bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audit Standard Setting and Inspection for U.S. Public Companies: A Critical Assessment and Recommendations for Fundamental Change
Authors: Glover Steven M. , Prawitt Douglas F. , Taylor Mark H.
Published: May 2009

SYNOPSIS: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to oversee the accounting firms that audit publicly traded companies in the United States. In this commentary we outline why we believe the PCAOB’s audit standard-setting and inspection models are inefficient and dysfunctional. We assert that the Board’s ability to achieve its mission is limited by its early choices, together with its incentives, organizational composition, and structure. We support our assertions with a number of indicators of serious problems and flaws in the current approach. We also present high-level recommendations for change for policy makers, regulators, and leaders in the profession to consider in developing improved approaches to audit standard setting, inspection, and enforcement.
The Influence of Differences in Taxable Income and Book Income on the Bond Credit Market
Authors: Crabtree Aaron , Maher John J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: We examine the importance of information pertaining to the relationship between taxable income and reported book income to bond rating analysts. Specifically, using a relatively large sample of new bond issues over an extended period of time, we examine information related to deferred taxes as well as the overall tax-to-book position in the assessment of a firm's default risk. Our results are consistent with the existence of a U-shaped relationship, with firms falling in the extreme upper or lower quintiles of their industry-year group receiving lower bond ratings than firms that are nearer to their industry average. Additional analyses suggest this effect is partially diminished for firms identified as highly effective tax planners. Finally, examination of investors' bond yields provides further corroborating evidence with respect to the importance and treatment of the information provided by the firm's overall tax-to-book position.
Cardiac troponin T for early detection of cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients treated with epirubicin
Authors: Erdim Refik , Celiker Aydin , Gemici Gökmen , Tokay Sena , Ülfer Gözde , Dede Fuat , Turhal Serdar , Oktay Ahmet
Published: May 2009

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of cTnT for the prediction of long term cardiac dysfunction after epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The study group comprised of 45 patients (all female; mean age 48 ±8 years), treated with epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer. Patients received either 4 cycles of cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin (90 mg/m2) (n=23; stage 2 breast cancer) or 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin (75 mg/m2) plus fluorouracil (n=18; stage 3 breast cancer). Venous blood samples were drawn, before and 72 hours after, every cycle of chemotherapy for the measurement of cTnT. Cardiac assessment was carried out at baseline and 1 year after chemotherapy by clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, radio-nuclide ventriculography (RNV) and transthoracic echocardiography. All patients remained free of clinical heart failure during the study period. In 26 patients (63%), cTnT was elevated after chemotherapy. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction, assessed by RNV at baseline and one year after chemotherapy, were 61±8% and 56±7% (p<0.0001). The sensitivity and specifity of cTnT for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction at one year were 69% and 39% respectively. Echocardiographic examinations at baseline and one year after chemotherapy revealed a significant decrease in E/A ratio from 1.15±0.3 to 0.9±0.2 in cTnT positive patients, suggesting diastolic dysfunction. In conclusion, elevated serum cTnT levels after epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer, predict future cardiac dysfunction with moderate sensitivity and poor specificity.
Measurement of Paretic–Lower-Extremity Loading and Weight Transfer After Stroke
Authors: Mercer Vicki Stemmons , Freburger Janet Kues , Chang Shuo-Hsiu , Purser Jama L.
Published: May 2009

Background

Weight bearing through, or “loading” of, the paretic lower extremity and transfer of weight from one lower extremity to the other are important impairment-level goals of stroke rehabilitation. Improvements in these limb-loading and weight-transfer abilities have been shown to relate to improved performance of many functional activities. Unfortunately, valid and practical clinical measures of paretic–lower-extremity loading and weight transfer have not been identified.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess convergent validity of the Step Test (ST) and the knee extension component of the Upright Motor Control Test (UMCe) as measures of paretic-limb loading and of the Repetitive Reach Test (RR) as a measure of weight transfer in the first 6 months after stroke.

Design

This was a prospective cohort study of 33 adults with lower-extremity motor impairment following unilateral, noncerebellar stroke. Participants were tested one time per month from 1 to 6 months poststroke.

Results

Scores on the ST (performed with the nonparetic leg as the stepping leg) and UMCe were positively correlated with peak vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs) beneath the paretic limb during functional tasks (R2=.35–.76 for the ST, pseudo R2=.21–.34 for the UMCe). Scores on the RR were positively correlated with change in vertical GRF beneath the paretic limb during the diagonal reach task (R2=.45) and with weight-transfer time during stepping with the nonparetic limb (R2=.15).

Conclusions

The ST, performed with the nonparetic leg as the stepping leg, is a valid measure of paretic-limb loading during stroke recovery. Of the clinical measures tested, the ST correlated most strongly with the force platform measures.
Manual Therapy, Exercise, and Traction for Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Young Ian A. , Michener Lori A. , Cleland Joshua A. , Aguilera Arnold J. , Snyder Alison R.
Published: May 2009

Background

To date, optimal strategies for the management of patients with cervical radiculopathy remain elusive. Preliminary evidence suggests that a multimodal treatment program consisting of manual therapy, exercise, and cervical traction may result in positive outcomes for patients with cervical radiculopathy. However, limited evidence exists to support the use of mechanical cervical traction in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of manual therapy and exercise, with or without the addition of cervical traction, on pain, function, and disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Design

This study was a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in orthopedic physical therapy clinics.

Patients

Patients diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy (N=81) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a group that received manual therapy, exercise, and intermittent cervical traction (MTEXTraction group) and a group that received manual therapy, exercise, and sham intermittent cervical traction (MTEX group).

Intervention

Patients were treated, on average, 2 times per week for an average of 4.2 weeks.

Measurements

Outcome measurements were collected at baseline and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups for any of the primary or secondary outcome measures at 2 weeks or 4 weeks. The effect size between groups for each of the primary outcomes was small (NDI=1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=−6.8 to 3.8; PSFS=0.29, 95% CI=−1.8 to 1.2; and NPRS=0.52, 95% CI=−1.8 to 1.2).

Limitations

The use of a nonvalidated clinical prediction rule to diagnose cervical radiculopathy and the lack of a control group without treatment were limitations of this study.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the addition of mechanical cervical traction to a multimodal treatment program of manual therapy and exercise yields no significant additional benefit to pain, function, or disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Amnion: A Potent Graft Source for Cell Therapy in Stroke
Authors: Yu Seong Jin , Soncini Maddalena , Kaneko Yuji , Hess David C. , Parolini Ornella , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: May 2009

Regenerative medicine is a new field primarily based on the concept of transplanting exogenous or stimulating endogenous stem cells to generate biological substitutes and improve tissue functions. Recently, amnion-derived cells have been reported to have multipotent differentiation ability, and these cells have attracted attention as a novel cell source for cell transplantation therapy. Cells isolated from amniotic membrane can differentiate into all three germ layers, have low immunogenicity and anti-inflammatory function, and do not require the destruction of human embryos for their isolation, thus circumventing the ethical debate commonly associated with the use of human embryonic stem cells. Accumulating evidence now suggests that the amnion, which had been discarded after parturition, is a highly potent transplant material in the field of regenerative medicine. In this report, we review the current progress on the characterization of MSCs derived from the amnion as a remarkable transplantable cell population with therapeutic potential for multiple CNS disorders, especially stroke.
Effect of Micro- and Macroencapsulation on Oxygen Consumption by Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Cornolti Roberta , Figliuzzi Marina , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: May 2009

Immunoisolation of pancreatic islets is extensively investigated for glycemic control in diabetic experimental animals. We previously reported that subcutaneous xenotransplantation of bovine islets protected by a selective polysulfone membrane successfully controlled glycemia in diabetic rats for up to 20 days. We then wondered whether immunoisolated islets have adequate oxygen supply in this device, where only diffusive transport allows cell function and survival. Here we set up an experimental technique to measure oxygen consumption rate (OCR) using a Clark's electrode inserted in a glass thermostated chamber connected to a data recorder and acquisition system. Bovine islets were isolated from 6-month-old calves, encapsulated in sodium alginate microcapsules or inserted in polysulfone hollow fibers. After 1 and 2 days in culture a series of measurements was performed using free islets (at normal or high-glucose concentration), islets encapsulated in microcapsules, or in hollow fibers. In free islets OCR averaged from 2.0 ± 0.8 pmol/IEQ/min at low-glucose concentration and from 2.5 ± 1.0 pmol/IEQ/min at high-glucose concentration ( p < 0.01). OCR in islets encapsulated in microcapsules and in hollow fibers was comparable, and not significantly different from that measured in free islets. Two days after isolation OCR averaged 2.3 ± 0.6 in free islets, 2.3 ± 0.9 in alginate microcapsules, and 2.2 ± 0.7 pmol/IEQ/min in hollow fibers. These results show that OCR by bovine islets is comparable to that previously reported for other species. OCR increases in islets stimulated with high glucose and may be considered as a functional index. Moreover, islet encapsulation in alginate microcapsule, as well as in hollow fiber membranes, did not significantly affect in vitro OCR, suggesting adequate islet oxygenation in these conditions.
¿Disidencia dentro del feminismo?
Authors: León Mejía Ana
Published: May 2009

En este trabajo se examina una nueva corriente de pensamiento surgida dentro del movimiento feminista norteamericano, que disiente de algunos de los principales presupuestos epistemológicos del feminismo, y que denuncia sus efectos, tanto en la población americana, en especial dentro de la comunidad académica, como en la agenda pública. Las autoras que han emprendido la crítica de la denominada “ideología del género” cuentan por un lado con el apoyo de una gran parte del público americano. Por otra parte, han suscitado la ira del feminismo académico que les atribuye ser parte de un backlash (un contraataque) frente a los logros conseguidos por el feminismo. Son acusadas, entre otras cosas, de conservadurismo, traición a la causa feminista o acoso institucional antifeminista. El grado de crispación se ha elevado con la crisis de “las violaciones en las citas” que se ha convertido en la nueva causa feminista, junto con las actuales políticas contra la pornografía y el acoso sexual. A todo esto, se añade el surgimiento de voces disidentes en Canadá, Francia y España, que confirman una grave fractura dentro de uno de los movimientos sociales más importantes de las últimas décadas.
Expediting the biofuels agenda via genetic manipulations of cellulosic bioenergy crops
Authors: Sticklen Mariam B.
Published: May 2009

Cellulosic bioenergy crops are crops whose cellulosic matter could be converted into biofuels. The petroleum industry makes its profit not only from petro fuels, but also from petroleum‐derivative coproducts, such as lubricants and aromatic petrochemicals, that are used for production of other hydrocarbon compounds. This review explains how using the petroleum industry model in cellulosic biofuels industry could sharply increase profi tability via production of high‐value, low‐volume recombinant coproducts, such as biopharmaceuticals, and high‐value industrial chemicals in cellulosic bioenergy crops. The two major expenses associated with the production of cellulosic biofuels include the costs of pre‐treatment processes and the costs of microbial cellulases. This review summarizes the role of biomass crop genetic manipulations to reduce these costs. It also describes the challenges that farmers will soon face because of the monoculture of new bioenergy crops, such as perennial grasses, and how genetic manipulations of these crops could overcome such challenges. Finally, this review addresses concerns about the effect of cellulosic biomass removal from soil on the soil carbon reserve and the role that crop transgenic technology will play to assure sufficient carbon sequestration in soil. It also addresses the role that modern crop genetic engineering technology plays in avoiding the presence of herterologous coproducts in the food chain to overcome consumer concerns. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Development of Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes for Phosphatases by Using a pKa Switching Mechanism
Authors: Mizukami Shin , Watanabe Shuji , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: May 2009

A novel design strategy for fluorescent probes based on a pKa switching mechanism was developed. Using this strategy, we developed ratiometric probes for the detection of acid phosphatase activity.

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Actin‐ADF/cofilin rod formation in Caenorhabditis elegans muscle requires a putative F‐actin binding site of ADF/cofilin at the C‐terminus
Authors: Ono Kanako , Ono Shoichiro
Published: May 2009

Under a number of stress or pathological conditions, actin and actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin form rod‐like structures that contain abnormal bundles of actin filaments that are heavily decorated with ADF/cofilin. However, the mechanism of actin rod formation and the physiological role of actin rods are not clearly understood. Here, we report that overexpression of green fluorescent protein‐fused UNC‐60B, a muscle‐specific ADF/cofilin isoform, in Caenorhabditis elegans body wall muscle induces formation of rod‐like structures. The rods contained GFP‐UNC‐60B, actin‐interacting protein 1 (AIP1), and actin, but not other major actin‐associated proteins, thus resembling actin‐ADF/cofilin rods found in other organisms. However, depletion or overexpression of AIP1 did not affect formation of the actin‐GFP‐UNC‐60B rods, suggesting that AIP1 does not play a significant role in the rod assembly. Truncation of the C‐terminal tail, a putative F‐actin binding site, of UNC‐60B abolished induction of the rod formation, strongly suggesting that stable association of UNC‐60B with F‐actin, which is mediated by its C‐terminus, is required for inducing actin‐ADF/cofilin rods. This study suggests that C. elegans can be a new model to study functions of actin‐ADF/cofilin rods. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 398–408, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemically Induced Unfolding of Bovine Serum Albumin by Urea and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: A Spectral Study with the Polarity‐Sensitive Charge‐Transfer Fluorescent Probe (E)‐3‐(4‐Methylaminophenyl)acrylic Acid Methyl Ester
Authors: Ghosh Shalini , Guchhait Nikhil
Published: May 2009

Charge‐transfer probe (E)‐3‐(4‐methylaminophenyl)acrylic acid methyl ester (MAPAME) exhibits a blue shift and enhanced intensity of its charge‐transfer emission band on binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA; see picture). These spectral changes can be used to investigate the MAPAME–BSA binding interaction and to monitor the unfolding of BSA induced by denaturants, such as urea and surfactant micelles.

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Sensitivity of the charge‐transfer (CT) band of the fluorescence probe (E)‐3‐(4‐methylaminophenyl)acrylic acid methyl ester (MAPAME) towards the polarity of its immediate environment is employed to investigate the binding interaction of the probe with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and uncoiling of BSA by the denaturants urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. Binding of the probe with BSA produces a blue shift and enhanced intensity of the CT emission band which clearly point toward a decrease in polarity of the immediate environment of MAPAME. This is expected, since binding with BSA moves the probe from a polar water environment to a much less polar, hydrophobic protein interior, where the CT band is expected to be blue‐shifted. Higher intensity arises due to fewer non‐radiative decay paths available to the probe in the hydrophobic protein environment. Chemically induced unfolding of BSA by urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate is tracked by monitoring the induced spectral changes of the protein‐bound probe MAPAME. Red‐edge excitation shift or REES, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and anisotropy measurements are used to investigate and monitor these binding and unfolding processes.
Comparison of cytological features of myxopapillary ependymomas on crush preparations
Authors: Bradly Dawn P. , Reddy Vijaya B. , Cochran Elizabeth , Gattuso Paolo
Published: May 2009

Myxopapillary ependymoma (ME) is a rare neoplasm found predominantly in the sacro‐coccygeal region in adults and is characterized by its distinct epithelial and stromal components. From 1990 to April 2008, a total of 10 ME cases were recorded at our institution. Six out of 10 cases underwent frozen section examination with concomitant crush preparations, which forms the basis of this study. The clinical and cytologic findings in all six cases were reviewed. There were four males and two females. The age ranges from 15 to 36 years with a mean age of 27 years. The epithelial component of ME is strikingly similar for all six cases showing tumor cells appearing singly or in loose clusters, most with papillary branching. There was also presence of indistinct cell boundaries, tapered cytoplasmic prolongations, wispy/fragile cytoplasm, and uniform oval‐to‐fusiform shaped nuclei with an evenly distributed chromatin pattern. The stromal component was composed mainly of thick, metachromatic material and adenoid cystic‐like areas. One case showed rosette‐like structures. These aforementioned characteristics can be utilized to distinguish ME from other primary and metastatic tumors such as meningioma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, chordoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and germ cell tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sulfonylureas and prognosis after myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Horsdal Henriette T. , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Søndergaard Flemming , Jacobsen Jacob , Thomsen Reimar W. , Schmitz Ole , Sørensen Henrik T. , Rungby Jørgen
Published: May 2009

Background

The cardiovascular safety, including risk of myocardial infarction (MI), of individual sulfonylureas (SUs) may differ. It remains uncertain whether treatment with individual SUs influences prognosis following MI.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population‐based follow‐up study among all Danish patients hospitalized with first‐time MI from 1996 to 2004. From the national health databases, we identified 3930 MI patients who used SUs at the time of admission. We computed mortality rates and rates of MI and heart failure readmission according to type of SU and used Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis to compute hazard ratios (HRs) as estimates of relative risk controlling for differences in prognostic covariates.

Results

The 30‐day and 1‐year mortality after MI among SU users was 22.0% and 35.3%, respectively. We found no substantial differences in 30‐day and 1‐year mortality among users of different SUs. Use of gliclazide in monotherapy showed a trend towards lower mortality; adjusted HR of 1‐year mortality 0.70 (95% CI: 0.48–1.00). Users of the different SUs appeared to have similar risks of new MI and heart failure following MI.

Conclusions

The prognosis after MI was not substantially influenced by the choice of SU. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient scaled boundary FEM model for wave interaction with a nonuniform porous cylinder
Authors: Song Hao , Tao Longbin
Published: May 2009

The scaled boundary finite‐element method (SBFEM) by Tao et al. (Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg 2007; 197:232–242) is only applicable for wave scattering problems by a structure of homogenous material. In this paper, the SBFEM is extended to deal with the interaction of water waves and porous offshore structure with a partially solid wall or opening. The cylindrical structure is considered as a circular cylinder of anisotropic material in the form of variable porosity. A central feature of the newly extended method is that the non‐homogenous term caused by the complex configuration of the structure is processed by introducing a variable porous‐effect parameter G. This leads to the final scaled boundary finite‐element equation is still homogenous and can be solved in a similar manner. The modified SBFEM thus remains a semi‐analytical fundamental‐solution‐less method. Numerical experiments in water wave interaction with a typical coastal/offshore structure—a cylinder with a partially solid wall or opening attest to the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Education, occupation and retirement age effects on the age of onset of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lupton Michelle K , Stahl Daniel , Archer Nicola , Foy Catherine , Poppe Michaela , Lovestone Simon , Hollingworth Paul , Williams Julie , Owen Micheal J , Dowzell Kimberley , Abraham Richard , Sims Rebecca , Brayne Carol , Rubinsztein David , Gill Michael , Lawlor Brian , Lynch Aoibhinn , Powell John F
Published: May 2009

Objective

To determine the effects of early life education, mid life employment and later life retirement age on the age of onset (AOO) of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Multiple regression analyses were carried out using data for 1320 probable AD cases, of which 382 were males with employment and retirement age data, using informant based information on education and employment.

Results

No relation was found between years of education, best qualification obtained, or employment variables in males and the AOO of AD. A significant effect of later retirement age in delaying the AOO of AD was seen in males.

Conclusions

In this study no effect of education or employment was seen, although this may be due to limited variance in the study population. The significant effect of retirement age may have several explanations, the most interesting of which would be the suggestion that active employment later in life allows an individual to prolong their cognitive assets above the threshold for dementia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Affective reactivity in response to criticism in remitted bipolar disorder: a laboratory analog of expressed emotion
Authors: Cuellar Amy K. , Johnson Sheri L. , Ruggero Camilo J.
Published: May 2009

Potential mechanisms to explain the relationship between Expressed Emotion (EE) and poor outcome within bipolar disorder are poorly understood. One possibility is that people with bipolar disorder have difficulty regulating their affect in response to criticism. The present study examined whether participants with bipolar disorder were more affectively dysregulated than control participants when presented with a criticism by a confederate. There was a trend for people with bipolar disorder to react more negatively to the criticism, but there was also evidence that they recovered as quickly as controls. Exploratory analyses found that female gender, the perception of the criticism as more negative, being disabled, and having fewer positive relationships predicted greater reactivity to criticism among people with bipolar disorder. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–17, 2009.
Evaluation of a novel Bacillus strain from a north‐western Spain hot spring as a source of extracellular thermostable lipase
Authors: Deive Francisco J. , Angeles Sanromán M. , Longo María A.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Thermophilic microorganisms are receiving significant attention as a source of useful thermostable enzymes. However, the number of known strains is still limited, and very often their most interesting biocatalysts are intracellular or membrane‐bound and produced at low levels. Thus, the isolation and study of novel extracellular enzyme‐producing thermophilic microorganisms is very interesting. Moreover, the assessment of bioreactor performance is crucial, given the scarce information on the large‐scale culture of these strains.

RESULTS: The production of a thermostable extracellular lipase in submerged cultures of a thermophilic microorganism, recently isolated in north‐west Spain, was investigated. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as belonging to genus Bacillus. The influence of operating variables (i.e. pH, temperature, aeration) on lipase biosynthesis was analysed. Enzyme production at bioreactor scale was investigated, special attention being paid to the effect of aeration and agitation rates.

CONCLUSION: The best conditions for the studied process were determined in shake flasks as pH 7.0, 55 °C and high aeration levels. Also, the non‐association between lipase production and cell growth was ascertained. The culture of this novel strain was successfully carried out in laboratory‐scale bioreactors, thus proving its potential for further applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The child verbal competence effect in court: a comparative study of field investigative interviews of children in child sexual abuse cases
Authors: Myklebust Trond , Bjørklund Roald A.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study is to compare field investigative interviews of children (FIIC) with three different legal outcomes in child sexual abuse cases: (i) insufficient evidence to proceed (IEP); (ii) convictions; or (iii) acquittals by the court. One hundred FIIC were divided into one of the three outcome possibilities. Amongst the female interviewees older than 10 years, there were no cases of acquittals and the convicted cases were over‐represented. The children's response to open questions was found to be the main difference between the three FIIC outcomes. The responses to these open questions were 1.9 and 2.3 times longer in the convicted cases compared to acquittals and IEP. Possible explanations for the result are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation phases on off‐season maize yield for a subtropical region of Brazil
Authors: Soler Cecilia M. Tojo , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: May 2009

In recent years, maize has become one of the main alternative crops for the autumn–winter growing season in the central‐western and southeastern regions of Brazil. However, water deficits, sub‐optimal temperatures and low solar radiation levels are common problems that are experienced during this growing season by local farmers. One methodology to assess the impact of variable weather conditions on crop production is the use of crop simulation models. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of climate variability on maize yield for a subtropical region of Brazil. Specific objectives for this study were (1) to analyse the effect of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on precipitation and air temperature for four locations in the state of São Paulo and (2) to analyse the impact of ENSO on maize grown off‐season for the same four locations using a crop simulation model. For each site, historical weather data were categorised as belonging to one of three phases of ENSO: El Niño (warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the Pacific), La Niña (cool sea surface temperature anomalies) or neutral, based on an index derived from observed sea surface temperature anomalies. During El Niño, there is a tendency for an increase in the rainfall amount during May for the four selected locations, and also during April, mainly in three of the locations, resulting in an increase in simulated maize yield planted between February 15 and March 15. In general, there was a decrease in the simulated yield for maize grown off‐season during neutral years. This study showed how a crop model can be used to assess the impact of climate variability on the yield of maize grown off‐season in a subtropical region of Brazil. The outcomes of this study can be very useful for both policy makers and local farmers for agricultural planning and decision making. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Design and in vitro Biodegradation of Novel Hepatocyte‐Targetable (Galactose Polycation/Hemoglobin) Multilayers and Microcapsules
Authors: Zhang Fu , Liu Li‐Jun , Wu Qi , Lin Xian‐Fu
Published: May 2009

The formation of novel hepatocyte‐targetable and biodegradable polycation/protein multilayers and hollow microcapsules by LbL assembly is reported, in which galactose residues allow for targetability and Hb acts as a main degradable component. The in vitro biodegradability of multilayers via proteases was evaluated in detail on both planar substrates and CaCO3 particles followed by UV‐Vis, SEM, and AFM characterizations. The degradation approximately follows an exponential decay, and the relation between the kinetic constant k and the number n of deposited bilayers is well approximated by a power equation. Sustained release of the encapsulated model drug was attained by using enzymatic degradation of hollow capsules.

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Influence of Crystal Thickness and Topological Constraints on Chain Diffusion in Linear Polyethylene
Authors: Yao Yefeng , Graf Robert , Spiess HansWolfgang , Rastogi Sanjay
Published: May 2009

13C solid‐state exchange NMR is applied to study the influence of morphology on chain diffusion between crystalline and noncrystalline regions in ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene (PE). Lamellar‐doubling reduces the exchange rate by a factor of two indicating that the chain diffusion coefficient is largely independent of the lamellar thickness. This is discussed in terms of molecular processes in the crystallites leading to chain diffusion, confirming that the role of defects is minor compared to helical jumps of extended stems. Hindrance of the chain diffusion resulting from chain entanglements was only observed after the chains diffuse over long distances. Moreover, the role of the interphase between the noncrystalline and the crystalline regions on chain diffusion is discussed.

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The Bt‐DUX: Development of a subjective measure of health‐related quality of life in patients who underwent surgery for lower extremity malignant bone tumor
Authors: Bekkering W. Peter , Vlieland Theodora P.M. Vliet , Koopman Hendrik M. , Schaap Gerard R. , Schreuder H.W. Bart , Beishuizen Auke , Tissing Wim J.E. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Anninga Jacob K. , Taminiau Antonie H.M.
Published: May 2009

Background

To examine the practical applicability, internal consistency, and validity of the Bt‐DUX, a disease‐specific Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument. The Bt‐Dux was developed to examine patients' individual values of their life after a malignant bone tumor of the lower extremity at four domains (cosmetic, social, emotional, and functional).

Procedure

Patients were eligible for this cross‐sectional, multicenter study if they underwent surgery for a malignant tumor of the leg in a period ranging between 12 and 60 months before the recruitment. Assessments included: Bt‐DUX, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) Short Form (SF)‐36, TNO‐AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Quality of Life (TAAQOL), and TNO‐AZL Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire (TACQOL).

Results

Seventy‐two patients (35 male, 37 female), mean age 17 (SD 4) years were included. Limb sparing surgery took place in 32 patients and ablative surgery in 40 patients. The Bt‐DUX was completed in less than 5 min and easy to comprehend. The mean Bt‐DUX score was 69.8 (SD 15.5), with Cronbach's alpha being 0.92. Domain–total correlations ranged between 0.84 and 0.88 (P < 0.01). Correlations between Bt‐DUX Total score and TESS, SF‐36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scales and selected TACQOL and TAAQOL scores were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for the social scale of the TACQOL. The Bt‐DUX was able to discriminate between patients with higher and lower TESS scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Bt‐DUX was found to be a practical and valid instrument. Its added value compared with existing HRQoL measures needs to be further established. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:348–355. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling the kinetics of ethyl formate sorption by wheat using batch experiments
Authors: Darby James , Willis Tracy , Damcevski Katherine
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Ethyl formate formulations are being considered to replace methyl bromide for fast grain disinfestation. Grain adsorbs ethyl formate rapidly, which can result in inadequate fumigation concentrations and unacceptable grain residues. A model of ethyl formate sorption kinetics will enable fumigation approaches to be determined that meet disinfestation and food safety requirements.

RESULTS: This paper identifies all mass transport processes involved in ethyl formate sorption by wheat from published and experimental evidence. The model accounts for reaction losses of ethyl formate in air and grain using first‐order kinetics, transport in the gas and solid phases with linear mass transfer coefficients and uses a linear partition relationship representation of sorption equilibrium. Batch experimental data were measured to determine model coefficients. Novel gaseous breakdown data for ethyl formate in air were measured, and first‐order kinetics was demonstrated, although the specific reactions involved were not identified.

CONCLUSION: The model predicts air and grain fumigant concentrations relevant for grain disinfestation and food residue contamination successfully. The form of the model should be applicable to all fumigant–grain systems, as it accounts for the diffusion and reaction influences known to occur with all modern fumigants under concentration and exposure conditions relevant to industry. Copyright © 2009 CSIRO, Australia. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Requirements for design of processes
Authors: Nori Kesav V.
Published: May 2009

This article focuses on design of processes in which role‐playing human agents perform intellectual tasks on an industrial scale, such that processes are repeatable and result in outcomes of acceptable quality. This exploration of requirements of design of such processes revolves around a semantic theme: What do processes mean? What are their intents and purposes? How does such understanding help us in asserting these intents and purposes when processes are executed? The core contribution in this article is a responsibility framework for individual and collective intellectual action that underlies process semantics. A process results in outcomes, its product. This product must be acceptable to its recipients, its users. This was the basis for the quality revolution in discrete manufacturing industries where quality is standardized through use of capital intensive tools, and variation in performance of the process is contained through training of industrial workers. We address the concerns of design of processes for the service industries, in which role‐playing human agents perform intellectual tasks on an industrial scale. In this context, the meaning of a process is defined as being responsible for the acceptability of qualities of its product produced through intellectual work. The design of processes is then predicated on a system for asserting its semantics, that of asserting acceptable product qualities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of oxidation states for transition elements with a small spot tabletop XANES instrument
Authors: Wei Fuzhong , Chen Z. W. , Gibson W. M.
Published: May 2009

Development of a compact, high sensitivity, low‐power and low‐cost, tabletop instrument for x‐ray absorption near edge structure, XANES, measurements will make possible chemical speciation and characterization studies in a broad variety of applications in medicine, science and industry. Such a system utilizing a low‐power (<50 W) microfocus x‐ray source combined with a toroidal doubly curved crystal (DCC) optic has been used to differentiate Mn metal and Mn2+ and Mn7+ solution (2, 3% respectively) or Cr metal and Cr3+ and Cr6+ in aqueous (0.1% concentration) solution by measurement of their XANES spectra. This prototype system can measure Cr at 100‐ppm concentration levels. Improvements in the system should make measurements at <10 ppm levels or very short (<1 s) measurement time possible for a large variety of elements. By using this system, rapid reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+ in cultured cells was directly observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mencius and the tradition of articulating human nature in terms of growth
Authors: Tao LIANG
Published: May 2009

This article analyses the tradition of “articulating xing in terms of sheng” and related other expressions, and also examines the debate between Mencius and Gaozi concerning “xing is known by sheng.” It claims that while Mencius’ “human nature is good” discourse is influenced by the interpretive tradition of “articulating xing in terms of sheng”, Mencius also transcends and develops this tradition. Therefore it is only when Mencius’ views about the goodness of human nature are understood in the context of this interpretive tradition that his ideas can be fully understood. Utilizing this framework, the Confucian understanding of rights is then explored.
The enlightenment: Conscience and authority in judgment
Authors: Wenyu XIE
Published: May 2009

There were two prevailing sentiments in Europe after the Reformation: One opposing papal authority and one advocating individual freedom. This paper analyzes these two sentiments and finds that the concept of conscience is crucial in understanding them. The issue of conscience is about judging truth and good, and in initiating the Reformation, Martin Luther heavily appealed to his conscience while countering Catholic attacks. With the wide dispersal of the Reformation, Luther’s notion of conscience was well received among his supporters throughout Europe. Descartes later transformed Luther’s conscience into an epistemological being (the cogito), and argued that its existence was the only valid thing that survived his thorough skepticism — and as such is the foundation of human knowledge. Rousseau continued this line of thinking, which we call subjectivism, and re-employed the term conscience as a replacement for cogito, holding that conscience is the final authority in judging good and bad; that, as the starting point of human existence, it cannot be withheld from any human being; and that it therefore constitutes an inalienable human right. This paper argues that the Enlightenment was a subjectivist movement propelled by this conscience-cogito-conscience conceptualization, and that it sought to enlighten this inalienable conscience.
Plato’s poetic wisdom in the myth of Er
Authors: Keping WANG
Published: May 2009

The interlink between myth and wisdom in Hellenic heritage is characteristically embodied in the Platonic philosophizing as regards the education and enculturation of the human psyche. As is read in the end of The Republic, the myth of Er turns out to be a philosophical rewriting of poetry to a large degree. For it engagingly reveals Plato’s moral inculcation, philosophical instruction and poetic wisdom in particular, all of which are intended to guide human conduct along the right track for the bliss of the postmortem cycle, and put philosophy learning into first priority for the choice of the future life. Moreover, the transmigrate experience in the mystic overtone of “the Orphic-Pythagorean conglomerate” is discussed with a intercultural reference to the Buddhist doctrines of samsara and karma.
Heidegger’s distortion of dialectics in “Hegel’s Concept of Experience”
Authors: Xiaomang DENG
Published: May 2009

This essay reveals five points in which Heidegger misreads Hegel in “Hegel’s Concept of Experience”: (1) By forcedly introducing the concept of “will”, he interprets Hegel’s phenomenology of spirit into Metaphysics of Presence; (2) interprets concepts such as “statement” and “the road of skeptics” as the process of phenomenological reduction; (3) reduces Hegel’s Sein to Seiende; (4) replaces “Contradiction” with “Ambiguity” so the active Dialectics become passive; (5) exaggerates conscious experience and puts it into a real ontology, regardless of the significance of Logic and Encyclopedia of Philosophy. By an analysis of this misreading we can find the internal connection between Heidegger’s thought and that of his philosophical forerunner, Hegel.
A Two-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis Approach to Monodispersed Colloidal Carbon Spheres
Authors: Chen Chuyang , Sun Xudong , Jiang Xuchuan , Niu Dun , Yu Aibing , Liu Zhigang , Li JiGuang
Published: May 2009

This work reports a newly developed two-step hydrothermal method for the synthesis of monodispersed colloidal carbon spheres (CCS) under mild conditions. Using this approach, monodispersed CCS with diameters ranging from 160 to 400 nm were synthesized with a standard deviation around 8%. The monomer concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 M is in favor of generation of narrower size distribution of CCS. The particle characteristics (e.g., shape, size, and distribution) and chemical stability were then characterized by using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR spectrum analysis, and thermalgravity analysis (TGA). The possible nucleation and growth mechanism of colloidal carbon spheres were also discussed. The findings would be useful for the synthesis of more monodispersed nanoparticles and for the functional assembly.
Micellization and Clouding Behavior of EO–PO Block Copolymer in Aqueous Salt Solutions
Authors: Patel Keyur , Bharatiya Bhavesh , Kadam Yogesh , Bahadur Pratap
Published: May 2009

Aqueous solution properties of polyethylene oxide–block‐polypropylene oxide–block‐polyethylene oxide TBP [(PEO)103(PPO)39(PEO)103] were studied in the presence of sodium salts with different anions (NaI, NaBr, NaCl, NaF, Na2SO4, Na3PO4) to investigate unimer‐to‐micelle transition [critical micelle concentration (CMC), critical micellization temperature (CMT)], micelle size and the phase separation (cloud point). This TBP, due to its very hydrophilic (80% PEO) nature does not form micelles at ambient temperatures. Micellization can be induced much below its CMT in water on addition of sodium salts having different anions. Analytical methods viz. fluorescence, FTIR and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to monitor the salt‐induced micellization. The hydration of respective anion and resultant contribution to its salting‐out effect was found to be the governing factor in promoting micellization. The presence of salt decreases the CMC, CMT and phase separation temperature. The salts affect the aggregation process in agreement with an order mentioned in Hofmeister series.
Milk Thistle Seed Oil Constituents from Different Varieties Grown in Iran
Authors: Fathi‐Achachlouei Bahram , Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif
Published: May 2009

In this study, fatty acids, phytosterol classes and tocopherols composition of Milk thistle seeds oil were determined at four varieties grown in Ardebil‐Iran. The four varieties consisted of two modified foreign varieties—Budakalaszi (originally from Hungary) and the CN‐seed variety (originally from England) and two native varieties, namely Khoreslo and Babak Castle. The oil content of the seeds ranged from 26 to 31%. Among the fatty acids, linoleic acid had the highest percentage (50–54%) followed by oleic acid (23–29%) and palmitic acid (7–8%). This is the first detailed report on the phytosterol classes of milk thistle seeds oil. The 4‐Desmethylsterol class was predominant (1,800–2,200 μg/g) followed by 4,4′‐dimethylsterols (50–85 μg/g) and 4‐monomethylsterols (26–35 μg/g). The α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols ranged from 187 to 465, 10 to 51, 9 to 12, and 18 to 80 μg/g oil, respectively. Based on the results obtained, the extracted oil from milk thistle seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, sterols and vitamin E and can be an attractive candidate for use in food preparation mixed with other vegetable oils or alone.
Early vibrissae removal facilitates cortical spreading depression propagation in the brain of well‐nourished and malnourished developing rats
Authors: da Silva Tenório Angélica , de Oliveira Ilka Daniela Vitor Alves , Guedes Rubem Carlos Araújo
Published: May 2009

Reduced sensory input activity during brain development can induce morphological and physiological changes in the cerebral cortex, altering their response properties. Malnutrition delays the formation of somatosensory pathways. Here we used cortical spreading depression as a neurophysiological parameter to investigate electrophysiological changes after vibrissae removal in well‐nourished and malnourished rats. Male Wistar rat pups had the right mystacial vibrissae‐removed at postnatal days 2–3, and were submitted to spreading depression recording at 30–40 days of life. In both nutritional conditions, spreading depression velocities were increased in the hemisphere contralateral to the vibrissae removal, as compared to age‐ and nutrition‐matched non‐lesioned controls, in which no inter‐hemispheric differences were found. In contrast to the well‐nourished rats, in the vibrissae‐removed malnourished animals the spreading depression propagation in the ipsilateral hemisphere decreased as compared to the corresponding hemisphere of the non‐lesioned malnourished rats. It is concluded that deprivation of sensory input from whiskers during brain development facilitates spreading depression propagation, and early malnutrition seems to influence this effect. Since the effect persisted until 40 days, it is tempting to suggest that it is permanent, or at least long‐lasting. Data might contribute to the understanding of sensory input deprivation‐induced plasticity mechanisms underlying cerebral electrophysiological changes in the developing brain.