bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Social Factors and Consumer Behavior on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Baiocchi Giovanni , Minx Jan , Hubacek Klaus
Published: February 2010

In this article we apply geodemographic consumer segmentation data in an input−output framework to understand the direct and indirect carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with consumer behavior of different lifestyles in the United Kingdom. In a subsequent regression analysis, we utilize the lifestyle segments contained in the dataset to control for aspects of behavioral differences related to lifestyles in an analysis of the impact of various socioeconomic variables on CO2emissions, such as individual aspirations and people's attitudes toward the environment, as well as the physical context in which people act.

This approach enables us to (1) test for the significance of lifestyles in determining CO2emissions, (2) quantify the importance of a variety of individual socioeconomic determinants, and (3) provide a visual representation of “where” the various factors exert the greatest impact, by exploiting the spatial information contained in the lifestyle data.

Our results indicate the importance of consumer behavior and lifestyles in understanding CO2emissions in the United Kingdom. Across lifestyle groups, CO2emissions can vary by a factor of between 2 and 3. Our regression results provide support for the idea that sociodemographic variables are important in explaining emissions. For instance, controlling for lifestyles and other determinants, we find that emissions are increasing with income and decreasing with education. Using the spatial information, we illustrate how the lifestyle mix of households in the United Kingdom affects the geographic distribution of environmental impacts.
Academic and Cognitive Characteristics of Persistent Mathematics Difficulty from First Through Fourth Grade
Authors: Vukovic Rose K. , Siegel Linda S.
Published: February 2010

This longitudinal study investigated the academic and cognitive characteristics of persistent mathematics difficulty (MD‐p) from first to fourth grade. Ninety‐nine children were retrospectively categorized into one of three groups: MD‐p, transient mathematics difficulty (MD‐t), or typically developing. MD‐p was defined as persistently low mathematics achievement (≤25th percentile) in at least 2 years from first to fourth grade. The results indicated that the MD‐p group was more likely than other groups to have deficits in calculation, practical problem solving, number facts, and reading. In terms of cognitive characteristics, MD‐p was specifically characterized by deficits in math concepts and phonological decoding, though there was some evidence for the involvement of working memory, processing speed, and numerical reasoning.
Mapping Public Housing: The Case of New York City
Authors: Wyly Elvin , DeFilippis James
Published: February 2010

In American popular discourse and policy debates, “public housing” conjures images of “the projects”—dysfunctional neighborhood imprints of a discredited welfare state. Yet this image, so important in justifying deconcentration, is a dangerous caricature of the diverse places where low–income public housing residents live, and it ignores a much larger public housing program—the $100 billion–plus annual mortgage interest tax concessions to (mostly) wealthy homeowners. in this article, we measure three spatial aspects of assisted housing, poverty, and wealth in New York City. First, local indicators of spatial association document a contingent link between assistance and poverty: vouchers are not consistently associated with poverty deconcentration. Second, spatial regressions confirm this result after controlling for racial segregation and spatial autocorrelation. Third, factor analyses and cluster classifications reveal a rich, complex neighborhood topography of poverty, wealth, and housing subsidy that defies the simplistic stereotypes of policy and popular discourse.
Obama's Metro Presidency
Authors: Katz Bruce
Published: February 2010

Metropolitan areas are the unequivocal engines of the US economy and our prosperity because they spatially concentrate at an unprecedented level the assets that matter, assets like innovation, human capital, and infrastructure. the national government must pursue a Metro Policy to help cities and metropolitan areas leverage these critical assets in the service of productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth. There are early signs that the Obama Administration embraces this new vision of Metro Policy. the President's rhetoric recognizes the critical role cities and metropolitan areas play in the national economy and the need for a new generation of federal policies that leverage this economic primacy. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and FY 2010 budget invest directly in the assets that drive prosperity. But President Obama inherits a federal government replete with legacy programs, diminished in capacity, and without a coherent federalist philosophy, which will be obstacles for the structural reform necessary for Metro Policy.
Intracardiac Thrombi in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An Echocardiographic and Autopsy Correlation
Authors: Nanjappa Manjunath Cholenahalli , Shankarappa Ravindranath Khandenahalli , Kalpana Saligrama Ramegowda , Bhat Prabhavathi , Moorthy Nagaraja
Published: February 2010

Two‐dimensional echocardiography is the primary diagnostic imaging modality for the evaluation of cardiac masses. We describe an adult male suffering from acute myeloid leukemia who was detected to have right atrial and right ventricular mass on echocardiography. Based on the clinical data metastasis, coincidental primary cardiac tumor, vegetation, and thrombi were considered as possible differential diagnosis. Chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia failed and patient succumbed to septicemia. Later, clinical autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of intracardiac thrombi. Occurrence of intracardiac thrombi in acute myeloid leukemia is extremely rare. This report also emphasises the importance of histopathological or clinical autopsy examination of the mass in certain clinical scenario with diagnostic dilema. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E4‐E8)
Conscious Sedation: For a TEE, Is It Always Required?
Authors: Khalid Ovais , Srivastava Rajeev , Mulhall Aaron , Paladugu Anubha , Stoddard Marcus , Lippmann Steven
Published: February 2010

Conscious sedation is an anesthesia technique frequently used to facilitate transesophageal echocardiography, but it is not really necessary for performing routine adult cases. Children and complicated circumstances generally do warrant sedation. Using such anesthesia does increase complication rates and financial costs, therefore, omitting it should be considered when appropriate. Conscious sedation does diminish pain and anxiety, but results in patients being temporarily not decisional; without sedation they remain at full decisional capacity and can resume routine activities immediately after the procedure. (Echocardiography 2010;27:74‐76)
Canada‐United States interregional trade: quasi‐points and spatial change
Authors: ANDRESEN MARTIN A.
Published: February 2010

Interregional trade between Canada and the United States has undergone significant change since the inception of free trade. However, the magnitude of that change for the different regions in Canada and the United States has not been properly identified because of a lack of an appropriate measure. This paper introduces the concept of a quasi‐point and employs a spatial point pattern test to measure the degree of change in the interregional trade of Canadian provinces and US states, with an emphasis of that change on Ontario. It is found that the degree of change in the interregional trade flows is related to the degree of change in the provincial tariff rates.
Highly Transparent Alumina Spark Plasma Sintered from Common‐Grade Commercial Powder: The Effect of Powder Treatment
Authors: Jin Xihai , Gao Lian , Sun Jing
Published: February 2010

Transparent alumina were tentatively prepared by spark plasma sintering, using aggregated submicrometer‐sized commercial Al2O3 powder. It is found that the pretreatment of the powder in hydrofluoric acid significantly reduces the aggregate size of the powder, suppresses the grain growth, and improves the microstructure homogeneity of the sintered ceramics. The sample sintered from the pretreated powder is highly transparent, while the sample sintered from the untreated powder is translucent at most. The fundamental reasons for this are investigated.
Direct Tape Casting of Nanosized Al2O3 Slurries Derived from Autogenous Nanomilling
Authors: Vozdecky Pavel , Roosen Andreas , Knieke Catharina , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: February 2010

Nanoparticles offer many advantages in the manufacture of ceramic products concerning processing and final properties, but are still difficult to process, and not all ceramic powder compositions can be obtained commercially like, e.g., α‐alumina. In this paper, the production of α‐alumina nanosized particles with a median size <60 nm by a wet grinding process in a highly concentrated suspension of up to 49 wt% solid content starting from a commercial microsized powder is presented. Furthermore, the subsequent direct processing of these suspensions to ceramic green tapes via tape casting is performed. The effect of nanosized α‐Al2O3 powders on the viscosity of slurries, the casting process, binder burnout, and sintering behavior is characterized. Flat and crack‐free sintered substrates with a density >95%TD, a submicrometer microstructure, and a translucent appearance could be obtained. A decrease of the sintering temperature, an improvement of the mechanical strength, and a lower surface roughness were achieved through the use of nanoparticles compared with particles in the micrometer size range.
Dielectric Properties of an Ultra‐Low‐Temperature Cofiring Bi2Mo2O9 Multilayer
Authors: Zhou Di , Randall Clive A. , Baker Amanda , Wang Hong , Pang Li‐Xia , Yao Xi
Published: February 2010

A Bi2Mo2O9 multilayer ceramic capacitor structure was fabricated in a thick‐film process involving tape casting and screen‐printing forming techniques. A novel base metal, Al, was used as the internal electrode, and these dielectrics were co‐sintered at 645°C in air. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to investigate the local chemical compatibility between the electrode layer and ceramic layer, and no reaction or interdiffusion was found. Dielectric properties of electroded monolithic ceramic, multilayer, and monolayer samples at 100 Hz–10 MHz in a temperature range of −55°–+175°C were measured; values of the dielectric properties were similar to bulk measurements consistent with the absence of any interfacial reaction. Collectively, the data show that it is possible to use the low‐temperature firing Bi2Mo2O9 ceramic and Al internal electrode for an ultra‐low‐temperature cofired ceramic technology.
Gas Pressure Sintering of Arbitrary Porous Silicon Nitride Ceramics with High Mechanical Strength
Authors: Li Yong , Chen Fei , Li Ling , Zhang Weiru , Yu Honglin , Shan Yubo , Shen Qiang , Jiang Hongyi
Published: February 2010

Gas pressure sintering is applied to prepare arbitrary porous silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics using yttria (Y2O3) as the sintering additive and naphthalene powder as the pore‐forming agent. The results obtained show that the porosity of the sintered porous Si3N4 ceramics is 40%–54% when the Y2O3 content is from 3 to 15 wt% and the sintering temperature is from 1700° to 1850°C. The bending strength is in the range of 60–226 MPa. The porosity of the porous Si3N4 ceramics with Y2O3 content of 9 wt%, sintered at 1800°C, is increased to 51%–66% when the naphthalene powder content is 5–30 wt%. Finally, large and arbitrary porous Si3N4 ceramics with a porosity of ∼60% can be successfully fabricated by this method.
Chemical and Microstructural Characterization of 20‐Month‐Old Alkali‐Activated Slag Cements
Authors: Sakulich Aaron Richard , Miller Sean , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: February 2010

Chemical and microstructural characterization of environmentally friendly alkali‐activated slag cement pastes and fine‐limestone aggregate concretes have been carried out after aging for 20 months and compared with 55‐day‐old cement pastes. Although the production of crystalline phases slowed, the cement paste continues to react. Si moves to more ordered positions, and formulae activated by Na2CO3undergo recarbonation, producing both calcite and aragonite, of which the latter occurs mainly in the recarbonation of Ca‐rich building materials known to have high durability. The reaction continues little in samples activated by NaOH/waterglass after 55 days. Elemental analysis shows the Ca/Si ratio decreasing from the center of unreacted slag grains to the outer product (Op). Elemental analyses of the cementing phase in the cement paste as well as the cementing phase in concrete specimens were quite similar. Peak shifts observed in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy imply greater durability due to increased polymerization of Si in C–S–H, which may contain Na. Over time, more Ca dissolves from the slag and enters the Op, which was observed to be homogeneous.
Reduced dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folate in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Kozlak Scott T. , Walsh Stephen J. , Lalla Rajesh V.
Published: February 2010

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 420–423

Background:  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), commonly referred to as canker sores, is a very common and painful oral mucosal disease. Although the etiology of RAS is not well understood, a number of factors may play a role, including nutritional deficiencies. The objective of this study was to compare dietary vitamin intake in RAS patients to that of a control group.

Methods:  One hundred subjects, who had suffered at least three episodes of minor RAS in the previous 12 months, completed a detailed Diet History Questionnaire designed and validated by the US National Institutes of Health. DietCalc software was used to calculate daily dietary intakes of nine different vitamins in the study subjects. Daily intakes were energy‐adjusted and compared to age‐ and gender‐matched nutrient intake data on 9033 subjects from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results:  The study subjects had significantly lower daily intake of vitamin B12 (P < 0.0002) and folate (P < 0.0001) as compared to the controls.

Conclusions:  Our results demonstrate that patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis are more likely to have lower dietary intakes of vitamin B12 and folate than a control group. These results support and extend previous studies indicating a link between the etiology of RAS and hematological deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate. These findings suggest that consuming sufficient amounts of these vitamins may be a useful strategy to reduce the number and/or duration of RAS episodes.
Pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate plasma concentrations in children receiving tuberculosis chemotherapy including isoniazid
Authors: Cilliers K , Labadarios D , Schaaf HS , Willemse M , Maritz JS , Werely CJ , Hussey G , Donald PR
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Little is known about pyridoxine nutriture of children treated with isoniazid (INH) regimens. This study documents plasma pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) concentrations in children, HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected, receiving INH regimens.

Methods:  Children from the Western Cape of South Africa hospitalized for tuberculosis (TB) management were studied. Plasma PLP concentrations were determined on enrolment, 1‐month after commencing TB treatment, and again after 4‐month’s treatment. The children received a supplement meeting pyridoxine requirements.

Results:  Nineteen HIV‐infected and 33 HIV‐uninfected children received INH (dosage range 4–20 mg/kg) daily. Mean PLP plasma concentrations on enrolment were 8.32 (SD 6.75) ng/mL and 11.28 (SD 3.02) ng/mL in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected children, respectively (p = 0.11) and after 4‐month’s treatment 6.75 (SD 2.71) ng/mL and 14.76 (SD 7.96) ng/mL (p < 0.001). On enrolment 9 (50%) HIV‐infected and 5 (15%) HIV‐uninfected children (p = 0.016) had suboptimal PLP concentrations (<6 ng/mL); after 4‐month’s treatment 8 (42%) and 2 (6%) (p = 0.004).

Conclusion:  Plasma PLP concentrations in children treated for TB were low on enrolment in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected children; after 4‐month’s treatment low values were still common in HIV‐infected children. Additional pyridoxine supplementation of malnourished children treated for tuberculosis is advisable, particularly those HIV‐infected.
Determinants of adherence to a single‐dose nevirapine regimen for the prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission in Gert Sibande district in South Africa
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Mlambo Motlatso , Phaswana‐Mafuya Nancy , Ladzani Rendani
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To identify factors that influence adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis by HIV positive mothers participating in the HIV prevention of mother to child (PMTCT) programme.

Methods:  Post‐delivery 815 HIV‐infected mothers aged 18 years and above with babies aged 3–6 months were interviewed in Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga province, South Africa.

Results:  Eighty five percent of the mothers indicated that they had been provided with nevirapine and 78.4% took it before or at the onset of labour and infant nevirapine intake was 76.9%. In multivariate analysis it was found that women with better PMTCT knowledge had a higher perceived confidentility about HIV status at the health facility. They had a term delivery and those who had told their partner about nevirapine had a higher maternal nevirapine adherence. Women who had also told their partner about nevirapine, whose partner was asked for an HIV test and those who knew the HIV status of their infant had higher infant nevirapine adherence.

Conclusion:  Adherence to maternal and infant ARV prophylaxis was found to be sub‐optimal. Health services delivery factors, male involvement, communication and social support contribute to adherence to ARV prophylaxis in this largely rural setting in South Africa.
Relationship between species richness and spatial and temporal distance from seed source in semi‐natural grassland
Authors: Matsumura Toshikazu , Takeda Yoshiaki
Published: February 2010

Question: How do traditional management practices of field margins maintain the biodiversity of native grassland species?

Location: Semi‐natural grassland on the field margins of traditional and consolidated agricultural fields on Awaji Island, central Japan.

Methods: The distance to the nearest traditional field margin to the study sites was determined because the traditional field was considered as a seed source of native vegetation to the semi‐natural grasslands under study. We selected field margins in consolidated fields of different ages and distances from seed sources. Indicator species for both field types were sought. Regression analysis and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were used to determine the effect of spatial and temporal distances on the species composition of native vegetation.

Results: Species richness differed significantly between the margin of traditional and consolidated fields. We identified significant indicator species of traditional fields, but not of consolidated fields. In consolidated fields, species richness increased significantly with age and decreased significantly with increasing distance to the source. At younger sites, species richness decreased faster with distance to the source because of strong negative correlation, but not at older sites. DCA ordination plots similarly indicated that similarities of vegetation composition in consolidated and traditional fields decreased with distance, and the effect of distance decreased with age.

Conclusions: The species composition of the grassland margins of consolidated field was more similar to the margins of traditional fields if the consolidated fields were older, and/or closer to traditional fields. This pattern suggests that dispersal may play a role in the establishment of species on field margins.
Enhancing resilience in registered aged care nurses
Authors: Cameron Fiona , Brownie Sonya
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To identify the factors that impact the resilience of registered aged care nurses, that is their capacity to adapt to the physical, mental and emotional demands of working in aged care facilities.

Method:  This study explored the lived experience of nine registered nurses working in residential aged care facilities on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, who were asked to reflect on the phenomenon of resilience in the workplace.

Results:  This study found that clinical expertise, a sense of purpose in a holistic care environment, a positive attitude and work–life balance are important determinants of resilience in aged care nurses.

Conclusions:  Resilience in nurses in residential aged care facilities is enhanced when they are able to maintain long‐term, meaningful relationships with residents. Collegial support that provides opportunities to debrief and validate experiences as well as the use of humour to defuse stress promotes well‐being and builds resilience in the workplace.
The health of Australian baby boomers
Authors: Humpel Nancy , O'Loughlin Kate , Wells Yvonne , Kendig Hal
Published: February 2010

The large baby boomer cohort is beginning to reach retirement age. This paper reviews recent Australian literature on baby boomers' health and health behaviours. Databases were searched for peer‐reviewed literature and the Internet for online studies and reports. The boomers can expect an increased life span compared to those in later life now. Boomers' health behavioural risks include physical inactivity, low vegetable consumption, obesity and rising medical risk due to increasing prevalence of diabetes. Their health will impact on workforce participation and retirement timing. There is substantial scope for health improvement and consequent quality of life as boomers age. However, little is known about health decision‐making, inequalities between social groups and health information sources. Future research can yield a better understanding of the health trajectories of baby boomers in order to plan for health and service needs for an ageing Australia.
Peptides from purified soybean β‐conglycinin inhibit fatty acid synthase by interaction with the thioesterase catalytic domain
Authors: Martinez‐Villaluenga Cristina , Rupasinghe Sanjeewa G. , Schuler Mary A. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: February 2010

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is uniquely expressed at high levels in cancer cells and adipose tissue. The objectives of this study were to identify, purify and validate soy FAS inhibitory peptides and to predict their binding modes. Soy peptides were isolated from hydrolysates of purified β‐conglycinin by co‐immunoprecipitation and identified using LC‐MS/MS. Three peptides, KNPQLR, EITPEKNPQLR and RKQEEDEDEEQQRE, inhibited FAS. The biological activity of these peptides was confirmed by their inhibitory activity against purified chicken FAS (IC50 = 79, 27 and 16 μm, respectively) and a high correlation (r = −0.7) with lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The FAS inhibitory potency of soy peptides also correlated with their molecular mass, pI value and the number of negatively charged and hydrophilic residues. Molecular modeling predicted that the large FAS inhibitory peptides (EITPEKNPQLR and RKQEEDEDEEQQRE) bond to the thioesterase domain of human FAS with lower interaction energies (−442 and −353 kcal·mol−1, respectively) than classical thioesterase inhibitors (Orlistat, −91 kcal·mol−1 and C75, −51 kcal·mol−1). Docking studies suggested that soy peptides blocked the active site through interactions within the catalytic triad, the interface cavity and the hydrophobic groove in the human FAS thioesterase domain. FAS thioesterase inhibitory activities displayed by the synthetic soy peptides EITPEKNPQLR and RKQEEDEDEEQQRE (IC50 = 10.1 ± 1.6 and 10.7 ± 4.4 μm, respectively) were higher than C75 (58.7 μm) but lower than Orlistat (0.9 μm). This is the first study to identify FAS inhibitory peptides from purified β‐conglycinin hydrolysates and predict their binding modes at the molecular level, leading to their possible use as nutraceuticals.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7544766, MINT‐7546418, MINT‐7546830: Beta‐conglycinin (uniprotkb:P25974) binds (MI:0407) to Alpha subunit of BC (uniprotkb:P13916) by pull down (MI:0096)

 MINT‐7547140, MINT‐7547249: Beta‐conglycinin (uniprotkb:P25974) binds (MI:0407) to Beta subunit of BC (uniprotkb:P25974) by pull down (MI:0096)
Potential of termite‐based biomass pre‐treatment strategies for use in bioethanol production
Authors: Scharf Michael E. , Boucias Drion G.
Published: February 2010

Abstract  When considering the current state of the biorefinery industry, it is readily apparent that industrial cellulose and hemicellulose digestion processes are relatively advanced, whereas enzymatic pre‐treatment strategies for biomass delignification and cellulose solubilization are not well developed. The need for efficient biomass pre‐treatment strategies presents a significant opportunity for researchers studying lignocellulose digestion in termites and other insects. With an emphasis on industrial biomass pre‐treatment, this review provides an overview of: (i) industrial biorefining operations (feedstocks, processing, and economics); (ii) recent findings from termite research that have revealed candidate enzymes; and (iii) research needs and opportunities for consideration by entomologists working in this area. With respect to research findings, recently identified candidate lignases (laccases, catalases, peroxidases, esterases), other potentially important detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P450, superoxide dismutase), and phenolic acid esterases (carboxylesterases) that may assist in hemicellulose solubilization are overviewed. Regarding research needs and opportunities, several approaches for identification of candidate pre‐treatment enzymes from upstream, symbiont‐free gut regions are also described.
Hydrogen emission by three wood‐feeding subterranean termite species (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): Production and characteristics
Authors: Cao Yueqing , Sun Jian‐Zhong , Rodriguez Jose M. , Lee Karmen C.
Published: February 2010

Abstract  Hydrogen emission by wood‐feeding termites, Coptotermes formosanus, Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes virginicus, was investigated upon a cellulosic substrate as their food source. The emission rates among the three species tested were significantly different and R. virginicus demonstrated the greatest H2 emission at 4.78 ± 0.15 μmol/h/g body weight. In a sealed test apparatus, H2 emission for each termite species showed a quick increase at the initial incubation hours (3–6 h), followed by a slower growth, possibly due to the feedback inhibition by gas accumulation. Further investigation revealed that continuous H2 emission could be maintained by reducing the H2 partial pressure in the sealed container. The bioconversion of cellulose to molecular H2 by the subterranean termites tested could reach as high as 3 858 ± 294 μmol/g cellulose, suggesting that the termite gut system is unique and efficient in H2 conversion from cellulosic substrate.
Riboflavin Biosynthetic and Regulatory Factors as Potential Novel Anti‐Infective Drug Targets
Authors: Long Quanxin , Ji Lei , Wang Honghai , Xie Jianping
Published: February 2010

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the direct precursor of redox enzyme cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential for multiple cell physiology. The riboflavin biosynthetic pathway is regarded as a rich resource for therapeutic targets for broad spectrum antibiotics. Enzymatic pathways, regulatory factors of the riboflavin biosynthesis, and relevant drug discovery are summarized in this review. The novel riboswitch regulatory mechanism of riboflavin metabolism is also described. A compendium of chemical modulators of riboflavin biosynthesis and regulatory networks is listed and such demonstrates the promise of riboflavin biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets for novel antibiotic drug discovery.
Is legal biography really legal scholarship?
Authors: Parry R Gwynedd
Published: February 2010

This paper examines the recent resurgence of interest in the legal biography among legal scholars. It argues that the legal biography has traditionally been treated with suspicion within the English law school due to ideological and methodological concerns about the intellectual validity and robustness of the form, and because of reservations about its true disciplinary province. Through a literary survey of legal biography, it claims a tension between intellectual and empirical approaches that parody the tension between the internal and external traditions in legal history. More recent biographies, however, have succeeded in bridging these divides and in demonstrating the potential value of legal biography in deepening our understanding of the human context of legal phenomena.
Using Image Analysis to Predict the Weight of Alaskan Salmon of Different Species
Authors: Balaban Murat O. , Ünal Şengör Gülgün F. , Soriano Mario Gil , Ruiz Elena Guillén
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  After harvesting, salmon is sorted by species, size, and quality. This is generally manually done by operators. Automation would bring repeatability, objectivity, and record‐keeping capabilities to these tasks. Machine vision (MV) and image analysis have been used in sorting many agricultural products. Four salmon species were tested: pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), red (Oncorhynchus nerka), silver (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and chum (Oncorhynchus keta). A total of 60 whole fish from each species were first weighed, then placed in a light box to take their picture. Weight compared with view area as well as length and width correlations were developed. In addition the effect of “hump” development (see text) of pink salmon on this correlation was investigated. It was possible to predict the weight of a salmon by view area, regardless of species, and regardless of the development of a hump for pinks. Within pink salmon there was a small but insignificant difference between predictive equations for the weight of “regular” fish and “humpy” fish. Machine vision can accurately predict the weight of whole salmon for sorting.
Soy Sauce and Its Umami Taste: A Link from the Past to Current Situation
Authors: Lioe Hanifah Nuryani , Selamat Jinap , Yasuda Masaaki
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Soy sauce taste has become a focus of umami taste research. Umami taste is a 5th basic taste, which is associated to a palatable and pleasurable taste of food. Soy sauce has been used as an umami seasoning since the ancient time in Asia. The complex fermentation process occurred to soy beans, as the raw material in the soy sauce production, gives a distinct delicious taste. The recent investigation on Japanese and Indonesian soy sauces revealed that this taste is primarily due to umami components which have molecular weights lower than 500 Da. Free amino acids are the low molecular compounds that have an important role to the taste, in the presence of sodium salt. The intense umami taste found in the soy sauces may also be a result from the interaction between umami components and other tastants. Small peptides are also present, but have very low, almost undetected umami taste intensities investigated in their fractions.
Non‐attendance in chronic disease clinics: a matter of non‐compliance?
Authors: Paterson Barbara L , Charlton Patricia , Richard Simon
Published: February 2010

paterson bl, charlton p & richard s (2010)
 Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 63–74 Non‐attendance in chronic disease clinics: a matter of non‐compliance?

Aim.  To identify the personal, contextual and mediating factors that influence non‐attendance in specialty chronic disease clinics.

Background.  Non‐attendance in chronic disease clinics is an ongoing problem that can increase patients’ vulnerability to serious complications, affect continuity of care, contribute to long wait times, engender negative patient–provider relationships, and increase costs to the health system.

Methods.  Literature for this review was obtained by an extensive search of health and social science computerised bibliographic databases using the search terms participation, attendance, non‐attendance, attrition, dropout, missed appointment, no show with diabetes, chronic disease and chronic illness care.

Results.  Twenty‐eight research studies met our criteria for inclusion in the review. Analyses revealed that non‐attendance at chronic disease clinics is influenced by a myriad of factors encompassed as personal and clinical factors, and factors pertaining to the nature and operations of the clinic.

Conclusions.  The factors that influence attendance are complex and multifactoral. A range of strategies are needed to address the myriad of patient‐related and health‐system factors to increase attendance rates and ultimately improve health outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A critical analysis of factors that affect attendance is important to begin to develop a greater awareness and understanding among health providers of the implications and reasons for missed appointments. The results can help to improve patient–provider relationships and deliver services that better meet patients’ needs and expectations.
Rhh: an R extension for estimating multilocus heterozygosity and heterozygosity–heterozygosity correlation
Authors: ALHO JUSSI S. , VÄLIMÄKI KAISA , MERILÄ JUHA
Published: February 2010

Individual multilocus heterozygosity estimates based on a limited number of loci are expected to correlate only weakly with the inbreeding level of an individual. Before using multilocus heterozygosity estimates in studies of inbreeding, their ability to capture information on inbreeding in the given setting should be tested. A convenient method for this is to compute the heterozygosity–heterozygosity correlation, i.e. the mean correlation between multilocus heterozygosity estimates calculated from random samples of loci, which should be positive if multilocus heterozygosity carries a signature of inbreeding. Rhh is an extension package for the statistical softwarerthat estimates this correlation and calculates three measures of individual multilocus heterozygosity: homozygosity by loci, internal relatedness and standardized heterozygosity. The extension package is available through the CRAN (http://cran.r‐project.org) and has a homepage athttp://www.helsinki.fi/biosci/egru/research/software.
Chlorophyll a might structure a community of potentially pathogenic culturable Vibrionaceae. Insights from a one‐year study of water and mussels surveyed on the French Atlantic coast
Authors: Deter J. , Lozach S. , Derrien A. , Véron A. , Chollet J. , Hervio‐Heath D.
Published: February 2010

The present study focused on the isolation of culturable bacteria from mussels and sea water to identify Vibrionaceae potentially pathogenic for humans. Three sites located on the French Atlantic coast were monitored monthly (twice each month during summer) for 1 year. Environmental parameters were surveyed (water temperature, salinity, turbidity, chlorophyll a) and bacteria were detected by culture and identified by API 20E® systems (BioMérieux) and PCR. A total of seven species were detected (Grimontia hollisae, Photobacterium damselae, Vibrio alginolyticus, V. cholerae, V. fluvialis, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus) and species diversity was higher at the end of summer. Surprisingly, V. cholerae non‐O1/non‐O139 was detected in spring. No site effect was detected. Using Sørensen similarity indices and statistical analyses, we showed that chlorophyll a had a significant influence on the bacterial community detected in mussels and assemblages were more similar to one another when chlorophyll a values were above 20 µg l−1. No significant effect of any parameter was found on the community detected in water samples. Such surveys are essential for the understanding of sanitary crises and detection of emerging pathogens.
Diversity and distribution of cholix toxin, a novel ADP‐ribosylating factor from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Purdy Alexandra E. , Balch Deborah , Lizárraga‐Partida Marcial Leonardo , Islam Mohammad Sirajul , Martinez‐Urtaza Jaime , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R. , Bartlett Douglas H.
Published: February 2010

Non‐toxigenic non‐O1, non‐O139 Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from both environmental and clinical settings carry a suite of virulence factors aside from cholera toxin. Among V. cholerae strains isolated from coastal waters of southern California, this includes cholix toxin, an ADP‐ribosylating factor that is capable of halting protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. The prevalence of the gene encoding cholix toxin, chxA, was assessed among a collection of 155 diverse V. cholerae strains originating from both clinical and environmental settings in Bangladesh and Mexico and other countries around the globe. The chxA gene was present in 47% of 83 non‐O1, non‐O139 strains and 16% of 72 O1/O139 strains screened as part of this study. A total of 86 chxA gene sequences were obtained, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that they fall into two distinct clades. These two clades were also observed in the phylogenies of several housekeeping genes, suggesting that the divergence observed in chxA extends to other regions of the V. cholerae genome, and most likely has arisen from vertical descent rather than horizontal transfer. Our results clearly indicate that ChxA is a major toxin of V. cholerae with a worldwide distribution that is preferentially associated with non‐pandemic strains.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy improved persistent lamivudine‐resistant viremia in acute hepatitis B virus genotype Ae infection with coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Aizawa Mashu , Tsubota Akihito , Fujise Kiyotaka , Kato Tetsuro , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkusa Toshifumi , Tajiri Hisao
Published: February 2010

A 57‐year‐old man developed acute hepatitis B virus (AHB), caused by HBV genotype Ae. Lamivudine (LAM) therapy was started at 8 months after the disease onset, because the infection was persistent, but not self‐limited. Despite LAM therapy, the hepatitis became chronic. Further, virological breakthrough developed due to the emergence of LAM‐resistant YMDD mutants at 11 months after LAM therapy. Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) was combined with LAM against breakthrough hepatitis at 28 months after LAM therapy. Sequential genetic analysis revealed that rtL217R, a mutation potentially diminishing the ADV efficacy, was detected before and after the combination therapy. During the follow‐up period, the patient unexpectedly turned out coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by measuring anti‐HIV‐1 antibody. At that time, LAM‐resistant HIV mutation, M184V, had been already detected. We switched from the combination therapy with LAM plus ADV to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which included tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. HAART drastically improved LAM‐resistant viremia and breakthrough hepatitis as well as HIV viremia and CD4 counts. Even in Japan, HBV genotype and HIV coinfection should be determined early in the treatment of AHB, and early induction of nucleotide analogs should be taken into consideration, because the proportion of AHB patients with HBV genotype A and the number of patients horizontally coinfected with HBV and HIV are increasing.
Design of Four Contact-Point Slewing Bearing With a New Load Distribution Procedure to Account for Structural Stiffness
Authors: Olave Mireia , Sagartzazu Xabier , Damian Jorge , Serna Alberto
Published: February 2010

This paper proposes a procedure for obtaining the load distribution in a four contact-point slewing bearing considering the effect of the structure’s elasticity. The uneven stiffness of the rings and the supporting structures creates a variation with respect to the results obtained with a rigid model. It is necessary to evaluate the effect of the elasticity on the increase in the contact forces in order to be able to design the slewing bearing and the structures involved in the connection. Depending on the shape of the structures, the contact force value obtained on the most loaded rolling element is different. The evaluation of this maximum force at extreme loads is essential to design the structures joined to the bearing rings. The new elastic model presented in this paper is highly nonlinear so iterative loops are needed in order to obtain a satisfactory solution. At the same time a finite element model (FEM) has been created for the global model, having also represented the rolling elements and their contact with the raceways. The results obtained using the FEM have been correlated with the results of the new procedure.
Robust Control Synthesis Techniques for Multirate and Multisensing Track-Following Servo Systems in Hard Disk Drives
Authors: Nagamune Ryozo , Huang Xinghui , Horowitz Roberto
Published: February 2010

This paper proposes controller design methods, specially for track-following control of the magnetic read/write head in a hard disk drive (HDD). The servo system to be considered is a general dual-stage multisensing system, which encompasses most of the track-following configurations encountered in the HDD industry, including the traditional single-stage system. For the general system, a robust track-following problem is formulated as a time-varying version of the robust H2 synthesis problem. Both dynamic and real parametric uncertainties, which are typical model uncertainties in track-following control, are taken into account in the formulation. Three optimal robust controller design techniques with different robustness guarantees are applied to solve the synthesis problem. These are mixed H2/H∞, mixed H2/μ, and robust H2 syntheses. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are presented. Multirate control, which is inherent to control problems in HDDs, is obtained by reducing multirate problems into linear time-invariant ones, for which there are many useful theories and algorithms available. Most of the techniques proposed in this paper heavily rely on efficient numerical tools for solving linear matrix inequalities.
Therapeutic targets for influenza – perspectives in drug development
Authors: Majerová Taťána , Hoffman Hillary , Majer Filip
Published: February 2010

Since new and dangerous influenza virus strains, such as H5N1 “avian flu” and more recently the swine-origin H1N1 “swine flu”, are constantly evolving, the need for effective anti-influenza drugs is pressing. It is becoming clear that the emergence of drug-resistant viruses will be a major potential problem in future efforts to control influenza virus infection. Moreover, development of vaccines against new influenza strains takes several months, and their production capacity is limited. Thus, new classes of anti-influenza drugs are highly sought after. This review focuses mainly on novel strategies, including targeting viral entry into host cells, inhibition of viral transcription and genome replication, and targeting of the NS1 influenza protein. Another approach involves viral RNA silencing by siRNAs or by antisense oligonucleotides. Inhibitors of viral neuraminidase have been the most successful approach in influenza virus breakdown to date. Viral maturation can also be blocked by inhibition of hemagglutinin-processing cellular proteinases. Compounds modifying the host cell immune response have also been reported. Design of specific compounds universally active against all viral variants with a reduced potential for the emergence of drug-resistant mutants is the main challenge in anti-influenza drug development, and the goals in this field are discussed here. A review with 140 references.
SOIL MINERALOGY AS POSSIBLE FACTOR IN GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HISTOPLASMA CAPSULATUM
Authors: Stotzky G. , Post A. H.
Published: February 2010

Fifty-five soil samples, from 21 geographic locations in seven countries, from which Histoplasma capsulatum was isolated were analyzed mineralogically by X-ray diffraction techniques. None of the soils, excepting two from a site from Italy, contained swelling, three-layer clay minerals that expanded beyond 14 Å when homoionic to K, air-dried, and saturated with glycerol. Presence of the fungus was not related to the presence or absence of other clay mineral species or to soil pH. These results were similar to those obtained with Fusarium wilt of banana, in that rate of spread of the wilt was rapid in soils not containing such swelling three-layer silicates but was slow in soils that contained them. These observations, together with those demonstrating that various clay minerals differentially influence growth and activity of bacteria and fungi, suggest that the distribution in soil of this human pathogen is influenced by the type of clay minerals present.
STUDIES ON A LESION-INDUCING FACTOR OF AVIAN STRAINS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Truscott R. B. , Inniss W. E.
Published: February 2010

A lesion-inducing factor (LIF) of virulent avian strains of Escherichia coli was investigated. Liver lesions were produced by concentrated dialyzed filtrates of broth cultures grown at 37 C in a synthetic medium. LIF activity was present in washed cell walls and in extracts from intact cells prepared by a procedure using 1 M NaCl. Extraction with 5 × 10−3 M EDTA alone or in combination with 1 M NaCl also resulted in preparations with satisfactory LIF activity. Preparations obtained by hot water or phenol–water extraction possessed less LIF activity on a weight basis. LIF activity was shown in extracts from three different serogroups of E. coli.
THE ISOLATION OF PULCHERRIMINIC ACID FROM BACILLUS CEREUS
Authors: MacDonald J. C.
Published: February 2010

Bacillus cereus, strain TS, was grown in 30-liter stirred fermentors on a complex medium. Pigment was isolated from the cells and converted to the free acid, which was identified as pulcherriminic acid. A procedure for the spectrophotometric assay at 410 mμ of pulcherrimin and pulcherriminic acid was developed to measure the maximum, but not necessarily absolute, degree of purity of samples of these compounds.
SULFUR ISOTOPE FRACTIONATION BY SALMONELLA SPECIES
Authors: Krouse H. R. , McCready R. G. L. , Husain S. A. , Campbell J. N.
Published: February 2010

A number of Salmonella species are capable of fractionating sulfur isotopes during sulfite reduction under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The product H2S may be enriched in 32S by over 3% as compared to the initial sulfite 32S/34S composition. This is significantly higher than the isotope effect realized in the equivalent inorganic chemical reduction.
EFFECT OF ROSE BENGAL AND LIGHT ON THE GROWTH OF ASPERGILLUS NIGER
Authors: Kuehner Calvin C. , Mitrovich George
Published: February 2010

A direct relationship between rose bengal concentration, light intensity, and the inhibition of linear growth of Aspergillus niger was demonstrated. Exposure of the fungus to a light intensity of 100 foot-candles for not more than 30 seconds daily was sufficient to cause inhibition of growth when the culture medium contained rose bengal in a concentration of 2 × 10−3 M. Rose bengal alone, in total darkness, apparently does not inhibit the growth of A. niger. There appears to be a relation between the presence of rose bengal and light and the sporulation of A. niger.