. H. I. , Bleeker Wim K.
Published: August 2011

Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is recognized as a prominent cytotoxic mechanism for therapeutic mAbs in vitro. However, the contribution of ADCC to in vivo efficacy, particularly for treatment of solid tumors, is still poorly understood. For zalutumumab, a therapeutic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific mAb currently in clinical development, previous studies have indicated signaling inhibition and ADCC induction as important therapeutic mechanisms of action. To investigate the in vivo role of ADCC, a panel of EGFR-specific mAbs lacking specific functionalities was generated. By comparing zalutumumab with mAb 018, an EGFR-specific mAb that induced ADCC with similar potency, but did not inhibit signaling, we observed that ADCC alone was insufficient for efficacy against established A431 xenografts. Interestingly, however, both zalutumumab and mAb 018 prevented tumor formation upon early treatment in this model. Zalutumumab and mAb 018 also completely prevented outgrowth of lung metastases, in A431 and MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H2LN experimental metastasis models, already when given at nonsaturating doses. Finally, tumor growth of mutant KRAS-expressing A431 tumor cells, which were resistant to EGFR signaling inhibition, was completely prevented by early treatment with zalutumumab and mAb 018, whereas ADCC-crippled N297Q-mutated variants of both mAbs did not show any inhibitory effects. In conclusion, ADCC induction by EGFR-specific mAbs represents an important mechanism of action in preventing tumor outgrowth or metastasis in vivo, even of cancers insensitive to EGFR signaling inhibition.
The Impact of Pre-Existing Memory on Differentiation of Newly Recruited Naive CD8 T Cells
Authors: Martin Matthew D. , Wirth Thomas C. , Lauer Peter , Harty John T. , Badovinac Vladimir P.
Published: August 2011

One goal of immunization is to generate memory CD8 T cells of sufficient quality and quantity to confer protection against infection. It has been shown that memory CD8 T cell differentiation in vivo is controlled, at least in part, by the amount and duration of infection, Ag, and inflammatory cytokines present early after the initiation of the response. In this study, we used models of anti-vectorial immunity to investigate the impact of pre-existing immunity on the development and differentiation of vector-induced primary CD8 T cell responses. We showed that existing CD8 T cell memory influences the magnitude of naive CD8 T cell responses. However, the differentiation of newly recruited (either TCR-transgenic or endogenous) primary CD8 T cells into populations with the phenotype (CD62Lhi, CD27hi, KLRG-1low) and function (tissue distribution, Ag-driven proliferation, cytokine production) of long-term memory was facilitated when they were primed in the presence of vector-specific memory CD8 T cells of the same or unrelated specificity. Therefore, these data suggested that the presence of anti-vectorial immunity impacts the rate of differentiation of vector-induced naive CD8 T cells, a notion with important implications for the design of future vaccination strategies.
CD204 Suppresses Large Heat Shock Protein-Facilitated Priming of Tumor Antigen gp100-Specific T Cells and Chaperone Vaccine Activity against Mouse Melanoma
Authors: Qian Jie , Yi Huanfa , Guo Chunqing , Yu Xiaofei , Zuo Daming , Chen Xing , Kane John M. , Repasky Elizabeth A. , Subjeck John R. , Wang Xiang-Yang
Published: August 2011

We previously reported that scavenger receptor A (SRA/CD204), a binding structure on dendritic cells (DCs) for large stress/heat shock proteins (HSPs; e.g., hsp110 and grp170), attenuated an antitumor response elicited by large HSP-based vaccines. In this study, we show that SRA/CD204 interacts directly with exogenous hsp110, and lack of SRA/CD204 results in a reduction in the hsp110 binding and internalization by DCs. However, SRA−/− DCs pulsed with hsp110 or grp170-reconstituted gp100 chaperone complexes exhibit a profoundly increased capability of stimulating melanoma Ag gp100-specific naive T cells compared with wild-type (WT) DCs. Similar results were obtained when SRA/CD204 was silenced in DCs using short hairpin RNA-encoding lentiviruses. In addition, hsp110-stimulated SRA−/− DCs produced more inflammatory cytokines associated with increased NF-κB activation, implicating an immunosuppressive role for SRA/CD204. Immunization with the hsp110-gp100 vaccine resulted in a more robust gp100-specific CD8+ T cell response in SRA−/− mice than in WT mice. Lastly, SRA/CD204 absence markedly improved the therapeutic efficacy of the hsp110-gp100 vaccine in mice established with B16 melanoma, which was accompanied by enhanced activation and tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Given the presence of multiple HSP-binding scavenger receptors on APCs, we propose that selective scavenger receptor interactions with HSPs may lead to highly distinct immunological consequences. Our findings provide new insights into the immune regulatory functions of SRA/CD204 and have important implications in the rational design of protein Ag-targeted recombinant chaperone vaccines for the treatment of cancer.
Canaliculitis in Supernumerary Puncta and Canaliculi
Authors: Chui Yong Ku , Aik Kah Tan , Annuar Faridah Hanom
Published: August 2011

We report the first case of supernumerary puncta and canaliculi presented with canaliculitis. A-59 year-old gentleman presented with painful swelling of the left lower lid for a week, which was associated with epiphora. The swelling was confined to the nasal aspect of the left lower lid (0.5 × 0.5 mm) with inflamed overlying skin. Two puncta (0.5 mm apart) were noted. The outer punctum at the normal anatomical position was a cul-de-sac while the inner punctum it the caruncle was patent. We described the embryology leading to supernumerary puncta and canaliculi to explain the paradoxical patency of the abnormally located punctum as well as the pathomechanism leading to canaliculitis. The patient was treated with oral cloxacillin 500 mg, 6 hourly for 5 days; the cellulitis subsided after three days.
A food-manufacturing manager’s experiences and perceptions of the implementation of an incentive scheme
Authors: Begbie Celita , Bussin Mark , Schurink Willem
Published: August 2011

Orientation: The field researcher, under the supervision of the co-authors Bussin and Schurink, sought to explore the experiences, views and perceptions of 10 managers about the incentive scheme that a South African food manufacturing company introduced.Research purpose: Identifying the contributors to negative feelings and demotivation, or conversely, excitement and motivation, will ultimately assist managers to implement an incentive scheme to motivate staff and improve performance.Motivation for the study: There is little research on how participants perceive incentive schemes and whether or not they motivate employees and improve overall performance.Research design, approach and method: The researcher used a modernistic qualitative research approach and, more specifically, a case study.Main findings: The participants in the research were unaware of the performance goals they needed to achieve. They felt that there was no link between their performance and their earnings. They felt that some objectives were demeaning and insulting, as was the payment they received. They felt that achieving their goals was outside their control and influence.Practical/managerial implications: Participants felt excited and motivated to perform when their managers presented the department’s overall goals to them and asked the participants to set their own goals based on the department’s objectives.Contribution/value-add: Although this study is explorative and descriptive, it suggests that it is how departments implement an incentive scheme, rather than merely having one, that will motivate or demotivate employees to perform.
Research productivity in Syria: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of current status
Authors: Diab Maria M , Taftaf Rokana M. O , Arabi Mohammad
Published: August 2011

Context: Scientific research output measured by the number and quality of publications reflects the research productivity of a certain community. Aims: To examine the quantity and quality of research produced by Syrian institutions with particular emphasis on the clinical and biomedical research. Settings and Design: Retrospective observational analysis of research originating from Syrian institutions indexed by Medline and Science Citation Index (SciVerse) Scopus bibliographic databases. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive review of the literature indexed by Medline and SciVerse was conducted including data from Jan 01, 1980 till February 2011 searching for authors affiliated with Syrian institutions. Clinical and biomedical research data were further analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: The total of manuscripts indexed by SciVerse originating from Syrian institutions during the last 3 decades is 3540. A total of 458 publications cover clinical and biomedical subject areas. The quality of these 458 publications was evaluated by the citation frequency and impact factor of publishing journals with h-index of 24. Conclusions: Although the spectrum of research originating from Syrian institutions is broad, the overall number of publications particularly in clinical and biomedical subjects is minuscule and of limited quality. The presented data indicate the need to promote research capabilities and to bridge the gap in research productivity by Syrian institutions.
De los tesauros a los topic maps: nuevo estándar para la representación y la organización de la información
Authors: González José Moreiro , Llorens Morillo Juan , García-Quismond Miguel Ángel Marzal , Lara Jorge Morato , Orenes Pilar Beltrán , Cuadrado Sonia Sánchez
Published: August 2011

El sustantivo crecimiento del número de tesauros no ha servido para responder a la necesidad de trabajar en entornos multidisciplinares. Para responder a esta situación, se fomentó, en un primer momento, la fusión de tesauros con objeto de adaptar los preexistentes a las necesidades planteadas por los nuevos dominios. Más tarde, en el afán de atender precisamente a un mundo de información cambiante y en crecimiento, se empezó a trabajar en los mapas conceptuales de navegación. Hasta desembocar en los Topic maps surgidos de la necesidad de fusionar índices para incorporar así la utilidad de los hiperenlaces. Su éxito se plasmó en la norma ISO/ICE 13250:1999, que motivó la hipótesis de su uso en la elaboración de tesauros, proceso en el que se manifestaron las contradicciones entre ambos sistemas. Por lo que se analizan los elementos conceptuales esenciales en la arquitectura de los topics maps para hallar su correlato en los tesauros. Este estudio comparativo permite señalar como límites de los topics maps, su indefinición conceptual, sus innumerables relaciones y su ambigüedad, lo que no oculta sus ventajas como una mayor riqueza semántica, la consecución de un nuevo marco conceptual para dominios fusionados, las asociaciones determinadas por verbos y la capacidad de organizar recursos informativos de distinto tipo.
O ambiente escolar e a atuação bibliotecária: o olhar da educação e o olhar da biblioteconomia
Authors: Sales Fernanda
Published: August 2011

O presente artigo trata da atuação do profissional bibliotecário em ambientes escolares. Destaca a escola fundamental como o primeiro ambiente em que muitas crianças têm seu primeiro contato com uma biblioteca e com o bibliotecário. Ressalta ainda as responsabilidades pedagógicas do bibliotecário, que é entendido como agente escolar, portanto, com funções essenciais no processo de comunicação educacional
Analysis of the formation of fog and haze in North China Plain (NCP)
Authors: Quan J. , Zhang Q. , He H. , Liu J. , Huang M. , Jin H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. North China Plain (NCP) is one of the most populated and polluted regions in China. During the recent years, haze and fog occur frequently and cause severely low visibility in this region. In order to better understand the impact of aerosol particles on the formation of haze and fog, a long-term record of haze and fog occurrences in the past 56 yr (from 1954–2009) over NCP is analyzed. The results show that there are rapid changes in the occurrences of haze and fog over NCP. The occurrences of haze and fog were low during 1970–1980, and reached a maximum during 1981–1998. After 1999, the occurrences of haze and fog slightly decreased. There was a nonlinear relationship between the occurrences of haze and fog. When the occurrence of haze was lower than 40 days yr−1, the occurrence of fog was strongly proportional to the occurrence of haze. However, when the occurrence of haze was high (larger than 75 days yr−1), the occurrence of fog was not sensitive to the occurrence of haze. In order to better understand the relationship between the occurrences of haze and fog as well as the effect of aerosol particles on the formation of haze and fog, an in-situ field experiment was conducted during a period with a mixed occurrence of haze and fog. The analysis of the experiment suggests that there were considerably high aerosol concentrations during the measurement period with an averaged aerosol number concentration of 24 000 cm−3. The measurement also shows that a large amount of aerosol particles can act as condensation nuclei to enhance the formation of fog droplets. As a result, a large amount of fog droplets (>1000 cm−3) with small size (5–6 μm) were observed during the fog period, resulting in extremely low visibility (less than 100 m).
Characteristics, seasonality and sources of carbonaceous and ionic components in the tropical aerosols from Indian region
Authors: Pavuluri C. M. , Kawamura K. , Aggarwal S. G. , Swaminathan T.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. To better characterize the tropical aerosols in Indian region, PM10 samples collected from Chennai, India (13.04° N; 80.17° E) were analyzed for carbonaceous and water-soluble ionic components. Concentration ranges of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) were 2.4–14 μg m−3 (ave. 6.5 μg m−3) and 3.2–15.6 μg m−3 (ave. 9.1 μg m−3) in winter samples whereas they were 1.1–2.5 μg m−3 (ave. 1.6 μg m−3) and 4.1–17.6 μg m−3 (ave. 9.7 μg m−3) in summer samples, respectively. Concentration of secondary organic carbon (SOC) retrieved from EC-tracer method was 4.6±2.8 μg m−3 in winter and 4.3±2.8 μg m−3 in summer. OC accounted for 38.5±14 % (n = 49) of combined concentrations of carbonaceous and ionic components in PM10. We also found that OC concentrations are generally higher than those of SO42− (8.8±2.5 μg m−3 and 4.1±2.7 μg m−3 in winter and summer, respectively), which was the most abundant ionic species (57 %) followed by NH4+ (15 %) >NO3−>Cl−>K+>Na+> Ca2+>MSA−>Mg2+. The mass fractions of EC, organic matter (OM) and ionic species varied seasonally, following the air mass trajectories and corresponding source strength. Based on mass concentration ratios of selected components and relations of EC and OC to marker species, we found that biofuel/biomass burning is a major source of atmospheric aerosols in South and Southeast Asia. The high concentrations of SOC and WSOC/OC ratios (ave. 0.45; n = 49) as well as good correlations between SOC and WSOC suggest that the secondary production of organic aerosols during long-range atmospheric transport is also significant in this region. This study provides the baseline data of carbonaceous aerosols for southern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Assessing regional scale predictions of aerosols, marine stratocumulus, and their interactions during VOCALS-REx using WRF-Chem
Authors: Yang Q. ,   W. I. Gustafson Jr., Fast J. D. , Wang H. , Easter R. C. , Morrison H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. In the recent chemistry version (v3.3) of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-Chem) model, we have coupled the Morrison double-moment microphysics scheme with interactive aerosols so that two-way aerosol-cloud interactions are included in the simulations. We have used this new WRF-Chem functionality in a study focused on assessing predictions of aerosols, marine stratocumulus clouds, and their interactions over the Southeast Pacific using measurements from the VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) and satellite retrievals. This study also serves as a detailed analysis of our WRF-Chem simulations contributed to the VOCALS model Assessment (VOCA) project. The WRF-Chem 31-day (15 October–16 November 2008) simulation with aerosol-cloud interactions (AERO hereafter) is also compared to a simulation (MET hereafter) with fixed cloud droplet number concentrations assumed by the default in Morrison microphysics scheme with no interactive aerosols. The well-predicted aerosol properties such as number, mass composition, and optical depth lead to significant improvements in many features of the simulated stratocumulus clouds: cloud optical properties and microphysical properties such as cloud top effective radius, cloud water path, and cloud optical thickness, and cloud macrostructure such as cloud depth and cloud base height. In addition to accounting for the aerosol direct and semi-direct effects, these improvements feed back to the prediction of boundary-layer characteristics and energy budgets. Particularly, inclusion of interactive aerosols in AERO strengthens the temperature and humidity gradients within the capping inversion layer and lowers the marine boundary layer depth by 150 m from that of the MET simulation. Mean top-of-the-atmosphere outgoing shortwave fluxes, surface latent heat, and surface downwelling longwave fluxes are in better agreement with observations in AERO, compared to the MET simulation. Nevertheless, biases in some of the simulated meteorological quantities (e.g., MBL temperature and humidity over the remote ocean) and aerosol quantities (e.g., overestimations of supermicron sea salt mass) might affect simulated stratocumulus and energy fluxes over the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and require further investigations. Although not perfect, the overall performance of the regional model in simulating mesoscale aerosol-cloud interactions is encouraging and suggests that the inclusion of spatially varying aerosol characteristics is important when simulating marine stratocumulus over the southeastern Pacific.
Characterization of iron speciation in single particles using XANES spectroscopy and micro X-ray fluorescence measurements: insight into factors controlling iron solubility
Authors: Oakes M. , Weber R. J. , Lai B. , Russell A. , Ingall E. D.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Soluble iron in fine atmospheric particles has been identified as a public health concern by participating in reactions that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mineralogy and oxidation state (speciation) of iron have been shown to influence solubility. In this study, iron speciation was determined in single particles at urban and rural sites in Georgia USA using X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy and microscopic X-ray fluorescence. Iron solubility of these samples was measured using spectrophotometry. These measurements (XANES and spectrophotometry) were combined to investigate the relationship between iron speciation and solubility in ambient aerosols. XANES measurements indicate that iron in the single particles was present as a mixture of Fe(II) and Fe(III), with Fe(II) content generally between 5 and 35 % (mean: ~25 %). XANES and elemental analyses indicate that a majority (74 %) of Fe particles are best characterized as Al-substituted Fe-oxides, with a Fe/Al molar ratio of 4.9. The next most abundant group of particles (12 %) was Fe-aluminosilicates, with Si/Al molar ratio of 1.4. No correlation was found between fractional iron solubility (soluble iron/total iron) and the abundance of Al-substituted Fe-oxides and Fe-aluminosilicates present in single particles at any of the sites during different seasons, suggesting solubility largely depended on factors other than differences in major iron phases.
Hypothesizing Synergy between Acupuncture/ Auriculotherapy and Natural Activation of Mesolimbic Dopaminergic Pathways: Putative Natural Treatment Modalities for the Reduction of Drug Hunger and Relapse
Authors: Blum Kenneth , Giordano John , Morse Siobhan , Anderson Arthur , Carbajal Javier , Waite Roger , Downs Bernarld , Downs Jaclyn , Madigan Margaret , Barh Debmalya , Braverman Eric
Published: August 2011

Acupuncture is a very ancient form of healing which predates recorded history. The philosophy is rooted in the Taoist tradition which goes back over 8000 years. To date this practice although used world-wide to treat addictive behaviors has not been generally accepted or scientifically proven. There are however many positive reports in the literature in its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol, heroin and cocaine. In addition, due to known neuro-chemical mechanisms associated with acupuncture, especially its role in pain relief and endogenous opioid function, clinical benefits in reward dependence behaviors seem parsimonious. In this review article we are hypothesizing synergy between acupuncture/auriculotherapy and natural activation of mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways to reduce drug hunger and prevent relapse. Following a review of the literature involving both of these modalities the scientific and clinical community is encouraged to carry out translational research in large randomized double-blinded placebo controlled investigations coupling these two anti-craving treatment modalities.
Emotional Skills - Key Components in the Interpersonal Relationship
Authors: Rosa da Silva Maria João , Reis Felipa
Published: August 2011

The object of this study relates to the level of importance of emotional intelligence and emotions in the process of decision making, and how these elements intervene in interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the general goal of this research project is centred in the ability of the human being to understand and manage his emotions, as well as his capacity to conduct those of others, in the interpersonal relationships established in organizations, at both endogenous and exogenous levels. An extensive revision was carried out, of the literature which contributed to the building of a logical theoretical frame, and which located reflections on the thematic of emotions, emotional intelligence, facial expressions and decision making. To carry out this research, the methodological procedures used consisted in the development of a descriptive research, a case study, co-relational and transversal; and the method employed was quantitative, based on the use of a questionnaire. The sampling was, non-probabilistic by convenience, limited to 60 people, having presented the inevitability of the representation of the chosen population, in a way to adequately reflect the needs showed in the study. The generated data were processed by software. From the analyses of the generated data, it was possible to obtain an answer to the question posed by the study, having been shown the need for a stimulus to occur, in order to generate an emotion, and a consequent making of a decision, where the emotional intelligence is a means which should positively intervene, in compliance with the elements retrieved from the analysis of the referred bibliography. The results obtained supported the formulated hypothesis. The greater part of the respondents showed ease in the contact with other individuals around them, having established stable proximities, and revealing an elevated predisposition to interact, even if that interaction should imply the need for behaviour adjustments. One can infer that from behaviours of this nature only positive relationships can occur, in which case the emotional component of the individuals can be considered balanced, revealing emotional intelligence.
Calculating Operational Risk Capital Charges for Indonesian Rural Banks
Authors: Mongid Abdul , Tahir Izah Mohd
Published: August 2011

In January 2001, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a proposal for a new capital framework, the “New Basel Capital Accord (Basel 11)” thus replacing Basel 1. One of the major motivations in the proposal is the introduction of explicit capital charge for operational risks in the business activities of banks. The objective of this paper is to estimate operational risk capital charge using historical data for 77 rural banks in Indonesia for a three-year period, 2006 to 2008. This study uses three approaches:  (i) Basic Indicator Approach (BIA), (ii) Standardized Approach (SA) and (iii) Alternative Standardized Approach (ASA). We found that the average capital charge required to cover operational risk is IDR 154 million (1.5% of asset). When the calculation is conducted using the SA method, we found, on average a requirement of IDR 123 million (1.23% of asset). When the calculation is conducted using the Alternative Standardized Approach (ASA), the capital required was IDR 43 million (0.43% of asset). The results provide evidence that banks using more advance model require less capital charge.
A Quest to Run the Government by Black Ink in Botswana in 2012 and Beyond
Authors: Botlhale Emmanuel Kopang
Published: August 2011

Botswana, like the rest of primary product-dependent economies, saw her revenues declining in mid 2008 due to the onset of the global financial and economic crises. Due to reduced revenues, the economy has posted budget deficits since the 2008/09 financial year. The fiscal challenges forced the government to undertake a Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Performance assessment in 2009 to ensure fiscal prudence. After the assessment, the government introduced a Public Finance Management Reform programme that begot a Budget Strategy Paper that advised the preparation of the 2011/12 Budget Speech and budget. In addition, when the Finance Minister read the 2011/12 Budget Speech, he announced that the government intended to adopt a black ink in 2012 and beyond, that is, balance the budget in 2012 and post surpluses afterward. Is this objective deliverable? Yes, however, running the government by black ink will largely demand political leadership, a sturdy resolve to resist populist spending and speeding up of expenditure reforms.
Electron-Density and Electron-Lifetime Profile in Nanocrystalline-TiO2 Electrode of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Analysed by Voltage Decay and Charge Extraction
Authors: Ito Seigo , Humphry-Baker Robin , Liska Paul , Comte Pascal , Péchy Peter , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Grätzel Michael
Published: August 2011

The dependence of the electron density and electron lifetime in nanocrystalline-TiO2 electrode on the electron back reaction with I3− in a dye-sensitized solar cell, based on a mesoporous titania (TiO2) matrix immersed in an iodine-based electrolyte, has been presented by analyzing the results of voltage decay and charge extraction measurements without modelling, without interpretation of mechanism, and without complicating calculations. This new analysis approach utilizes simple equations and basic definition of kinetics, concluding in absolute electron-density and charge-lifetime measurements. The relation of electron lifetime to open-circuit voltage indicates a peak of the long-lifetime charge at 5.5 V, which is consistent with the information of middle band suggested by Bisquert et al. (2004).
Some Results for Nonlinear (n+1)-Term Fractional Integrodifferential Inclusions with Multipoint Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhou Huacheng , Kou Chunhai , Song Wen
Published: August 2011

We are concerned with the nonlinear (n+1)-term fractional integrodifferential inclusions L(D)u∈F(t,u,Tu,Su),   a.e.  t∈[0,1], where L(D)=Dα-bnDβn-bn-1Dβn-1-⋯-b1Dβ1, 0<β1<β2<⋯<βn-1<βn<1<α<2, b1,b2,…,bn are constant coefficients, and (Tu)(t)=∫01k(t,s)u(s)ds, (Su)(t)=∫0tl(t,s)u(s)ds, subject to the nonlocal conditions u(0)=0,   u(1)=∑i=1mγiu(ηi). The existence results are obtained by using two fixed-point theorems due to Bohnenblust-Karlin and Covitz-Nadler, respectively. Our results partly generalize and improve the known ones.
Glucagon Stimulation Testing in Assessing for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yuen Kevin C. J.
Published: August 2011

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a well-recognized clinical syndrome in adults. However, due to the high frequency of normal serum IGF-I levels in hypopituitary adults with GHD, it is now widely accepted that despite normal levels of total IGF-I, adults clinically suspected with GHD within the appropriate clinical setting must undergo GH provocative testing to confirm its diagnosis. Although the insulin tolerance test (ITT) is labor intensive, contraindicated in the elderly and in adults with seizure disorders and ischemic heart disease, can be unpleasant for the patient, and is potentially hazardous, this test remains the gold standard test for the biochemical demonstration of GHD in adults. In contrast, with the unavailability of the GHRH and arginine test as the alternative test to the ITT in the United States since 2008, the glucagon stimulation test (GST) has since been increasingly used in the United States because of its availability, reproducibility, safety, lack of influence by gender and hypothalamic cause of GHD, and relatively few contraindications. In this paper, we discuss our recommendations in performing this test, the potential drawbacks in conducting and caveats in interpreting this test, and its future perspectives.
Growth of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes on Silicon Using a Sparked Iron-Cobalt Catalyst
Authors: Saengmee-anupharb Sirikamon , Thongpang Sanitta , Bertheir Erwin S. P. , Singjai Pisith
Published: August 2011

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) were successfully grown on silicon substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition at 750∘C using acetylene as a carbon source and Fe-Co nanoparticle thin films as a cocatalyst. Preparation of the cocatalyst was operated by an economical sparking process. A small amount of water vapor was introduced into the reactor by controlling diffusion by heated water in a flask. The CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The VA-CNTs were obtained only when the water vapor fraction in the introduced gas was in the range of 310–440 ppm. The length of the VA-CNTs reached 0.8 mm with a growth rate of 17 μm/min. Moreover, D/G-band ratio suggests that the optimum fraction of water vapor decreases defects in CNTs.
A Game Theoretic Model for Generation Capacity Adequacy: Comparison Between Investment Incentive Mechanisms in Electricity Markets
Authors: Khalfallah Mohamed Haikel
Published: August 2011

In this paper we study the problem of long-term capacity adequacy in electricity markets. We implement a dynamic model in which firms compete for investment and electricity production under imperfect Cournot competition. The main aim of this work is to compare three investment incentive mechanisms: reliability options, forward capacity market and capacity payments. Apart from the oligopoly case, we also analyze collusion and monopoly cases. Dynamic programming is used to deal with the stochastic environment of the market and mixed complementarity problem and variational inequality formulations are employed to find a solution to the game. The main finding of this study is that market-based mechanisms would be the most cost-efficient mechanism for assuring long-term system capacity adequacy. Moreover, generators would exert market power when introducing capacity payments. Finally, compared with a Cournot oligopoly, collusion and monopolistic situations lead to more installed capacities with market-based mechanisms and increase consumers’ payments.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-No4-6
A Dynamic Oligopolistic Electricity Market with Interdependent Market Segments
Authors: Pineau Pierre-Olivier , Rasata Hasina , Zaccour Georges
Published: August 2011

We propose a deterministic, discrete-time, finite-horizon oligopoly model to investigate investment and production equilibrium strategies, in a setting where demand evolves over time and the two market-segment loads (peak- and baseload) are interdependent. The players (generators) compete a la Cournot, open-loop Nash equilibria are computed and numerical results are discussed. The model is calibrated with data from Ontario, Canada. We assess the impact on equilibrium strategies of a generation sector with more market power than what is actually the case. We also find a slight difference in the investment sequence when interdependent demand segments are considered. Finally, we analyze the impact of increasing demand elasticities over time, and varying the financial values of the production capacities that remain at the end of the planning horizon. We believe that such a tool is valuable for professionals and scholars interested in the dynamics of production capacity mix (portfolio of technologies) in the electricity sector. It is also of paramount importance for public decision makers who have to simultaneously deal with environmental issues and with price control, both of which are politically sensitive.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-No4-8
Aneuploids in the shrub birch Betula humilis populations in Poland
Authors: Jadwiszczak Katarzyna A. , Jabłońska Ewa , Kłosowski Stanisław , Banaszek Agata
Published: August 2011

Shrub birch (Betula humilis Schrk.) is endangered glacial relict growing in natural and drained fens and transitional mires. At present study we examined karyotypes of 103 individuals of B. humilis, collected in six populations from eastern and northeastern Poland. We found 60% of diploid individuals with 2n = 28. The rest of studied plants were aneuploids with 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31 chromosomes in their karyotypes. High frequencies of aneuploids in Polish populations of B. humilis could be a consequence of: (i) hybridization with congeneric species, (ii) stress resulting from range fragmentation, (iii) karyotype instability of individuals with 2n ≠ 28, or (iv) vegetative reproduction.
Electrochemical Na Insertion and Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Hard‐Carbon Electrodes and Application to Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Komaba Shinichi , Murata Wataru , Ishikawa Toru , Yabuuchi Naoaki , Ozeki Tomoaki , Nakayama Tetsuri , Ogata Atsushi , Gotoh Kazuma , Fujiwara Kazuya
Published: August 2011

Recently, lithium‐ion batteries have been attracting more interest for use in automotive applications. Lithium resources are confirmed to be unevenly distributed in South America, and the cost of the lithium raw materials has roughly doubled from the first practical application in 1991 to the present and is increasing due to global demand for lithium‐ion accumulators. Since the electrochemical equivalent and standard potential of sodium are the most advantageous after lithium, sodium based energy storage is of great interest to realize lithium‐free high energy and high voltage batteries. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no successful reports on electrochemical sodium insertion materials for battery applications; the major challenge is the negative electrode and its passivation. In this study, we achieve high capacity and excellent reversibility sodium‐insertion performance of hard‐carbon and layered NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 electrodes in propylene carbonate electrolyte solutions. The structural change and passivation for hard‐carbon are investigated to study the reversible sodium insertion. The 3‐volt secondary Na‐ion battery possessing environmental and cost friendliness, Na+‐shuttlecock hard‐carbon/NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 cell, demonstrates steady cycling performance as next generation secondary batteries and an alternative to Li‐ion batteries.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Aromatic Homo‐ and Bis‐Homopropargylic Amines/Amides: Formation of Indoles, Dihydroisoquinolines and Dihydroquinolines
Authors: Varela‐Fernández Alejandro , Varela Jesús A. , Saá Carlos
Published: August 2011

Ruthenium‐catalyzed cycloisomerizations of aromatic homo‐ and bis‐homopropargylic amines/amides efficiently afford indoles, dihydroisoquinolines and dihydroquinolines. These processes were regioselective (5‐ and 6‐endo cyclizations) on using key Ru vinylidene intermediates. The presence of an amine/ammonium base‐acid pair increased the rate of cyclization and facilitated the catalytic turnover.
Immune regulation in chronically transfused allo‐antibody responder and nonresponder patients with sickle cell disease and β‐thalassemia major
Authors: Bao Weili , Zhong Hui , Li Xiaojuan , Lee Margaret T. , Schwartz Joseph , Sheth Sujit , Yazdanbakhsh Karina
Published: August 2011

Red blood cell alloimmunization is a major complication of transfusion therapy. Host immune markers that can predict antibody responders remain poorly described. As regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a role in alloimmunization in mouse models, we analyzed the Treg compartment of a cohort of chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD, n = 22) and β‐thalassemia major (n = 8) with and without alloantibodies. We found reduced Treg activity in alloantibody responders compared with nonresponders as seen in mice. Higher circulating anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 levels and lower IFN‐γ levels were detected in non‐alloimmunized SCD patients. Stimulated sorted CD4+ cells from half of the alloimmunized patients had increased frequency of IL‐4 expression compared with nonresponders, indicating a skewed T helper (Th) 2 humoral immune response in a subgroup of antibody responders. All patients had increased Th17 responses, suggesting an underlying inflammatory state. Although small, our study indicates an altered immunoregulatory state in alloantibody responders which may help future identification of potential molecular risk factors for alloimmunization. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: A cranial morphometric assessment of the taxonomic affinities of Trachypithecus auratus (E. Geoffroy, 1812 primates: Colobinae) with a reassessment of the T. auratus type specimen
Authors: Ingicco Thomas , Balzeau Antoine , Callou Cécile , Fitriana Yuliana Sulistya
Published: August 2011

The debate over the taxonomic position and affinities of Trachypithecus auratus has been ongoing since its identification by E. Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire in 1812. The type specimen of this species is housed in Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris (MNHN‐ZM 2005‐912). This point is debated due to the complex and fluctuating taxonomy of Southeast Asian Colobinae (Brandon‐Jones et al.: Int J Primatol 25 (2004) 97‐164) and to the fact that this individual is represented by a mounted skeleton. By means of 3D medical imaging methodologies we describe for the first time the cranial anatomy of the specimen MNHN‐ZM 2005‐912 and compare it with other Trachypithecus species, in order to test the molecular systematic hypotheses for affinities among the T. auratus‐T. cristatus group. We ascertain the taxonomic attribution of this individual to the species Trachypithecus auratus species. The most diagnostic characters shared by the type specimen and Trachypithecus auratus compared to other species of Trachypithecus are the rounded orbits and the straight facial profile. We then try to clarify the inconsistencies concerning the geographical provenance of the type. The island of Java appears to be the most probable locality from a cluster analysis based on linear morphometry. After this approach and a discriminant analysis, a northeastern Javanese provenance of this specimen, as proposed by Brandon‐Jones et al. (Int J Primatol 25 (2004) 97‐164) is dubious. Finally we provide 3D models of the skull and the endocast, and a list of cranial landmark coordinates of the holotype for future research. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Why sleep in a nest? empirical testing of the function of simple shelters made by wild chimpanzees
Authors: Stewart F.A.
Published: August 2011

All great apes build nightly a structure (“nest” or “bed”) that is assumed to function primarily as a sleeping‐platform. However, several other nest function hypotheses have been proposed: antipredation, antipathogen, and thermoregulation. I tested these simple shelter functions of chimpanzee nests in an experiment for which I was the subject in Fongoli, Senegal. I slept 11 nights in chimpanzee nests and on the bare ground to test for differences in sleep quality, potential exposure to disease through bites from possible vectors, and insulation. No difference was found in the total amount of sleep nor in sleep quality; however, sleep was more disturbed on the ground. Differences in sleep disturbance between arboreal and ground conditions seemed primarily due to causes of anxiety and alertness, e.g., vocalizations of terrestrial mammals. Arboreal nest‐sleeping seems to reduce risk of bites from possible disease vectors and provide insulation in cold conditions. This preliminary, but direct, test of chimpanzee nest function has implications for the evolutionary transition from limb‐roosting to nest‐reclining sleep in the hominoids, and from tree‐to‐ground sleep in the genus Homo. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.