bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of acute nanoparticulate aluminum toxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Griffitt Robert J. , Feswick April , Weil Roxana , Hyndman Kelly , Carpinone Paul , Powers Kevin , Denslow Nancy D. , Barber David S.
Published: December 2010

In freshwater fish, aluminum is a well‐recognized gill toxicant, although responses are influenced by pH. Aluminum nanomaterials are being used in diverse applications that are likely to lead to environmental release and exposure. However, it is unclear if the effects of nanoparticulate aluminum are similar to those of other forms of aluminum or require special consideration. To examine the acute toxicological effects of exposure to aluminum nanoparticle (Al‐NP)s, adult female zebrafish were exposed to either Al‐NPs or aluminum chloride for up to 48 hours in moderately hard fresh water. Al‐NPs introduced into test water rapidly aggregated and up to 80% sedimented from the water column during exposures. No mortality was caused by concentrations of Al‐NP up to 12.5 mg/L. After exposure, tissue concentrations of aluminum, effects on gill morphology, Na+, K+ ‐ATPase (NKA) activity, and global gene expression patterns were examined. Exposure to both aluminum chloride and nanoparticulate aluminum resulted in a concentration dependent decrease in sodium potassium ATPase activity, although Al‐NP exposure did not alter gill morphology as measured by filament widths. Decreased ATPase activity coincided with decreases in filamental NKA staining and mucous cell counts. Analysis of gill transcriptional responses demonstrated that exposure to 5 mg/L Al‐NP only resulted in significant changes in expression of two genes, whereas aluminum chloride exposure significantly affected the expression of 105 genes. Taken together, these results indicate that nanoparticulate aluminum has little acute toxicity for zebrafish in moderately hard freshwater. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Predicting climate change effects on wildfires requires linking processes across scales
Authors: Macias Fauria Marc , Michaletz Sean T. , Johnson Edward A.
Published: December 2010

Accurate process‐based prediction of climate change effects on wildfires requires coupling processes across orders of magnitude of time and space scales, because climate dynamic processes operate at relatively large scales (e.g., hemispherical and centennial), but fire behavior processes operate at relatively small scales (e.g., molecules and microseconds). In this review, we outline some of the current understanding of the processes by which climate/meteorology controls wildfire behavior by focusing on four critical stages of wildfire development: (1) fuel drying, (2) ignition, (3) spread, and (4) extinction. We identify some key mechanisms that are required for predicting climate change effects on fires, as well as gaps in our understanding of the processes linking climate and fires. It is currently not possible to make accurate predictions of climate change effects on wildfires due to the limited understanding of the linkage between general circulation model outputs and the local‐scale meteorology to which fire behavior processes respond. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 99–112 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.92

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Earth System Behavior
First report of captive new Guinea dingo (canis dingo hallstromi) den‐digging and parental behavior
Authors: Koler‐Matznick Janice , Stinner Mindy
Published: December 2010

New Guinea dingoes (NGDs) (Canis dingo hallstromi; Troughton [1957] Proc Roy Soc new South Wells 1955–1956:93–94) have been kept in zoos since 1956. Almost nothing is known of their wild behavior. These observations of a captive pair are the first documentation of natal den‐digging and parental behavior for this taxon. The main den, excavated near the top of a 1.5 m hill, consisted of a rounded chamber about 50.8 cm deep, with an entrance about 30.5 cm high and 40.6 cm wide. The dam frequently moved the pups from the natal den to secondary locations for short periods during the day and then back to the den, starting when the pups were 2 weeks old. When the pups were between 5 and 12 weeks of age, both parents regularly regurgitated for them. The sire expressed escalating threat behavior toward the male pup starting when the pup was 5 months old, and the female began threatening the female pups at about 6 months of age. Rejection of same‐sex offspring is usual for captive NGDs as the next breeding season approaches. Zoo Biol 30:445–450, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surfactant‐Based Oil Extraction of Corn Germ
Authors: Kadioglu Sezin Islamoglu , Phan Tri T. , Sabatini David A.
Published: December 2010

An aqueous surfactant‐based extraction system was developed for the extraction of corn oil from corn germ with anionic extended surfactants. The surfactants used in this study were sodium linear‐alkyl polypropoxylated polyethoxylated sulfates (C12,14–P10–E2–SO4Na and C10–P18–E2–SO4Na). Interfacial tension, critical microemulsion concentration (CμC), and optimum salinity values of the extended surfactants with corn oil were determined. In the extraction process, the ground corn germ was shaken with predetermined surfactant and salt concentrations at room temperature for 45 min. About 83%, the sum of total free oil and total oil‐in‐water emulsion, of the corn oil was extracted from the corn germ using a formulation of 0.4% C12,14–P10–E2–SO4Na and 1% NaCl. A solid/liquid ratio of 1/10 performed best for efficient oil recovery. The chemical compositions of the extracted corn oils were found to be similar to that of hexane extracted corn oil.
Direct Determination of MCPD Fatty Acid Esters and Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in Vegetable Oils by LC–TOFMS
Authors: Haines Troy D. , Adlaf Kevin J. , Pierceall Robert M. , Lee Inmok , Venkitasubramanian Padmesh , Collison Mark W.
Published: December 2010

Analysis of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils using the indirect method proposed by the DGF gave inconsistent results when salting out conditions were varied. Subsequent investigation showed that the method was destroying and reforming MCPD during the analysis. An LC time of flight MS method was developed for direct analysis of both MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils. The results of the LC–TOFMS method were compared with the DGF method. The DGF method consistently gave results that were greater than the LC–TOFMS method. The levels of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters found in a variety of vegetable oils are reported. MCPD monoesters were not found in any oil samples. MCPD diesters were found only in samples containing palm oil, and were not present in all palm oil samples. Glycidyl esters were found in a wide variety of oils. Some processing conditions that influence the concentration of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters are discussed.
A social operational model of urban adolescents’ tobacco and substance use: A mediational analysis
Authors: Mason Michael J. , Mennis Jeremy , Schmidt Christopher D.
Published: December 2010

This study tested a mediation model of the relationship with tobacco use, social network quality (level of risk or protection in a network), and substance use (alcohol and/or illicit drugs) with a sample of 301 urban adolescents. It was theorized that social network quality would mediate the effect of tobacco use, accounting for PTSD symptoms and parent‐teen relationships, on substance use. Results of path modeling with AMOS showed that the model provided an overall very good fit to the data and demonstrated partial mediation effects of social network quality on substance use. An effect‐size measure was applied to determine what proportion of the total effect was mediated by the intervening (social network) variable and produced a moderate effect size (0.31). Results highlight the mediating role of social network quality on risk factors for adolescent substance use and are informative to prevention science in advancing social operational models of substance use.
An alternative approach to regularity for the Navier–Stokes equations in critical spaces
Authors: Kenig Carlos E. , Koch Gabriel S.
Published: December 2010

In this paper we present an alternative viewpoint on recent studies of regularity of solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations in critical spaces. In particular, we prove that mild solutions which remain bounded in the space

\.{H}^{\frac{1}{2}}

do not become singular in finite time, a result which was proved in a more general setting by L. Escauriaza, G. Seregin and V. Šverák using a different approach. We use the method of “concentration-compactness” + “rigidity theorem” using “critical elements” which was recently developed by C. Kenig and F. Merle to treat critical dispersive equations. To the authorsʼ knowledge, this is the first instance in which this method has been applied to a parabolic equation.

Dans cet exposé, nous présentons un point de vue différent sur les études récentes concernant la régularité des solutions des équations de Navier–Stokes dans les espaces critiques. En particulier, nous démontrons que les solutions faibles qui restent bornées dans lʼespace

\.{H}^{\frac{1}{2}}

ne deviennent pas singulières en temps fini. Ce résultat a été démontré dans un cas plus général par L. Escauriaza, G. Seregin et V. Šverák en utilisant une approche différente. Nous utilisons la méthode de « concentration-compacité » + « théorème de rigidité » utilisant des « éléments critiques » qui a été récemment développée par C. Kenig et F. Merle pour traiter les équations dispersives critiques. À la connaissance des auteurs, cʼest la première fois que cette méthode est appliquée à une équation parabolique.
RETRACTED: Effect of laparoscopic ovarian drilling on vascular endothelial growth factor and ovarian stromal blood flow using 3‐dimensional power Doppler
Authors: El Behery Manal M. , E. Diab Abdalla , Mowafy Hala , Ebrahiem Moustafa A. , E. Shehata Amal
Published: December 2010

Objective

To determine, by using 3‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography, the effect of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) on the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and ovarian stromal blood flow changes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A prospective controlled clinical study was conducted on 26 clomiphene‐resistant women with PCOS who were scheduled for LOD and a control group of 22 fertile regularly menstruating women. VEGF and 3 ovarian Doppler indices—vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index—were measured and compared between the 2 groups, and before and after LOD in the PCOS group.

Results

Serum VEGF and the Doppler indices of ovarian stromal blood flow were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group. Serum VEGF and the ovarian stromal blood flow Doppler indices were significantly reduced in the PCOS group after LOD.

Conclusion

Increased vascularity in PCOS demonstrated by Doppler blood flow measurements might be explained by the high level of VEGF. LOD reduced ovarian vascularization and serum VEGF.
Intravenous nitroglycerin for controlled cord traction in the management of retained placenta
Authors: Visalyaputra Shusee , Prechapanich Japarath , Suwanvichai Sukanya , Yimyam Suwimol , Permpolprasert Ladda , Suksopee Pattipa
Published: December 2010

Objective

To determine the effect of 200 μg of intravenous nitroglycerin in the release of retained placenta by controlled cord traction.

Methods

In this randomized controlled study, 40 women with a placenta retained for 30 minutes received intravenously 200 μg of nitroglycerin or a normal saline solution before umbilical cord traction was initiated. The rates of successful removal of the retained placenta in the study (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups were compared, as were blood pressure, pulse rate, blood loss, and adverse effects.

Results

The placenta was released in only 15% and 20% of the participants in the study and control group, respectively. The remainder of the participants required general anesthesia and manual removal of the retained placenta regardless of group assignation. Blood pressure fell in significantly more women in the study group, but there were no differences in estimated blood loss or minor adverse effects.

Conclusion

Intravenously administered nitroglycerin did not facilitate the release of retained placenta by umbilical cord traction. However, cord traction may be performed longer than 30 minutes to attempt releasing the placenta before operative manual removal is initiated.
Palaeoenvironmental forcing during the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition in central-western Portugal
Authors: Aubry Thierry , Dimuccio Luca A. , Almeida Miguel , Neves Maria J. , Angelucci Diego E. , Cunha Lúcio
Published: December 2010

Geoarchaeological analysis of the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic record preserved in cave, rock-shelter and open-air sites in the northern sector of the Meso-Cenozoic of the Western Iberian Peninsula margin (Portugal) reveals several disconformities (erosive unconformities), hiatuses and surface stabilization phases. A recurrent disconformity, dated to ca. 29,500–32,000 cal yr BP, in the time range of Heinrich event 3, must correspond to a main erosive event related to the impacts of climate change on the landscape, including a reduction in vegetation cover and altered precipitation patterns, with the consequent accelerated down-cutting by stream systems, slope reactivation and endokarstic reorganisation, causing the erosion of sediments and soils accumulated in cave, rock-shelter and open-air sites. These processes create a preservation bias that may explain why Early Upper Palaeolithic finds in primary deposition context remains exceptional in the carbonate areas of central-western Portugal, and possibly elsewhere in the other places of Iberia. The impact of such site formation processes must therefore be duly considered in interpretations of the current patchy and scarce archaeological record of the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in south-western Iberia.
The use of a wireless motility device (SmartPill®) for the measurement of gastrointestinal transit time after a dietary fibre intervention
Authors: Timm Derek , Willis Holly , Thomas William , Sanders Lisa , Boileau Thomas , Slavin Joanne
Published: December 2010

Historically, measurement of gastrointestinal transit time has required collection and X-raying of faecal samples for up to 7 d after swallowing radio-opaque markers; a tedious, labour-intensive technique for both subjects and investigators. Recently, a wireless motility capsule (SmartPill®), which uses gut pH, pressure and temperature to measure transit time, has been developed. This device, however, has not been validated with dietary interventions. Therefore, we conducted a controlled cross-over trial to determine whether the device could detect a significant difference in transit time after ten healthy subjects (five men and five women) consumed 9 g of wheat bran (WB) or an equal volume, low-fibre control for 3 d. A pairedttest was used to determine differences in transit times. Colonic transit time decreased by 10·8 (sd6·6) h (P = 0·006) on the WB treatment. Whole-gut transit time also decreased by 8·9 (sd5·4) h (P = 0·02) after the consumption of WB. Gastric emptying time and small-bowel transit time did not differ between treatments. Despite encouraging results, the present study had several limitations including short duration, lack of randomisation and unusable data due to delayed gastric emptying of the capsule. With minimal participant burden, the SmartPill technology appears to be a potentially useful tool for assessing transit time after a dietary intervention. This technology could be considered for digestive studies with novel fibres and other ingredients that are promoted for gut health.
EIGENVALUE ESTIMATES FOR QUADRATIC POLYNOMIAL OPERATOR OF THE LAPLACIAN
Authors: HEJUN SUN , XUERONG QI
Published: December 2010

For a bounded domain Ω in a complete Riemannian manifold M, we investigate the Dirichlet weighted eigenvalue problem of quadratic polynomial operator Δ2 − aΔ + b of the Laplacian Δ, where a and b are the nonnegative constants. We obtain an inequality for eigenvalues which contains a constant that only depends on the mean curvature of M. It yields an upper bound of the (k + 1)th eigenvalue Λk + 1. As their applications, some inequalities and bounds of eigenvalues on a complete minimal submanifold in a Euclidean space and a unit sphere are obtained.
VECTOR MEASURES OF BOUNDED SEMIVARIATION AND ASSOCIATED CONVOLUTION OPERATORS
Authors: SAAB PAULETTE , ROBDERA MANGATIANA A.
Published: December 2010

Let G be a compact metrizable abelian group, and let X be a Banach space. We characterize convolution operators associated with a regular Borel X-valued measure of bounded semivariation that are compact (resp; weakly compact) from L1(G), the space of integrable functions on G into L1(G) X, the injective tensor product of L1(G) and X. Along the way we prove a Fourier Convergence theorem for vector measures of relatively compact range that are absolutely continuous with respect to the Haar measure.
REAL HYPERSURFACES WITH φ-INVARIANT SHAPE OPERATOR IN A COMPLEX PROJECTIVE SPACE
Authors: MAEDA SADAHIRO , NAITOH HIROO
Published: December 2010

We characterize real hypersurfaces of type (A) and ruled real hypersurfaces in a complex projective space in terms of two φ-invariances of their shape operators, and give geometric meanings of these real hypersurfaces by observing their some geodesics.
THREE POSITIVE PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR DYNAMIC EQUATIONS WITH PIECEWISE CONSTANT ARGUMENT AND IMPULSE ON TIME SCALES
Authors: LI YONGKUN , XU ERLIANG
Published: December 2010

In this paper, by using the Leggett–Williams fixed point theorem, the existence of three positive periodic solutions for differential equations with piecewise constant argument and impulse on time scales is investigated. Some easily verifiable sufficient criteria are established. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the results.
Effects of high temperature after anthesis on starch granules in grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: LIU P. , GUO W. , JIANG Z. , PU H. , FENG C. , ZHU X. , PENG Y. , KUANG A. , LITTLE C. R.
Published: December 2010

The effect of high temperatures (above 25°C) on starch concentration and the morphology of starch granules in the grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied. Wheat plants of cultivars Yangmai 9 (weak-gluten) and Yangmai 12 (medium-gluten) were treated with high temperatures for 3 days at different times after anthesis. The results showed that the starch concentration of grains given a heat-shock treatment above 30°C were lower than those developing at normal temperature in both cultivars. High temperature lowered starch concentration due to the decrease of amylopectin. Under the same temperature, the effect of heat shock from 6 to 8 days after anthesis (DAA) was the greatest, whereas from 36 to 38 DAA the effect was the least. The effects of high temperatures after anthesis on starch-pasting properties were similar to those on starch concentration, especially after 35–40°C treatments. The size, shape and structure of starch granules in wheat grains (determined by electron microscopy) after heat shock were visibly different from the control. When given heat shock during development, the starch granules in mature wheat grains were ellipsoid in shape and bound loosely with a protein sheath in Yangmai 9, while they were damaged and compressed with fissures in Yangmai 12, indicating the differences in resistance to high temperature between cultivars. Ratios of large (type-A) and small (type-B) starch granules significantly decreased under heat shock, which limited the potential sink size for dry matter deposition in the grain.
Effects of seasonal changes in feeding management under part-time grazing on terpene concentrations of ewes' milk
Authors: Abilleira Eunate , Virto Mailo , Nájera Ana Isabel , Albisu Marta , Pérez-Elortondo Francisco José , de Gordoa Juan Carlos Ruiz , de Renobales Mertxe , Barron Luis Javier R.
Published: December 2010

Terpene composition of ewes’ raw milk from nine commercial flocks was analysed from February to July. Ewes’ diet consisted of concentrate and conserved forage in winter (indoor feeding) and part-time grazing from spring (transition and outdoor feeding). Regardless of the feeding, limonene and β-phellandrene were the most abundant monoterpenes and β-caryophyllene showed the highest concentrations among sesquiterpenes. Terpene content increased in the milks of commercial flocks when animals were reared under grazing management. Monoterpenes were detected in the milks of all the commercial flocks throughout the season, whereas sesquiterpenes were only detected in the milks from flocks grazing on non-cultivated community-owned grasslands in which a higher biodiversity of plant species grew. These preliminary results indicated that β-caryophyllene could be a potential pasture-diet marker in the case of milks from animals grazing a higher biodiversity of plant species but in-depth studies including information on terpene composition of plants ingested by the animals are necessary to evaluate the suitability of β-caryophyllene or another terpenoid compound as pasture biomarker.
Evaluation of a double centrifugation technique for the detection ofAnoplocephalaeggs in horse faeces
Authors: Rehbein S. , Lindner T. , Visser M. , Winter R.
Published: December 2010

Faecal samples of 250 horses from farms with a known history of tapeworm infection were examined comparatively for cestode eggs using a double centrifugation/combined sedimentation–floatation technique. From each faecal sample, three 5 g and three 15 g subsamples were processed, each using either saturated NaCl solution, specific gravity (sp. g.) 1.2 [NaCl]; concentrated sugar solution, sp. g. 1.26 [sugar]; or concentrated ZnSO4solution, sp. g. 1.3 [ZnSO4] for floatation. In total, faeces from 187 horses ( = 74.8%) tested ‘positive’ forAnoplocephalaeggs. Percentages of samples testing ‘positive’ forAnoplocephalaova were: 57.2% for 5 g faeces/NaCl, 66% for 15 g faeces/NaCl, 66% for 5 g faeces/sugar, 72.8% for 15 g faeces/sugar, 55.6% for 5 g faeces/ZnSO4, and 61.2% for 15 g faeces/ZnSO4, respectively. Processing of 15 g faecal samples resulted in a significant (P < 0.05; McNemar's χ2-test) increase in the percentage ofAnoplocephalaegg detection compared to processing of 5 g samples for all floatation solutions. By processing 15 g faecal samples using sugar solution for floatation, 97.3% of all samples that tested ‘positive’ forAnoplocephalaeggs were identified; there was no significant difference between the rate of samples that tested ‘positive’ using 15 g faeces/sugar (72.8%) and the total rate of samples that tested ‘positive’ (74.8%). Conversely, percentages of ‘positive’ samples from other test combinations were significantly (P < 0.0001, McNemar's χ2-test) lower than the total rate of samples testing ‘positive’. Processing faecal samples using sugar solution for floatation gave significantly (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) higherAnoplocephalaegg counts than using NaCl and ZnSO4solutions, for both 5 g and 15 g faecal samples. The double centrifugation technique using 15 g faecal samples and concentrated sugar solution for floatation appeared to offer an advantage for the detection ofAnoplocephalaeggs in horse faeces compared to the other test combinations.
Unbounded delay stochastic functional Kolmogorov-type system
Authors: Wu Fuke
Published: December 2010

In general, population systems are often subject to environmental noise. To examine whether the presence of such noise affects these systems significantly, we perturb the functional Kolmogorov-type system

into the stochastic functional differential equation

We show that different environmental noise structures have different effects on the population system with unbounded delay. Under two classes of different environmental noise perturbations, we establish existence theorems of the global positive solution to the unbounded delay stochastic functional Kolmogorov-type system. As the desired results for population dynamics, we also examine asymptotic boundedness, including the moment boundedness, stochastically ultimate boundedness and the moment average boundedness in time. To illustrate our idea more clearly, as a special case we also discuss a Lotka–Volterra system with unbounded delay.
On the van der Waals–Cahn–Hilliard phase-field model and its equilibria conditions in the sharp interface limit
Authors: Dreyer Wolfgang , Kraus Christiane
Published: December 2010

We study the thermodynamic consistency of phase-field models, which include gradient terms of the density ρ in the free-energy functional such as the van der Waals–Cahn–Hilliard model. It is well known that the entropy inequality admits gradient and higher-order gradient terms of ρ in the free energy only if either the energy flux or the entropy flux is represented by a non-classical form. We identify a non-classical entropy flux, which is not restricted to isothermal processes, so that gradient contributions are possible.

We then investigate equilibrium conditions for the van der Waals–Cahn–Hilliard phase-field model in the sharp interface limit. For a single substance thermodynamics provides two jump conditions at the sharp interface, namely the continuity of the Gibbs free energies of the adjacent phases and the discontinuity of the corresponding pressures, which is balanced by the mean curvature. We show that these conditions can be also extracted from the van der Waals–Cahn–Hilliard phase-field model in the sharp interface limit. To this end we prove an asymptotic expansion of the density up to the first order. The results are based on local energy estimates and uniform convergence results for the density.
Existence, multiplicity and non-existence of positive solutions for two-point boundary-value problems with strong singularity
Authors: Kim Chan-Gyun
Published: December 2010

We study the existence, multiplicity and non-existence of positive solutions for the singular two-point boundary-value problems

where $\varphi_{p}(s)=|s|^{p-2}s$, $p>1$, λ is a non-negative real parameter and f ∈ C((0, 1) × [0,∞), (0,∞)). Here, f(t, u) may be singular at t = 0 and/or 1. To obtain the main results we use the global continuation theorem and fixed-point index theory.
Global solution curves for a class of quasilinear boundary-value problems
Authors: Korman Philip , Li Yi
Published: December 2010

We use methods of bifurcation theory to study properties of solution curves for a class of quasilinear two-point problems. Unlike semilinear equations, here, solution curves may stop at some point, or solution curves may turn the ‘wrong way’ (compared with semilinear equations) as in a paper by Habets and Omari, where the prescribed mean curvature equation was considered. This class of equations will be our main example. Another difference from semilinear equations is that the bifurcation diagram may depend on the length of the interval, as was discovered recently by Pan, who considered the prescribed mean curvature equation and f(u) = eu. We generalize this result to convex f(u), with f(0) > 0, and to more general quasilinear equations. We also give formulae which allow us to compute all possible turning points and the direction of the turn, generalizing similar formulae in Korman et al. We also present a numerical computation of the bifurcation curves.
Weakly compact operators and the strong* topology for a Banach space
Authors: Peralta Antonio M. , Villanueva Ignacio , Wright J. D. Maitland , Ylinen Kari
Published: December 2010

The strong* topology s*(X) of a Banach space X is defined as the locally convex topology generated by the seminorms x ↦ ‖Sx‖ for bounded linear maps S from X into Hilbert spaces. The w-right topology for X, ρ(X), is a stronger locally convex topology, which may be analogously characterized by taking reflexive Banach spaces in place of Hilbert spaces. For any Banach space Y , a linear map T : X → Y is known to be weakly compact precisely when T is continuous from the w-right topology to the norm topology of Y. The main results deal with conditions for, and consequences of, the coincidence of these two topologies on norm bounded sets. A large class of Banach spaces, including all C*-algebras and, more generally, all JB*-triples, exhibit this behaviour.
The role of strigolactones in host specificity ofOrobancheandPhelipancheseed germination
Authors: Fernández-Aparicio Mónica , Yoneyama Koichi , Rubiales Diego
Published: December 2010

Strigolactones are apocarotenoids regulating shoot branching. They are also known to be exuded by plant roots at very low concentrations, stimulating hyphal branching of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and germination of root parasitic weed seeds. We show that strigolactones play a major role in host specificity ofOrobancheandPhelipanche(the broomrapes) seed germination. This observation confirms that host-derived germination stimulants are an important component determining the host specificity of these parasitic plants. Weedy broomrape species were less specialized in germination requirements than the non-weedy species except forO. cumanaandO. foetidavar.broteri. Similar results were obtained with the root exudates. Some species, such asP. aegyptiacaandO. minor, showed a broad spectrum of host specificity in terms of seed germination, which was stimulated by exudates from the majority of species tested, whereas others, such asO. cumana,O. hederaeandO. densiflora, were highly specific. Some species, such asO. minor,P. aegyptiacaandP. nana, were responsive to the three strigolactones studied, whereas others were induced by only one of them, or did not respond to them at all. The synthetic strigolactone analogue GR24, generally used as a standard for germination tests, was not effective on someOrobancheandPhelipanchespecies. Seeds of some species that did not respond to GR24 were induced to germinate in the presence of fabacyl acetate or strigol, confirming the role of strigolactones in host specificity.
Complete atrioventricular block and reversible systolic dysfunction in left ventricular hypertrabeculation/non-compaction with metabolic myopathy
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Finsterer Josef , Sodeck Gottfried H. , Weidinger Franz
Published: December 2010

A 32-year-old female patient presented with cardiac failure because of systolic dysfunction. Five years before, a DDD pacemaker had been implanted because of complete atrioventricular block. Echocardiographic examination disclosed left ventricular hypertrabeculation/non-compaction. Because of sinus tachycardia, ivabradine was started and the patient’s left ventricular function returned to normal within 4 months. Recurrent creatine-kinase elevation and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining on muscle biopsy suggested metabolic myopathy.
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery in siblings with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Brothers Julie A. , Harris Matthew A. , Paridon Stephen M.
Published: December 2010

We report a case of two brothers with Marfan syndrome and coexistent anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the wrong sinus of Valsalva. To our knowledge, this is the first ever report of siblings with Marfan syndrome who also have anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery. The treatment and management options in the context of sudden death risk are discussed.
Effects of “Diagnosis Threat” on Cognitive and Affective Functioning Long After Mild Head Injury
Authors: Ozen Lana J. , Fernandes Myra A.
Published: December 2010

Persistent cognitive complaints are common following a mild head injury (MHI), but deficits are rarely detected on neuropsychological tests. Our objective was to examine the effect of symptom expectation on self-report and cognitive performance measures in MHI individuals. Prior research suggests that when MHI participants are informed they may experience cognitive difficulties, they perform worse on neuropsychological tests compared to MHI participants who are uninformed. In this study, undergraduate students with and without a prior MHI were either informed that the study's purpose was to investigate the effects of MHI on cognitive functioning (“diagnosis threat” condition) or merely informed that their cognitive functioning was being examined, with no mention of status (“neutral” condition). “Diagnosis threat” MHIs self-reported more attention failures compared to “diagnosis threat” controls and “neutral” MHIs, and more memory failures compared to “diagnosis threat” controls. In the “neutral” condition, MHIs reported higher anxiety levels compared to controls and compared to “diagnosis threat” MHIs. Regardless of condition, MHIs performed worse on only one neuropsychological test of attention span. “Diagnosis threat” may contribute to the prevalence and persistence of cognitive complaints made by MHI individuals found in the literature, but may not have as strong of an effect on neuropsychological measures. (JINS, 2011, 17, 219–229)
An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices
Authors: Jones Sandra C , Kervin Lisa
Published: December 2010

Objective

The present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.

Design

Children were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).

Setting

Three vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects

Children aged 5–12 years (n47).

Results

Children in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).

Conclusions

This was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.
Guest Editors' Preface
Authors: Vismans Roel , Hüning Matthias , Weerman Fred
Published: December 2010

It is not uncommon for the naive native speaker of English to confuse German and Dutch. One reason for this lies in the English names for the languages, but another reason is that Dutch and German sound similar to the anglophone ear. Many, perhaps even most, university students of Dutch in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the anglophone world come to Dutch with a good knowledge of German and again, often draw parallels between their mother tongue, and Dutch and German. Of course, professional linguists know that English and German are neighbors of Dutch and members of the same Germanic language family. However, comments by naive native speakers serve to highlight questions about the typological contrasts between these three languages.
Between Pre-German and Pre-English: The Origin of Dutch
Authors: Buccini Anthony F.
Published: December 2010

This paper examines the socio-historical context in which Dutch arose as a result of contact between Frankish and Ingvæonic speakers in the seventh and eighth centuries. I first consider some persistent pitfalls in socio-historical linguistics with regard to better-known instances of language contact in medieval Europe. I review the reflexes of umlaut in Dutch and propose a solution for this long-standing problem in terms of language contact. Finally, the linguistic analysis is placed in a social and historical context, with special attention to the role of slavery in creating the context for the linguistic developments that took place.*
Another Frisianism in Coastal Dutch:Traam, Treem, Triem‘Crossbeam’
Authors: de Vaan Michiel
Published: December 2010

The dialect geography and etymology of Dutch, Frisian, and GermantrVm(e)‘crossbeam’ suggest that western Dutchtriemcontinues West Germanic+‑ǣ-, which underwent vowel raising to /i./ as in Frisian. Thus, Dutchtraambesidetriembelongs to an established group of Standard Dutch words showing /a./ next to /i./ from West Germanic+‑ǣ-, such asschraalvs.schriel. It is argued that the survival of words in /i./ in the coastal dialects of Dutch fits into recent theories that Standard Dutch is the result of language contact between medieval Frisian and Franconian.*
On the Emergence of an Eighth Ablaut Class in German and Dutch
Authors: Nowak Jessica
Published: December 2010

This article examines a remarkable case of analogy in the verbal systems of German and Dutch which to date has hardly received any attention. In both languages, the ablaut pattern that originally stems from the second Germanic ablaut class (“oPRETERITE=oPAST PARTICIPLE”) spread to other strong verbs by analogy, as in Germanheben–hob–gehobenor Dutchbinden–bond–gebonden. It is argued that the low token frequency of these verbs triggered this analogy. As in both cases a new type of ablaut class arises through the convergence of several strong verbs, I refer to it as the eighth ablaut class.*
Laryngeal Systems in Dutch, English, and German: A Contrastive Phonological Study on Second and Third Language Acquisition
Authors: Simon Ellen , Leuschner Torsten
Published: December 2010

Although Dutch, English, and German all have a phonological contrast between voiced and voiceless plosives, they differ in the way these stops are realized. While English and German contrast voiceless aspirated with phonetically voiceless stops, Dutch has a contrast between voiceless unaspirated and prevoiced stops. This study compares these three laryngeal stop systems and examines the acquisition of the English and German systems by a group of native speakers of Dutch. The analysis reveals that both trained and untrained participants transferred prevoicing from Dutch into English and German but acquired aspiration and thus showed a “mixed” laryngeal system in both their L2 (English) and their L3 (German). Since even untrained participants produced voiceless stops in the target Voice Onset Time range, pronunciation training has only a moderate effect.*
Shallow Versus Deep Footprints in Pseudo-Word Grapheme-to-Phoneme Conversion: Dutch and English
Authors: Borgwaldt Susanne R. , Bolger Patrick , Jakab Emőke
Published: December 2010

Our study is concerned with reading processes. Using a letter-detection paradigm with masked priming, we tested for the existence and time course of vowel digraph effects in Dutch and English. Whereas Dutch readers showed digraph effects with 67-ms primes, English readers showed only letter effects at 67 ms and merely a weak digraph trend at 83 ms. These findings are consistent with the PSYCHOLOGICAL GRAIN SIZE THEORY, a model of reading development that predicts that grapheme-phoneme conversion proceeds faster in shallow than in deep orthographies. This also demonstrates that similar language structures can be processed differently if they are modulated by different inter-faces, in this case, orthography.
Determiner Omission in Dutch Agrammatic Aphasia: Different from German, Similar to English?
Authors: Ruigendijk Esther
Published: December 2010

This study compares speech production data of agrammatic aphasic speakers in Dutch, German, and English to examine the relative importance of different properties of determiners and pronouns (such as case, gender, definiteness) in these three languages. Agrammatic aphasic speakers omit determiners and use relatively few pronouns in their speech production. Ruigendijk (2007) compared Dutch and German-speaking agrammatic speakers’ performance and showed that the German group omitted more determiners. The current study adds data from English-speaking agrammatic aphasics to test the hypothesis that the more severe problems in German agrammatism were caused by case morphology, which is not present on Dutch and English determiners. The results show that English patterns with Dutch, and thus support the hypothesis that it is case morphology that makes the German determiners more problematic.
Combining Modal Particles in German and Dutch
Authors: Braber Natalie , McLelland Nicola
Published: December 2010

This paper is a corpus-based comparative study of modal particles in German and Dutch. We examine the special ability of Dutch and German modal particles to cluster, and demonstrate that Dutch is far more cluster-friendly than German. We also find clear differences in the behavior of cognate particles in the two languages and note that a corpus study reveals quite different patterns from those arrived at by introspection in earlier research. Finally, we suggest that in attempting to capture regularities about particle usage, it is useful to consider not just the linear ordering of particles within a cluster, but also typical non-contiguous pairings (for example, as “brackets” inside which other particles may occur). We also speculate briefly on the function of particle clusters.
Beyond Virtual Inclusion – Communications Inclusion and Digital Divisions
Authors: Sinclair Stephen , Bramley Glen
Published: December 2010

Access to and engagement with information and communications technologies (ICTs) are increasingly important aspects of social inclusion. This paper draws upon analyses of UK survey data and a review of research on communications and social exclusion published in the UK between 2001 and 2006 to examine the social distribution of access to and uptake of ICTs and to explore key factors restricting the digital engagement of young people from lower income households and communities. It argues that effective strategies to bridge digital divisions in the UK must pay more attention to the social rather than technological barriers which inhibit communications inclusion.
Peace Building in Northern Ireland: A Role for Civil Society
Authors: Knox Colin
Published: December 2010

Northern Ireland has witnessed significant political progress with devolution and a power sharing Executive in place since May 2007. These political achievements, however, conceal a highly polarised society characterised by sectarianism and community divisions, the legacy of a protracted conflict. This paper is located in the theoretical discourse between consociationalists who argue that antithetical identities cannot be integrated and advocates of social transformation who support greater cross-community peace-building initiatives through the involvement of civil society. This theoretical debate is taking place in a policy vacuum. The Northern Ireland Executive has abandoned its commitment to the previous (direct rule) administration's A Shared Future policy and is now considering alternatives broadly described as community cohesion, sharing and integration. Using a case study of a Protestant/Catholic interface community, this paper offers empirical evidence of the effectiveness of one social transformation initiative involving community groups in a highly segregated area of West Belfast.
Policy Change under Devolution: The Prism of Children's Policy
Authors: Kay E. , Tisdall M. , Hill Malcolm
Published: December 2010

Children's policy has emerged from the shadows of family and education policy over the last decade throughout the UK. The decade has also seen political and policy transformation, with the change of government from Conservatives to New Labour in 1997 and the latter's delivery on its promise of devolved administrations. Devolution has accompanied claims and attempts to move from ‘government to governance’, to recognise and support partnerships and encourage greater civic engagement.

Scottish children's policy is a prism to review key questions of devolution and its impact on policy change. The article traces and considers policy trends, to conclude that distinctive government structures have interacted with other influences to shape change, allowing more and ‘new’ room for community interests, political parties and distinctive policies.
‘As People Get to Know It More’: Experiences and Expectations of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 amongst Local Information, Advice and Advocacy Services
Authors: Samsi Kritika , Manthorpe Jill , Rapaport Phillip
Published: December 2010

Information, advice and advocacy agencies are important providers of information and support to older people in the community. This study explored the role of Age Concern staff across North London in providing timely information and advice relating to advance decision-making should capacity become impaired for a variety of reasons, particularly in relation to the newly implemented Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. Findings suggest that staff had varied knowledge of the MCA and most lacked confidence in providing detailed advice. Given the wide-reaching scope of the MCA, differentiating between information, advice and advocacy may be necessary.
Introduction: Moving towards Human Rights Based Social Policies in China
Authors: Fisher Karen R. , Shang Xiaoyuan , Blaxland Megan
Published: December 2010

China is at a turning point in the reform of its social welfare system due to new opportunities and pressures. First, China is in transition to a middle developed country. Fast economic growth has created more wealth for the government and society that could be invested in the social welfare of its citizens. Second, social problems and conflicts have accumulated, partly as a result of past social policies, which were residual only, as was common in Asia (Aspalter, 2006). These residual policies had the primary purpose of securing the economic and political interests of the nation, which were regarded as superior to the interests of individual citizens. The social costs of economic growth at the expense of human rights are widespread and often hidden. In this unsustainable situation, the Chinese public has called for fundamental reforms to China's social policies – not only policies aimed at resolving individual problems, but also reform of the basic principles of the social welfare system as a whole.
Informal Kinship Care of Orphans in Rural China
Authors: Shang Xiaoyuan , Saldov Morris , Fisher Karen R.
Published: December 2010

This study examines kinship care of orphans throughout China. It finds that in addition to children becoming orphaned if both parents die, some children are treated as orphans when their father dies and rural traditional kinship care obligations restrict the viability of widowed mothers continuing to care for their child. When mothers are forced for socioeconomic reasons to leave the paternal extended family, children effectively become orphans, dependent on ageing grandparents. Girls and disabled children are most at risk. Implementing financial and other support to orphans, widowed mothers and kinship carers could improve the sustainability of these family relationships.