bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography of Respiratory Quinones for Microbial Community Analysis in Environmental and Biological Samples
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Atsuta Yoichi , Fujie Koichi , Daimon Hiroyuki
Published: March 2012

Microbial community structure plays a significant role in environmental assessment and animal health management. The development of a superior analytical strategy for the characterization of microbial community structure is an ongoing challenge. In this study, we developed an effective supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the analysis of bacterial respiratory quinones (RQ) in environmental and biological samples. RQ profile analysis is one of the most widely used culture-independent tools for characterizing microbial community structure. A UPLC equipped with a photo diode array (PDA) detector was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of ubiquinones (UQ) and menaquinones (MK) without tedious pretreatment. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction with the solid-phase cartridge trap proved to be a more effective and rapid method for extracting respiratory quinones, compared to a conventional organic solvent extraction method. This methodology leads to a successful analytical procedure that involves a significant reduction in the complexity and sample preparation time. Application of the optimized methodology to characterize microbial communities based on the RQ profile was demonstrated for a variety of environmental samples (activated sludge, digested sludge, and compost) and biological samples (swine and Japanese quail feces).
A Microwave-Assisted Bismuth Nitrate-Catalyzed Unique Route Toward 1,4-Dihydropyridines
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debasish , Maldonado Stephanie , Banik Bimal K.
Published: March 2012

The classical Hantzsch reaction is one of the simplest and most economical methods for the synthesis of biologically important and pharmacologically useful 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate under microwave irradiation is proven to act as a very efficient catalyst for a one-pot, three-component synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines in excellent yields from diverse amines/ammonium acetate, aldehydes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds within 1–3 min under solvent-free conditions. The present environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines is suitable for library synthesis and it will find application in the synthesis of potent biologically active molecules. The excellent yield and extreme rapidity of the method is due to a concurrent effect of the catalyst and microwave irradiation.
Bioactive Phenolic Amides from Celtis africana
Authors: Al-Taweel Areej Mohammad , Perveen Shagufta , El-Shafae Azza Muhammed , Fawzy Ghada Ahmed , Malik Abdul , Afza Nighat , Iqbal Lubna , Latif Mehreen
Published: March 2012

Nine compounds have been isolated for the first time from Celtis africana, namely trans-N-coumaroyltyramine (1), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (2), trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3), lauric acid (4), oleic acid (5), palmitic acid (6), lupeol (7), β-sitosterol (8) and oleanolic acid (9), respectively. Their structures have been elucidated by different spectroscopic techniques. The isolated compounds were screened for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinestrease enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1–3 showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and weak to moderate acetylcholinestrease enzyme inhibition activity.
Synthesis, Property Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of the Novel Composite Polymer Polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7
Authors: Yang Yunjun , Luan Jingfei
Published: March 2012

A novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 composite polymer was synthesized by chemical oxidation in-situ polymerization method and sol-gel method for the first time. The structural properties of novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray spectrometry. The lattice parameter of Bi2SnTiO7 was found to be a = 10.52582(8) Å. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was realized under visible light irradiation with the novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 as catalyst. The results showed that novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 possessed higher catalytic activity compared with Bi2InTaO7 or pure TiO2 or N-doped TiO2 for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with the novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 or N-doped TiO2 as catalyst followed first-order reaction kinetics, and the first-order rate constant was 0.01504 or 0.00333 min−1. After visible light irradiation for 220 minutes with novel polyaniline/Bi2SnTiO7 as catalyst, complete removal and mineralization of methylene blue was observed. The reduction of the total organic carbon, the formation of inorganic products, SO42− and NO3−, and the evolution of CO2 revealed the continuous mineralization of methylene blue during the photocatalytic process. The possible photocatalytic degradation pathway of methylene blue was obtained under visible light irradiation.
Treatment of Direct Blending Dye Wastewater and Recycling of Dye Sludge
Authors: Xu Xin-Hui , Li Ming-Li , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2012

A new sorbent material, barium sulfate-Direct Blending Yellow D-3RNL hybrid (BSD), was synthesized and characterized by various methods. Both the anionic dyes, Reactive Brilliant Red X-3B and Weak Acid Green GS were hardly adsorbed by the BSD material, while the sorption of Ethyl Violet (EV) and Victoria Blue B were extremely obvious. The sorption of cationic dyes obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model, which depended on the electric charge attraction. The saturation amount of EV adsorbed onto the BSD material approached to 39.36 mg/g. The sorption of EV changed little with pH from 3 to 12 while it increased with increasing levels of electrolyte. A dye wastewater sampled from Jinjiang Chemicals was treated, and the color removal rate was more than the COD removal rate. In addition, the cationic dye-BSD sludge was utilized as a colorant fill-in coating. The light stability and thermal stability of the colorant was measured and exhibited good features. This work provided a simple and eco-friendly method for dye wastewater treatment with recycling of waste.
Binge Eating and Weight-Related Quality of Life in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Ranzenhofer Lisa M. , Columbo Kelli M. , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian , Shomaker Lauren B. , Cassidy Omni , Matheson Brittany E. , Kolotkin Ronette L. , Checchi Jenna M. , Keil Margaret , McDuffie Jennifer R. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: March 2012

Limited data exist regarding the association between binge eating and quality of life (QOL) in obese adolescent girls and boys. We, therefore, studied binge eating and QOL in 158 obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) adolescents (14.5 ± 1.4 years, 68.0% female, 59% African-American) prior to weight-loss treatment. Youth completed an interview to assess binge eating and a questionnaire measure of QOL. Controlling for body composition, binge eating youth (n = 35), overall, reported poorer QOL in domains of health, mobility, and self-esteem compared to those without binge eating ( ps < 0.05). Also, girls, overall, reported poorer QOL than boys in activities of daily-living, mobility, self-esteem, and social/interpersonal functioning (ps < 0.05). Girls with binge eating reported the greatest impairments in activities of daily living, mobility, self-esteem, social/interpersonal functioning, and work/school QOL (ps < 0.05). Among treatment-seeking obese adolescents, binge eating appears to be a marker of QOL impairment, especially among girls. Prospective and treatment designs are needed to explore the directional relationship between binge eating and QOL and their impact on weight outcomes.
Measurements of True Leak Rates of MEMS Packages
Authors: Han Bongtae
Published: March 2012

: Gas transport mechanisms that characterize the hermetic behavior of MEMS packages are fundamentally different depending upon which sealing materials are used in the packages. In metallic seals, gas transport occurs through a few nanoscale leak channels (gas conduction) that are produced randomly during the solder reflow process, while gas transport in polymeric seals occurs through the bulk material (gas diffusion). In this review article, the techniques to measure true leak rates of MEMS packages with the two sealing materials are described and discussed: a Helium mass spectrometer based technique for metallic sealing and a gas diffusion based model for polymeric sealing.
A Novel In Vitro Sensing Configuration for Retinal Physiology Analysis of a Sub-Retinal Prosthesis
Authors: Koo Kyo-in , Lee Sangmin , Yee Jang Hee , Ryu Sang Baek , Kim Kyung Hwan , Goo Yong Sook , Cho Dong-il Dan
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a novel sensing configuration for retinal physiology analysis, using two microelectrode arrays (MEAs). In order to investigate an optimized stimulation protocol for a sub-retinal prosthesis, retinal photoreceptor cells are stimulated, and the response of retinal ganglion cells is recorded in an in vitro environment. For photoreceptor cell stimulation, a polyimide-substrate MEA is developed, using the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. For ganglion cell response recording, a conventional glass-substrate MEA is utilized. This new sensing configuration is used to record the response of retinal ganglion cells with respect to three different stimulation methods (monopolar, bipolar, and dual-monopolar stimulation methods). Results show that the geometrical relation between the stimulation microelectrode locations and the response locations seems very low. The threshold charges of the bipolar stimulation and the monopolar stimulation are in the range of 10~20 nC. The threshold charge of the dual-monopolar stimulation is not obvious. These results provide useful guidelines for developing a sub-retinal prosthesis.
Privileged Mobility in an Age of Globality
Authors: Croucher Sheila
Published: March 2012

By 2050, the world’s population of international migrants is estimated to top 400 million. A small but growing number of those migrants are leaving well-developed, affluent countries best known for receiving immigrants to settle in less well-developed countries better known for sending migrants. These migrants of relative privilege, many of them retirees, are motivated primarily by a desire to enhance their quality of life. Although this migratory flow receives much less attention than more familiar, and reverse, movements of laborers or refugees, its implications for the destination sites, sites of origin, and study of international migration generally are significant. This article will examine the contemporary border crossing of privileged migrants, the economic, political and cultural stakes for the countries and individuals involved, and the implications of incorporating privileged mobility into the study of global migration and transnationalism.
Hidden Symmetries in Simple Graphs
Authors: Parks Allen D.
Published: March 2012

It is shown that each element s in the normalizer of the automorphism group Aut(G) of a simple graph G with labeled vertex set V is an Aut(G) invariant isomorphism between G and the graph obtained from G by the s permutation of V—i.e., s is a hidden permutation symmetry of G. A simple example illustrates the theory and the applied notion of system robustness for reconfiguration under symmetry constraint (RUSC) is introduced.
Benefits of a Unit-Based Skin Care Group
Authors: Sievers Beth , Shones Katy , Klein Kelly , Anderson Rachel , Mickow Aaron , Kaplan Matthew
Published: March 2012

The medical patient population presents with various types of wounds when admitted to the hospital. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is often consulted to help nurses to assess wounds and dress them appropriately. Because CNS consultation is available only during business hours, staff identified a need for a core group of nurses to be knowledgeable about wound care. To address this need, a skin group was developed and given additional education. The members of this group were able to provide several interventions geared toward the nursing staff. In conjunction with the unit-based CNS, the skin group members have helped to improve the skin and wound care that patients receive and have consistently delivered this care in a timely manner.
The Particularities of Engagement: Intersubjectivity in Occupational Therapy Practice
Authors: Lawlor Mary C.
Published: March 2012

Some therapeutic practices, and occupational therapy in particular, require heightened forms of engagement and involve jointly coordinated actions that are grounded in intersubjective processes. These interactional processes enable people to be together in particular ways, co-create and share experiences, and coordinate actions. Qualities of engagement in therapeutic practices are analyzed in terms of the interrelatedness of the social actors and the investment in the doing of the occupations. Interpretive examples are provided from an interdisciplinary, longitudinal, urban ethnographic study of a cohort of African-American children, their families, and the practitioners with whom they engage in healthcare encounters. Findings include the use of vehicles for engagement to enhance participation, transactional features of jointly constructed clinical activities, and experiential and developmental aspects of children's engagement in therapeutic practices. Engagement is discussed as a mediator of effectiveness and contributing factor to the “mattering” of therapy. Implications for clinical and research practices are provided.
Assessment of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment Position With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Gorgun Ebru , Kucumen Raciha Beril , Yenerel Nursal Melda , Ciftci Ferda
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To examine the exact position of implanted Keraring (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) segments by high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This study included 17 eyes of 13 patients with keratoconus who underwent uneventful intracorneal ring segment implantation with the aid of femtosecond laser. Eyes were evaluated by AS-OCT at the third postoperative month. Distance from the apex of the triangular cross-section of the ring segment to the anterior corneal surface and distances from two basal corners to the posterior corneal surface were measured.

RESULTS:

Distance from apex to anterior corneal surface (263.1 ± 42.9 μm) was significantly smaller than target depth calculated intraoperatively (356.9 ± 35.7 μm,
P
< .001). Distance between outer basal corner and posterior corneal surface was significantly greater than distance between inner basal corner and posterior corneal surface.

CONCLUSION:

High-resolution AS-OCT is a rapid, convenient, and valuable technique in the follow-up of patients with implanted Keraring segments that may be helpful in predicting ring-related complications.
Methodologies for Surveying and Assessing Deep-Water Munitions Disposal Sites
Authors: Edwards Margo H. , Wilkens Roy , Kelley Chris , DeCarlo Eric , MacDonald Kathryn , Shjegstad Sonia , Woerkom Michael Van , Payne Zachary , Dupra Vilma , Rosete Matthew , Akiba Miya , Fineran Stacey , Zheng Weixi , King J. C. , Carton Geoffrey
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe Hawaii Undersea Military Munitions Assessment (HUMMA) was designed to develop methodologies for surveying and assessing a historic deep-water munitions sea disposal site to determine the potential impact of the ocean environment on sea-disposed munitions and of
sea-disposed munitions on the ocean environment and those that use it. HUMMA is the most comprehensive deep-water investigation conducted in the United States to look at both chemical and conventional munitions. Recognizing that each sea-disposed munitions site poses unique logistical and
environmental challenges, the HUMMA approach emphasizes adaptability. Here, we describe the techniques used to determine the spatial extent and distribution of munitions, evaluate the integrity of munitions casings, and sample sediments and seawater near munitions present at water depths ranging
from 330 to 550 m. We discuss integration and management of the diverse and voluminous datasets that the program produced. Notable results from HUMMA include demonstrating that reconnaissance-style mapping effectively locates distinctive trails of disposed munitions in sandy environments and
that visual observations, in combination with acoustic data, constrain the poorly documented historical disposal process. Based on our findings, we conclude with several suggested future avenues of research for evaluating sea-disposed munitions sites.
Distinct APCs Explain the Cytokine Bias of α-Galactosylceramide Variants In Vivo
Authors: Bai Li , Constantinides Michael G. , Thomas Seddon Y. , Reboulet Rachel , Meng Fanyong , Koentgen Frank , Teyton Luc , Savage Paul B. , Bendelac Albert
Published: March 2012

α-Galactosylceramide represents a new class of vaccine adjuvants and immunomodulators that stimulate NKT cells to secrete Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Synthetic variants with short or unsaturated acyl chains exhibit a striking Th2 bias in vivo but no evidence of defect in TCR signaling or stimulation of NKT cells in vitro. Using cd1d1fl/fl mice, we demonstrated that distinct APC types explained the cytokine bias in vivo. Whereas NKT stimulation by α-Galactosylceramide required CD1d expression by dendritic cells (DCs), presentation of the Th2 variants was promiscuous and unaffected by DC-specific ablation of CD1d. This DC-independent stimulation failed to activate the feedback loop between DC IL-12 and NK cell IFN-γ, explaining the Th2 bias. Conversely, forced presentation of the Th2 variants by DC induced high IL-12. Thus, lipid structural variations that do not alter TCR recognition can activate distinct Th1 or Th2 cellular networks by changing APC targeting in vivo.
Soluble CD23 Controls IgE Synthesis and Homeostasis in Human B Cells
Authors: Cooper Alison M. , Hobson Philip S. , Jutton Mark R. , Kao Michael W. , Drung Binia , Schmidt Boris , Fear David J. , Beavil Andrew J. , McDonnell James M. , Sutton Brian J. , Gould Hannah J.
Published: March 2012

CD23, the low-affinity receptor for IgE, exists in membrane and soluble forms. Soluble CD23 (sCD23) fragments are released from membrane (m)CD23 by the endogenous metalloprotease a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10. When purified tonsil B cells are incubated with IL-4 and anti-CD40 to induce class switching to IgE in vitro, mCD23 is upregulated, and sCD23 accumulates in the medium prior to IgE synthesis. We have uncoupled the effects of mCD23 cleavage and accumulation of sCD23 on IgE synthesis in this system. We show that small interfering RNA inhibition of CD23 synthesis or inhibition of mCD23 cleavage by an a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 inhibitor, GI254023X, suppresses IL-4 and anti-CD40–stimulated IgE synthesis. Addition of a recombinant trimeric sCD23 enhances IgE synthesis in this system. This occurs even when endogenous mCD23 is protected from cleavage by GI254023X, indicating that IgE synthesis is positively controlled by sCD23. We show that recombinant trimeric sCD23 binds to cells coexpressing mIgE and mCD21 and caps these proteins on the B cell membrane. Upregulation of IgE by sCD23 occurs after class-switch recombination, and its effects are isotype-specific. These results suggest that mIgE and mCD21 cooperate in the sCD23-mediated positive regulation of IgE synthesis on cells committed to IgE synthesis. Feedback regulation may occur when the concentration of secreted IgE becomes great enough to allow binding to mCD23, thus preventing further release of sCD23. We interpret these results with the aid of a model for the upregulation of IgE by sCD23.
Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Swanson Christina D. , Akama-Garren Elliot H. , Stein Emily A. , Petralia Jacob D. , Ruiz Pedro J. , Edalati Abdolhossein , Lindstrom Tamsin M. , Robinson William H.
Published: March 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune synovitis characterized by the formation of pannus and the destruction of cartilage and bone in the synovial joints. Although immune cells, which infiltrate the pannus and promote inflammation, play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of RA, other cell types also contribute. Proliferation of synovial fibroblasts, for example, underlies the formation of the pannus, while proliferation of endothelial cells results in neovascularization, which supports the growth of the pannus by supplying it with nutrients and oxygen. The synovial fibroblasts also promote inflammation in the synovium by producing cytokines and chemokines. Finally, osteoclasts cause the destruction of bone. In this study, we show that erlotinib, an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reduces the severity of established collagen-induced arthritis, a mouse model of RA, and that it does so by targeting synovial fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and osteoclasts. Erlotinib-induced attenuation of autoimmune arthritis was associated with a reduction in number of osteoclasts and blood vessels, and erlotinib inhibited the formation of murine osteoclasts and the proliferation of human endothelial cells in vitro. Erlotinib also inhibited the proliferation and cytokine production of human synovial fibroblasts in vitro. Moreover, EGFR was highly expressed and activated in the synovium of mice with collagen-induced arthritis and patients with RA. Taken together, these findings suggest that EGFR plays a central role in the pathogenesis of RA and that EGFR inhibition may provide benefits in the treatment of RA.
MHC Class Ib-Restricted CD8 T Cells Differ in Dependence on CD4 T Cell Help and CD28 Costimulation over the Course of Mouse Polyomavirus Infection
Authors: Hofstetter Amelia R. , Ford Mandy L. , Sullivan Lucy C. , Wilson Jarad J. , Hadley Annette , Brooks Andrew G. , Lukacher Aron E.
Published: March 2012

We recently identified a protective MHC class Ib-restricted CD8 T cell response to infection with mouse polyomavirus. These CD8 T cells recognize a peptide from aa 139–147 of the VP2 viral capsid protein bound to the nonpolymorphic H-2Q9 molecule, a member of the Qa-2 family of β2m-associated MHC class Ib molecules. Q9:VP2.139-specific CD8 T cells exhibit an unusual inflationary response characterized by a gradual expansion over 3 mo followed by a stable maintenance phase. We previously demonstrated that Q9:VP2.139-specific CD8 T cells are dependent on Ag for expansion, but not for long-term maintenance. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the expansion and maintenance components of the Q9:VP2.139-specific T cell response are differentially dependent on CD4 T cell help and CD28 costimulation. Depletion of CD4+ cells and CD28/CD40L blockade impaired expansion of Q9:VP2.139-specific CD8 T cells, and intrinsic CD28 signaling was sufficient for expansion. In contrast, CD4 T cell insufficiency, but not CD28/CD40L blockade, resulted in a decline in frequency of Q9:VP2.139-specific CD8 T cells during the maintenance phase. These results indicate that the Q9:VP2.139-specific CD8 T cell response to mouse polyomavirus infection depends on CD4 T cell help and CD28 costimulation for inflationary expansion, but only on CD4 T cell help for maintenance.
Medulloblastoma: Seeding of VP Shunt Tract and Peritoneum
Authors: Pettersson David , Schmitz Kelli R. , Pollock Jeffrey M. , L. Hopkins Katharine
Published: March 2012

We report on a 5-year-old boy with seeding of the peritoneum and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt tract by anaplastic medulloblastoma. The role of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in the spread of primary central nervous system tumors has been controversial. In the case reported here, the unique distribution of tumor implants on ultrasound and multiplanar computed tomography gives further credence to the argument that ventriculoperitoneal shunting is a pathway for extraneural metastases of primary central nervous system tumors.
A Rare Massive Exophytic Gingival Growth
Authors: Manuel Suvy , Kumar Surej L.K. , Nair Bindu J.
Published: March 2012

Oral surgeons ought to be aware of variety of lesions that can present as focal exophytic gingival overgrowths. Most gingival lesions arise due to local irritating factors. The case presented share dramatic clinical pictures and findings of a long-standing fibrous gingival lesion. A massive growth of 6¥7 cm in size and 5 years duration from the maxillary left posterior gingival region in a 64-year-old female causing severe facial disfigurement is presented. Lesion was characterized by the central core of woven bone formation. The article discusses on the clinical findings of peripheral ossifying fibroma and stresses on the unrestricted growth potential of this interesting lesion.
Case series of 64 slice computed tomography-computed tomographic angiography with 3D reconstruction to diagnose symptomatic cerebral aneurysms: new standard of care?
Authors: Jehle Dietrich , Chae Floria , Wai Jonathan , Cloud Sam , Pierce David , Meyer Michael
Published: March 2012

CT angiography (CTA) has improved significantly over the past few years such that the reconstructed images of the cerebral arteries may now be equivalent to conventional digital angiography. The new technology of 64 slice multi-detector CTA can reconstruct detailed images that can reliably identify small cerebral aneurysms, even those <3mm. In addition, it is estimated that CT followed by lumbar puncture (LP) misses up to 4% of symptomatic aneurysms. We present a series of cases that illustrates how CT followed by CTA may be replacing CT-LP as the standard of care in working up patients for symptomatic cerebral aneurysms and the importance of performing three dimensional (3D) reconstructions. A series of seven cases of symptomatic cerebral aneurysms were identified that illustrate the sensitivity of CT-CTA versus CT-LP and the importance of 3D reconstruction in identifying these aneurysms. Surgical treatment was recommended for 6 of the 7 patients with aneurysms and strict hypertension control was recommended for the seventh patient. Some of these patients demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage on presentation while others had negative LPs. A number of these patients with negative LPs were clearly symptomatic from their aneurysms. At least one of these cerebral aneurysms was not apparent on CTA without 3D reconstruction. 3D reconstruction of CTA is crucial to adequately identify cerebral aneurysms. This case series helps reinforce the importance of 3D reconstruction. There is some data to suggest that 64 slice CT-CTA may be equivalent or superior to CT-LP in the detection of symptomatic cerebral aneurysms.
Assessment of Post-Operative Pain in Children: Who Knows Best?
Authors: Brahmbhatt Anjalee , Adeloye Tope , Ercole Ari , Bishop Steven M. , Smith Helen L. , Wheeler Daniel W.
Published: March 2012

Pain assessment in children can be extremely challenging. Most professional bodies recommend that parents or carers should be involved with their child’s pain assessment; but the evidence that parents can accurately report pain on behalf of their children is mixed. Our objective was to examine whether there were differences in post-operative pain score ratings between the child, nurse and parent or carer after surgery. Cognitively intact children aged four upwards, undergoing all surgical procedures, whose parents were present in the post-anaesthetic recovery unit (PACU), were studied. Thirty-three children were included in the study. The numerical rating scale was used to rate the child’s pain by the child, nurse and parent on arrival to the PACU and prior to discharge. We found strong correlations between children’s, nurses’ and parent’s pain scores on admission and discharge from PACU. The intraclass correlation of pain scores reported by children, nurses and parents was 0.94 (95% confidence intervals 0.91-0.96, P<0.0001). In cognitively intact children, it is adequate to manage pain based upon the assessment of children’s and nurses’ pain scores alone. The numerical rating scale appeared to be suitable for younger children. Whilst there are benefits of parents being present in recovery, it is not essential for optimizing the assessment of pain.
Effects of low-voltage electrical stimulation and aging on lamb meat quality
Authors: Pouliot E. , Gariépy C. , Thériault M. , Avezard C. , Fortin J. , Simmons N. J. , Castonguay F. W.
Published: March 2012

Pouliot, E., Gariépy, C., Thériault, M., Avezard, C., Fortin, J., Simmons, N. J. and Castonguay, F. W. 2012. Effects of low-voltage electrical stimulation and aging on lamb meat quality. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 59–66. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) and aging time on meat quality of heavy lamb as produced in Quebec. Seventy-six Suffolk-sired crossbred male lambs were slaughtered at a target weight of 50±2 kg. Half of them were electrically stimulated (ES vs. control) at 5–10 min postmortem (21 V; 0.25 A; 60 s). Postmortem pH decline and temperature were monitored. After carcass cutting, longissimus dorsi sections were assigned to aging periods of 1, 3 or 8 d. Temperature decline was the same for both treatments (P=0.749). However, ES carcasses always had a lower pH value than controls during the first 24 h (P<0.001) while the ultimate pH was equivalent (P=0.803). Tenderness, as assessed by either Warner-Bratzler shear force (39 carcasses) or sensory evaluation (35 carcasses) was enhanced by both ES (P<0.001) and aging (P<0.001). At each aging time, tenderness was greater for ES meat. In addition, only 3 d of aging were necessary for ES meat to achieve the tenderness level attained by the controls after 8 d. Sarcomeres were longer (P<0.001) in ES meat than in controls while myofibrillar fragmentation index was not affected by ES treatment (P=0.743). Electrical stimulation also had small effects on color parameters (a*, b* and L*; P<0.01) and flavor (P=0.04). These results provide the first evidence that tenderness of the meat from heavy lambs produced and processed in Quebec could be enhanced by ES, mostly through cold shortening reduction.
Review: The skeletal muscle extracellular matrix: Possible roles in the regulation of muscle development and growth
Authors: Velleman Sandra G. , Shin Jonghyun , Li Xuehui , Song Yan
Published: March 2012

Velleman, S. G., Shin, J., Li, X. and Song, Y. 2012. Review: The skeletal muscle extracellular matrix: Possible roles in the regulation of muscle development and growth. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 1–10. Skeletal muscle fibers are surrounded by an extrinsic extracellular matrix environment. The extracellular matrix is composed of collagens, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, growth factors, and cytokines. How the extracellular matrix influences skeletal muscle development and growth is an area that is not completely understood at this time. Studies on myogenesis have largely been directed toward the cellular components and overlooked that muscle cells secrete a complex extracellular matrix network. The extracellular matrix modulates muscle development by acting as a substrate for muscle cell migration, growth factor regulation, signal transduction of information from the extracellular matrix to the intrinsic cellular environment, and provides a cellular structural architecture framework necessary for tissue function. This paper reviews extracellular matrix regulation of muscle growth with a focus on secreted proteoglycans, cell surface proteoglycans, growth factors and cytokines, and the dynamic nature of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix, because of its impact on the regulation of muscle cell proliferation and differentiation during myogenesis.
Assessment of chromosome instability in geese (Anser anser)
Authors: Wójcik Ewa , Smalec Elżbieta
Published: March 2012

Wójcik, E. and Smalec, E. 2012. Assessment of chromosome instability in geese ( Anser anser ). Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 49–57. The basic test applied in the research of chromosome instability is the test of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). It makes it possible to identify single-and double-strand DNA damage caused by genotoxic factors and those that disrupt DNA damage repair mechanisms. Fragile sites in chromosomes can be found in all organisms. They are chromosome sites showing susceptibility to breakages and discontinuities in specific conditions of cell culture and also following induction with chemical substances. Chromosome instability of Anser anser geese was assessed in the research, focussing on sister chromatid exchange and the identification of fragile sites. The mean SCE/cell was 4.75±1.00. Most SCEs were identified in the proximal part of the chromosomes. Fragile sites were also identified in the chromosomes during the research. Altogether, 138 breakages were observed in the chromosomes. Apart from identifying chromosome damage, the particular instances of damage were located in the chromosomes.
Non-growing season nitrous oxide fluxes from an agricultural soil as affected by application of liquid and composted swine manure
Authors: Kariyapperuma Kumudinie A. , Furon Adriana , Wagner-Riddle Claudia
Published: March 2012

Kariyapperuma, K. A., Furon, A. and Wagner-Riddle, C. 2012. Non-growing season nitrous oxide fluxes from an agricultural soil as affected by application of liquid and composted swine manure. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 315–327. Agricultural soils have been recognized as a significant source of anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, an important greenhouse gas and contributor to stratospheric ozone destruction. Application of liquid swine manure (LSM) has been reported to increase direct N2O emissions from agricultural soils. Composting of LSM with straw under forced aeration has been suggested as a mitigation practice for emissions of N2O. In cold climates, up to 70% of total annual soil N2O emissions have been observed during winter and spring thaw. Non-growing season soil N2O emissions after field application of composted swine manure (CSM) versus LSM have not been directly compared in past studies. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted at the Arkell Research Station, Ontario, Canada, as a part of a larger study to evaluate composting as a mitigation strategy for greenhouse gases (GHGs). The objectives were to quantify and compare non-growing season N2O fluxes from agricultural soils after fall application of LSM and CSM. Nitrous oxide fluxes were measured using the flux-gradient method. Compared with LSM, CSM resulted in 57% reduction of soil N2O emissions during February to April in 2005, but emissions during the same period in 2006 were not affected by treatments. This effect was related to fall and winter weather conditions with the significant reduction occurring in the year when soil freezing was more pronounced. Compared with LSM, CSM resulted in a reduction of 37% (CO2-eq) of estimated N2O emissions per liter of treated manure and of 50% in the emission factor for the non-growing season.
Effect of soil surface roughness and scene components on soil surface bidirectional reflectance factor
Authors: Wang Z. , Coburn C. A. , Ren X. , Teillet P. M.
Published: March 2012

Wang, Z., Coburn, C. A., Ren, X. and Teillet, P. M. 2012. Effect of soil surface roughness and scene components on soil surface BRF. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 297–313. Bidirectional Reflectance factor (BRF) data of both rough [surface roughness index (SRI) of 51%] and smooth soil surfaces (SRI of 5%) were acquired in the laboratory under 30° illumination zenith angle using a Specim V10E imaging spectrometer and an Ocean Optics non-imaging spectrometer mounted on the University of Lethbridge Goniometer System version 2.5 (ULGS-2.5) and version 2.0 (ULGS-2.0), respectively. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the rough soil surface exhibited higher spectral reflectance than the smooth surface for most viewing angles. The BRF of the rough surface varied more than the smooth surface as a function of the viewing zenith angle. The shadowing effect was stronger for the rough surface than for the smooth surface and was stronger in the forward-scattering direction than in the backscattering direction. The pattern of the BRF generated with the non-image based data was similar to that generated with the whole region of interest (ROI) of the image-based data, and that of the whole ROI of the image-based data was similar to that of the illuminated scene component. The BRF of the smooth soil surface was dominated by illuminated scene component, i.e., the sunlit pixels, whereas the shaded scene component, i.e., the shaded pixels, was a larger proportion of the BRF of the rough soil surface. The image-based approach allowed the characterization of the contribution of spatial components in the field of view to soil BRF and improved our understanding of soil reflectance.
Overlapping ion structures in the mid-altitude cusp under northward IMF: signature of dual lobe reconnection?
Authors: Pitout F. , Escoubet C. P. , Taylor M. G. G. T. , Berchem J. , Walsh A. P.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. On some rare occasions, data from the Cluster Ion Spectrometer (CIS) in the mid-altitude cusp reveal overlapping ion populations under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). While the poleward part of the cusp exhibits the expected reverse dispersion due to lobe reconnection, its equatorward part shows a second ion population at higher-energy that coexists with the low energy tail of the dispersion. This second population is either dispersionless or slightly dispersed with energies increasing with increasing latitudes, indicative of lobe reconnection as well. Our analysis of a case that occurred 3 September 2002 when the IMF stayed northward for more than two hours suggests that the second population comes from the opposite hemisphere and is very likely on newly-closed field lines. We interpret this overlap of cusp populations as a clear mid-altitude signature of re-closed magnetic field lines by double lobe reconnection (reconnection in both hemispheres) under northward IMF. This interpretation is supported by modelling performed with the Cooling model and an MHD model.
Electron cross talk and asymmetric electron distributions near the Earth's bowshock
Authors: Mitchell J. J. , Schwartz S. J. , Auster U.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Electron distributions in the magnetosheath display a number of far from equilibrium features. It has been suggested that one factor influencing these distributions may be the large distances separating locations at which electrons with different energies and pitch angles must cross the bowshock in order to reach a given point in the magnetosheath. The overall heating requirements at these distant locations depends strongly on the shock geometry. In the absence of collisions or other isotropization processes this suggests that the convolution of electrons arriving from different locations should give rise to asymmetries in the distribution functions. Moreover, such cross-talk could influence the relative electron to ion heating, rendering the shock heating problem intrinsically non-local in contrast to classic shock physics. Here, we study electron distributions measured simultaneously by the Plasma Electron and Current Experiment (PEACE) on board the Cluster spacecraft and the Electrostatic Analyser (ESA) on board THEMIS b during a time interval in which both the Cluster spacecraft and THEMIS b are in the magnetosheath, close to the bowshock, and during which the local magnetic field orientation makes it likely that electron trajectories may connect both spacecraft. We find that the relevant portions of the velocity distributions of such electrons measured by each spacecraft display remarkable similarities. We map trajectories of electrons arriving at each spacecraft back to the locations at which they crossed the bowshock, as a function of pitch angle and energy. We then use the Rankine-Hugoniot relations to estimate the heating of electrons and compare this with temperature asymmetries actually observed. We conclude that the electron distributions and temperatures in the magnetosheath depend heavily on non-local shock properties.
Tracing the transport of colored dissolved organic matter in water masses of the Southern Beaufort Sea: relationship with hydrographic characteristics
Authors: Matsuoka A. , Bricaud A. , Benner R. , Para J. , Sempéré R. , Prieur L. , Bélanger S. , Babin M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Light absorption by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) [aCDOM(λ)] plays an important role in the heat budget of the Arctic Ocean, contributing to the recent decline in sea ice, as well as in biogeochemical processes. We investigated aCDOM(λ) in the Southern Beaufort Sea where a significant amount of CDOM is delivered by the Mackenzie River. In the surface layer, aCDOM(440) showed a strong and negative correlation with salinity, indicating strong river influence and conservative transport in the river plume. Below the mixed layer, a weak but positive correlation between aCDOM(440) and salinity was observed above the upper halocline, resulting from the effect of removal of CDOM due to brine rejection and lateral intrusion of Pacific summer waters into these layers. In contrast, the relationship was negative in the upper and the lower haloclines, suggesting these waters originated from Arctic coastal waters. DOC concentrations in the surface layer were strongly correlated with aCDOM(440) (r2 = 0.97), suggesting that this value can be estimated in this area, using aCDOM(440) that is retrieved using satellite ocean color data. Implications for estimation of DOC concentrations in surface waters using ocean color remote sensing are discussed.
Thermodynamic constraints on effective energy and mass transfer and catchment function
Authors: Rasmussen C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Understanding how water, energy and carbon are partitioned to primary production and effective precipitation is central to quantifying the limits on critical zone evolution. Recent work suggests quantifying energetic transfers to the critical zone in the form of effective precipitation and primary production provides a first order approximation of critical zone process and structural organization. However, explicit linkage of this effective energy and mass transfer (EEMT; W m−2) to critical zone state variables and well defined physical limits remains to be developed. The objective of this work was to place EEMT in the context of thermodynamic state variables of temperature and vapor pressure deficit, with explicit definition of EEMT physical limits using a global climate dataset. The relation of EEMT to empirical measures of catchment function was also examined using a subset of the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) catchments. The data demonstrated three physical limits for EEMT: (i) an absolute vapor pressure deficit threshold of 1200 Pa above which EEMT is zero; (ii) a temperature dependent vapor pressure deficit limit following the saturated vapor pressure function up to a temperature of 292 K; and (iii) a minimum precipitation threshold required from EEMT production at temperatures greater than 292 K. Within these limits, EEMT scales directly with precipitation, with increasing conversion of the precipitation to EEMT with increasing temperature. The state-space framework derived here presents a simplified framework with well-defined physical limits that has the potential for directly integrating regional to pedon scale heterogeneity in effective energy and mass transfer relative to critical zone structure and function within a common thermodynamic framework.
User interface prototype for geospatial early warning systems – a tsunami showcase
Authors: Hammitzsch M. , Lendholt M. , Esbrí M. Á.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The command and control unit's graphical user interface (GUI) is a central part of early warning systems (EWS) for man-made and natural hazards. The GUI combines and concentrates the relevant information of the system and offers it to human operators. It has to support operators successfully performing their tasks in complex workflows. Most notably in critical situations when operators make important decisions in a limited amount of time, the command and control unit's GUI has to work reliably and stably, providing the relevant information and functionality with the required quality and in time. The design of the GUI application is essential in the development of any EWS to manage hazards effectively. The design and development of such GUI is performed repeatedly for each EWS by various software architects and developers. Implementations differ based on their application in different domains. But similarities designing and equal approaches implementing GUIs of EWS are not quite harmonized enough with related activities and do not exploit possible synergy effects. Thus, the GUI's implementation of an EWS for tsunamis is successively introduced, providing a generic approach to be applied in each EWS for man-made and natural hazards.
Towards an improved description of ocean uncertainties: effect of local anamorphic transformations on spatial correlations
Authors: Brankart J.-M. , Testut C.-E. , Béal D. , Doron M. , Fontana C. , Meinvielle M. , Brasseur P. , Verron J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to investigate if the description of ocean uncertainties can be significantly improved by applying a local anamorphic transformation to each model variable, and by making the assumption of joint Gaussianity for the transformed variables, rather than for the original variables. For that purpose, it is first argued that a significant improvement can already be obtained by deriving the local transformations from a simple histogram description of the marginal distributions. Two distinctive advantages of this solution for large size applications are the conciseness and the numerical efficiency of the description. Second, various oceanographic examples are used to evaluate the effect of the resulting piecewise linear local anamorphic transformations on the spatial correlation structure. These examples include (i) stochastic ensemble descriptions of the effect of atmospheric uncertainties on the ocean mixed layer, and of wind uncertainties or parameter uncertainties on the ecosystem, and (ii) non-stochastic ensemble descriptions of forecast uncertainties in current sea ice and ecosystem pre-operational developments. The results indicate that (i) the transformation is accurate enough to faithfully preserve the correlation structure if the joint distribution is already close to Gaussian, and (ii) the transformation has the general tendency of increasing the correlation radius as soon as the spatial dependence between random variables becomes nonlinear, with the important consequence of reducing the number of degrees of freedom in the uncertainties, and thus increasing the benefit that can be expected from a given observation network.
A Panoptic Study of Corruption
Authors: Gofur Abdul
Published: March 2012

The English criminal law of ‘corruption’  is a partnership of common law and statutory offences. They are united insofar as they both view corruption as a violation of the duty of loyalty which exists between an ‘agent’ and her ‘principal’. This model, more commonly known as ‘the duty model’, underpins the English criminal law of corruption. It rests on the belief that corruption (in its many guises) is objectionable because it causes an agent to act contrary to the interests of her principal. This is the fundamental harm in corruption according to the duty model.