bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shrub expansion stimulates soil C and N storage along a coastal soil chronosequence
Authors: BRANTLEY STEVEN T. , YOUNG DONALD R.
Published: November 2009

Expansion of woody vegetation in grasslands is a worldwide phenomenon with implications for C and N cycling at local, regional and global scales. Although woody encroachment is often accompanied by increased annual net primary production (ANPP) and increased inputs of litter, mesic ecosystems may become sources for C after woody encroachment because stimulation of soil CO2 efflux releases stored soil carbon. Our objective was to determine if young, sandy soils on a barrier island became a sink for C after encroachment of the nitrogen‐fixing shrub Morella cerifera, or if associated stimulation of soil CO2 efflux mitigated increased litterfall. We monitored variations in litterfall in shrub thickets across a chronosequence of shrub expansion and compared those data to previous measurements of ANPP in adjacent grasslands. In the final year, we quantified standing litter C and N pools in shrub thickets and soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (TN) and soil CO2 efflux in shrub thickets and adjacent grasslands. Heavy litterfall resulted in a dense litter layer storing an average of 809 g C m−2 and 36 g N m−2. Although soil CO2 efflux was stimulated by shrub encroachment in younger soils, soil CO2 efflux did not vary between shrub thickets and grasslands in the oldest soils and increases in CO2 efflux in shrub thickets did not offset contributions of increased litterfall to SOC. SOC was 3.6–9.8 times higher beneath shrub thickets than in grassland soils and soil TN was 2.5–7.7 times higher under shrub thickets. Accumulation rates of soil and litter C were highest in the youngest thicket at 101 g m−2 yr−1 and declined with increasing thicket age. Expansion of shrubs on barrier islands, which have low levels of soil carbon and high potential for ANPP, has the potential to significantly increase ecosystem C sequestration.
Experimental evidence for the attenuating effect of SOM protection on temperature sensitivity of SOM decomposition
Authors: GILLABEL JEROEN , CEBRIAN‐LOPEZ BEATRIZ , SIX JOHAN , MERCKX ROEL
Published: November 2009

The ability to predict C cycle responses to temperature changes depends on the accurate representation of temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition in C models for different C pools and soil depths. Theoretically, Q10 of SOM decomposition is determined by SOM quality and availability (referred to here as SOM protection). Here, we focus on the role of SOM protection in attenuating the intrinsic, SOM quality dependent Q10. To assess the separate effects of SOM quality and protection, we incubated topsoil and subsoil samples characterized by differences in SOM protection under optimum moisture conditions at 25 °C and 35 °C. Although lower SOM quality in the subsoil should lead to a higher Q10 according to kinetic theory, we observed a much lower overall temperature response in subsoil compared with the topsoil. Q10 values determined for respired SOM fractions of decreasing lability within the topsoil increased from 1.9 for the most labile to 3.8 for the least labile respired SOM, whereas corresponding Q10 values for the subsoil did not show this trend (Q10 between 1.4 and 0.9). These results indicate the existence of a limiting factor that attenuates the intrinsic effect of SOM quality on Q10 in the subsoil. A parallel incubation experiment of 13C‐labeled plant material added to top‐ and subsoil showed that decomposition of an unprotected C substrate of equal quality responds similarly to temperature changes in top‐ and subsoil. This further confirms that the attenuating effect on Q10 in the subsoil originates from SOM protection rather than from microbial properties or other nutrient limitations. In conclusion, we found experimental evidence that SOM protection can attenuate the intrinsic Q10 of SOM decomposition.
The use of theory in qualitative approaches to research: application in end‐of‐life studies
Authors: Wu Hung‐Lan , Volker Deborah L.
Published: November 2009

Title.  The use of theory in qualitative approaches to research: application in end‐of‐life studies.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an analysis of the use of theory in qualitative approaches to research as exemplified in qualitative end‐of‐life studies.

Background.  Nurses researchers turn to theory to conceptualize research problems and guide investigations. However, researchers using qualitative approaches do not consistently articulate how theory has been applied, and no clear consensus exists regarding the appropriate application of theory in qualitative studies. A review of qualitative, end‐of‐life studies is used to illustrate application of theory to study design and findings.

Data sources.  A review of theoretical literature was carried out, focusing on definitions and use of theory in qualitative end‐of‐life studies published in English between 1990 and 2008.

Discussion.  The term ‘theory’ continues to be used in a variety of ways by theorists and researchers. Within the reviewed end‐of‐life studies, the use of theory included theory creation or provision of a comparative framework for data analysis and interpretation.

Implications for nursing.  Nurses who conduct qualitative studies should examine the philosophical and theoretical bases of their selected methodological approach, articulate a theoretical framework that fits the phenomenon being studied, and adopt a critical, flexible and creative attitude when applying theory to a study.

Conclusion.  Theory can be put to several uses in qualitative inquiry and should guide nurse researchers as they develop and implement their studies. Nurse educators who teach qualitative approaches to research should emphasize a variety of ways to incorporate theory in qualitative designs.
A host species‐informative internal control for molecular assessment of African swine fever virus infection rates in the African sylvatic cycle Ornithodoros vector
Authors: BASTOS A. D. S. , ARNOT L. F. , JACQUIER M. D. , MAREE S.
Published: November 2009

African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection in adult Ornithodoros porcinus (Murry 1877, sensuWalton 1979) ticks collected from warthog burrows in southern and East Africa was assessed using a duplex genomic amplification approach that is informative with respect to the invertebrate host species and infecting sylvatic cycle virus. DNA extracted from individual ticks was used as template for the simultaneous amplification of a C‐terminal 478‐bp ASFV p72 gene region and a ∼313‐bp fragment of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, under optimized reaction conditions. Within‐warthog burrow infection rates ranged from 0% to 43% using this approach, and phylogenetic analysis of 16S gene sequences revealed the presence of three geographically discrete O. porcinus lineages, but no support for subspecies recognition. False negatives are precluded by the inclusion of host species‐informative primers that ensure the DNA integrity of cytoplasmically located genome extracts. In addition, infection rate estimates are further improved as false positives arising from carry‐over contamination when performing a two‐step nested polymerase chain reaction are negated by the one‐step approach. Phylogenetic comparison of full‐length virus gene sequences with the partial C‐terminal p72 gene target confirmed the epidemiological utility of the latter in a sylvatic setting. The method is therefore of particular value in studies assessing the prevalence and diversity of ASFV in relation to the African sylvatic tick vector and holds potential for investigating the role of alternative tick species in virus maintenance and transmission.
The thorough QT/QTc study 4 years after the implementation of the ICH E14 guidance
Authors: Darpo B
Published: November 2009

The ICH E14 guidance on how to clinically assess a new drug's liability to prolong the QT interval was adopted in May 2005. A centre‐piece of the guidance was the establishment of one single trial, the ‘thorough QT/QTcstudy’, intended to confidently identify drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Initially perceived as a great challenge, this study has rapidly become a standard component of all clinical development programs for new molecular entities. The study is normally conducted in healthy volunteers, includes both a positive and a negative (placebo) control and is stringently powered to exclude an effect on the QTc interval exceeding 10 ms. The E14 guidance was intentionally not very prescriptive and allowed sponsors and service providers to explore new methodologies. This has allowed for a rapid development of new methods during the first years after the guidance's implementation, such as computer‐assisted algorithms for QT measurements. Regulators have worked in close collaboration with pharmaceutical industry to set standards for the design and conduct of the ‘thorough QT/QTc study’, which therefore has evolved as a key component of cardiac safety assessment of new drugs. This paper summarizes the requirements on the ‘thorough QT/QTc study’ with emphasis on the standard that has evolved based on interactions between regulators and sponsors and the experience from a large number of completed studies.

This article is part of a themed section on QT safety. To view this issue visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2010
A Novel Synergistic Combination of Cyclophosphamide and Gene Transfer of Interleukin-12 Eradicates Colorectal Carcinoma in Mice
Authors: Malvicini Mariana , Rizzo Miguel , Alaniz Laura , Piñero Federico , García Mariana , Atorrasagasti Catalina , Aquino Jorge B. , Rozados Viviana , Scharovsky O. Graciela , Matar Pablo , Mazzolini Guillermo
Published: November 2009

Purpose: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an immunostimulatory cytokine with potent antitumor effects in several animal models. However, serious toxicity has been associated with its systemic application in humans. Gene transfer has emerged as a tool to specifically express therapeutic genes into the tumor/peritumoral milieu, thus avoiding systemic toxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze whether subtherapeutic doses of an adenovirus encoding IL-12 (AdIL-12) might synergize with low immunopotentiating doses of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.

Experimental Design: The antitumor effect of combining a single low dose of cyclophosphamide with an intratumoral injection of AdIL-12 was evaluated in an in vivo murine colorectal carcinoma model. The immune responses achieved with different treatments were monitored, comparing the effect of combining both therapies with individual treatments.

Results: The combined therapy induced a complete tumor regression in >50% of mice in a synergistic fashion, and it significantly prolonged their survival. This strategy was superior to each single treatment in reducing both peripheral and splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, increasing the number of activated dendritic cells, and inducing IFN-γ-secreting CD4-positive T lymphocytes. Importantly, the combined treatment generated a powerful tumor-specific CTL response. Consistently, a significant reduction in IL-10 levels was found. Our data suggest that the combination of nontoxic doses of cyclophosphamide with AdIL-12 allows the generation of good antitumoral responses, thus avoiding undesired side effects of both agents.

Conclusions: Our data strongly support the use of a combination of cyclophosphamide and AdIL-12 as a novel therapeutic strategy against colorectal carcinoma. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(23):7256–65)
/s/ plus Stop Clusters in Children’s Speech
Authors: Bond Z.S. , Wilson Howard F.
Published: November 2009

Young children frequently substitute stops for fricative-stop clusters. In this paper, we report acoustic measurements for children’s intended voiced and voiceless stops, and for stops substituting for clusters. Judging from voice-onset time measurements, children employ various strategies for assigning phonological status to the substituted stops.
Cricothyroid Activity and Control of Voicing in Hindi Stops and Affricates
Authors: Dixit Prakash , MacNeilage Peter F.
Published: November 2009

Simultaneous recordings of voice and cricothyroid activity during speech gestures by one speaker of Hindi were made. The experimental utterances consisted of monosyllabic and bisyllabic meaningful and nonsense words containing in prestressed initial and medial and poststressed final positions the voiced and unvoiced stops and affricates from both the aspirated and unaspirated categories. All of the words were embedded in the carrier sentence ‘baba – ap boliye’. The results show markedly higher levels of cricothyroid activity for the unvoiced stops and affricates than for their voiced cognates. This cricothyroid activity appears to facilitate voicelessness through increased fold tension during unvoiced stops and affricates and thus contributes to the execution of voicing distinction in voiced and unvoiced stops and affricates. Fundamental frequency data obtained on precisely the utterances reported in this paper also seem to fit the hypothesis that unvoiced stops and affricates have higher fold tension than voiced stops and affricates.
Missionary Medicine and Akan Therapeutics: Illness, Health and Healing in Southern Ghana's Basel Mission, 1828-1918
Authors: Mohr Adam
Published: November 2009

The Basel missionaries in southern Ghana came from a strong religious healing tradition in southwest Germany that, within some circles, had reservations about the morality and efficacy of biomedicine in the nineteenth century. Along with Akan Christians, these missionaries in Ghana followed local Akan healing practices before the colonial period was formalized, contrary to a pervasive discourse condemning local religion and healing as un-Christian. Around 1885, however, a radical shift in healing practices occurred within the mission and in Germany that corresponded to both the Bacteriological Revolution and the formal colonial period. In 1885 the first medical missionary from Basel arrived in Ghana, while at the same time missionaries began supporting biomedicine exclusively. This posed a great problem for Akan Christians, who began to seek Akan healers covertly. Akan Christians argued with their European coreligionists that Akan healing was a form of culturally relative therapy, not a rival theology.
The Inter-relationship between International and National Minority-Rights Law in Selected Western Balkan States
Authors: Harzl Benedikt , Engl Alice
Published: November 2009

The violent conflicts that erupted after the breakup of communist regimes (especially in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) have gradually changed the standing of minority rights and minority protection: first, the differential treatment of minority groups has become a legitimate—if not necessary—instrument to guarantee equality and stability, and, second, minority-rights legislation and minority protection are increasingly regarded as a responsibility shared among national and international actors. This inter-relationship between international instruments and national legal provisions can be usefully observed particularly in the states that emerged from the breakup of Yugoslavia. Due to the necessity of ensuring peace and stability, the constitutions of these emerging states have been increasingly influenced by international norms and standards for minority protection—a process that can be characterized as the 'internationalization of constitutional law'. This article assesses these developments, at both the national and international levels, in order to shed light on the particular inter-relationship among these different layers, by looking at the example of selected Western Balkan states.
Fuzzy Statehood: An International Legal Perspective on Kosovo's Declaration of Independence
Authors: Knoll Bernhard
Published: November 2009

This contribution subjects Kosovo's declaration of independence of 2008 to a comprehensive and detailed analysis from the perspective of international law. It begins with a reflection on Kosovo's status process as it unfolded in 2006 and discusses some of the challenges that Serbia faced when it proposed that Kosovo be vested with “more than autonomy, less than independence”. The main body of the article speculates on some of the implications that Kosovo's independence may have in public international law, especially with a view to the forthcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the matter. It concludes that the resolution of Kosovo's status has to be seen in the context of a decreasing reliance on the international norm that has hitherto protected the territorial integrity of states.
Representing the “Sea Woman”
Authors: Laugrand Frédéric , Oosten Jarich
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the dynamics of the representation of the “sea woman,” sometimes known as Sedna, among the Inuit of Northeastern Canada in myths, shamanic experiences, and modern artistic representations. The varying representations of the sea women are connected to shamanic practice. The sea woman does not have a clearly defined iconography; this lack of definition gave shamans some flexibility in giving versions of encounters with the sea women, and enables Inuit artists to utilize that lack of iconographic specificity in creating their sculptures today.
Complications of LASIK Flaps Made by the IntraLase 15- and 30-kHz Femtosecond Lasers
Authors: Haft Payman , Yoo Sonia H. , Kymionis George D. , Ide Takeshi , O'Brien Terrence P. , Culbertson William W.
Published: November 2009

Purpose:

To describe complications associated with femtosecond laser-assisted flap creation in LASIK surgery. The management and visual outcomes of femtosecond laser complications related to flap creation in LASIK patients are also described.

Methods:

All eyes that underwent LASIK with the IntraLase femtosecond laser from September 2003 to June 2006 at a university-based refractive center were included in this retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series and IntraLase-related LASIK complications are described. All flaps were made with the 15- and 30-kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser.

Results:

Included in the study were 4772 eyes, of which 44 (0.92%) eyes had direct or indirect complications due to flap creation. Thirty-two eyes had indirect complications (diffuse lamellar keratitis [DLK] and transient light sensitivity)—20 (0.42%) eyes developed DLK (stage 1 to 2) and 12 (0.25%) eyes had transient light sensitivity syndrome. Twelve (0.25%) eyes had direct femtosecond laser flap-related complications—8 (0.17%) eyes had premature breakthrough of gas through the epithelium within the flap margins, 3 (0.06%) eyes had incomplete flaps due to suction loss, and 1 (0.02%) eye had irregular flap due to previous corneal scar.

Conclusions:

Less than 1% of eyes had direct or indirect complications due to femtosecond laser flap creation. Laser in situ keratomileusis complications specifically related to the IntraLase femtosecond laser did not cause loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in any eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2009;25:979–984.]
Accuracy of WASCA Aberrometer Refraction Compared to Manifest Refraction in Chinese Adult Myopes
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , Dai Jinhui , Chu Renyuan , Lu Yi , Zhou Xingtao , Wang Lin
Published: November 2009

Purpose:

To investigate the accuracy of the Carl Zeiss Meditec Wavefront Supported Custom Ablation (WASCA) aberrometer in refraction testing for Chinese myopic adults.

Methods:

Manifest refraction and WASCA were performed on 360 eyes of 360 consecutive Chinese myopic adults without cycloplegia. Both vector analysis and conventional notation were applied for comparing results, and differences between WASCA and manifest refraction for each component were calculated for accuracy evaluation. Correlation coefficients, regression equations, and mean errors of each component between the two methods were also tested.

Results:

Pearson correlation coefficient for M, J
0
, J
45
, sphere, and cylinder was 0.9680, 0.9320, 0.8655, 0.9668, and 0.8761, respectively. Mean error for the components above was −0.39±0.71 diopters (D), −0.02±0.16 D, 0.01±0.12 D, −0.42±0.70 D, and 0.06±0.30 D, respectively. In patients whose manifest vector M was ⩽−6.00 D, mean errors of sphere and vector M were larger than the remainder of the study group. Ninety percent cylinder errors were within ±0.50 D. Mean error of axis was 7.4°, with 50% of eyes within 5°. In cases with ⩽−0.75 D astigmatism, mean error of axis was 9.8°, which was larger than the remainder of the study group by 4.9°.

Conclusions:

For Chinese myopic adults, the concordance between WASCA and manifest refraction is, on average, high. However, for eyes with low to moderate spherocylindrical refraction, WASCA is less accurate in predicting sphere and vector M. It is also less effective for the measurement of axis in patients with astigmatism ⩽<0.75 D. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:1026–1033.]
Antioxidant Activity of Degradable Polymer Poly(trolox ester) to Suppress Oxidative Stress Injury in the Cells
Authors: Wattamwar Paritosh P. , Mo Yiqun , Wan Rong , Palli Roshan , Zhang Qunwei , Dziubla Thomas D.
Published: November 2009

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that has been implicated as a central player in a variety of diseases, including vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. More recently, oxidative stress has also been shown to be involved in the biological incompatibility of many materials, especially at the nanoscale. As such, there is a critical need for new biomaterials that can inhibit this response, improving the compatibility of medical devices. In this work, trolox, a synthetic antioxidant and water‐soluble analogue of Vitamin E, is polymerized to form an oxidation active polymer as a new class of biomaterial. Synthesized poly(trolox ester) polymers were formulated into nanoparticles using a single emulsion technique, and their size was controlled by changing the polymer concentration in the organic solvent. Nanoparticle cytotoxicity, protective effects against cellular oxidative stress, and degradation kinetics were all evaluated. Poly(trolox ester) nanoparticles were found to have little to no cytotoxicity and were capable of suppressing cellular oxidative stress induced by cobalt nanoparticles. In vitro degradation studies of poly(trolox ester) nanoparticles indicate that the antioxidant activity of nanoparticles was derived from its enzymatic degradation to release active antioxidants.
Bubble size distribution modeling in stirred gas–liquid reactors with QMOM augmented by a new correction algorithm
Authors: Petitti Miriam , Nasuti Andrea , Marchisio Daniele L. , Vanni Marco , Baldi Giancarlo , Mancini Nicola , Podenzani Fabrizio
Published: November 2009

Local gas hold‐up and bubbles size distributions have been modeled and validated against experimental data in a stirred gas–liquid reactor, considering two different spargers. An Eulerian multifluid approach coupled with a population balance model (PBM) has been employed to describe the evolution of the bubble size distribution due to break‐up and coalescence. The PBM has been solved by resorting to the quadrature method of moments, implemented through user defined functions in the commercial computational fluid dynamics code Fluent v. 6.2. To overcome divergence issues caused by moments corruption, due to numerical problems, a correction scheme for the moments has been implemented; simulation results prove that it plays a crucial role for the stability and the accuracy of the overall approach. Very good agreements between experimental data and simulations predictions are obtained, for a unique set of break‐up and coalescence kinetic constants, in a wide range of operating conditions. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Expression of interleukin 15 in primary adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wu Shuling , Fischer Lars , Gökbuget Nicola , Schwartz Stefan , Burmeister Thomas , Notter Michael , Hoelzer Dieter , Fuchs Hendrik , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Hofmann Wolf K , Thiel Eckhard
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:

Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) has been associated with the growth, survival and biological behavior of leukemic cells and response to therapy. We determined the expression of IL‐15 in lymphoblasts and evaluated its potential impact on the outcome in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS:

Between June 1999 and June 2006, ALL samples were collected from 87 adult patients before initiation of antineoplastic therapy. These patients were enrolled in the German Multicenter Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia June 1999 and July 2003 study trials. The expression of IL‐15 in leukemic cells was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS:

The expression of IL‐15 correlated with the immunophenotype: T‐lineage ALL had a more than 4‐fold higher IL‐15 mRNA expression as compared with B‐cell precursor (BCP)‐ALL (P < .001). Patients with BCR‐ABL+‐BCP‐ALL had lower IL‐15 expression compared with BCR‐ABL−‐BCP‐ALL (P = .041). Furthermore, higher expression of IL‐15 was associated with mediastinal (P = .001) and lymph node infiltration (P = .051), but not with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Notably, high IL‐15 expression in BCP‐ALL was associated with an inferior relapse‐free survival (RFS) at 5 years (0.17 ± 0.13 vs 0.47 ± 0.13) (P = .008), but there was no impact on overall survival (P = .249).

CONCLUSIONS:

Differential expression of IL‐15 in adult ALL at diagnosis was associated with clinical features and outcome, in particular, RFS. It remains to be evaluated whether IL‐15 might be a relevant therapy target, or might be used for risk stratification. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Mycolipenic and Mycolipanolic Acid
Authors: ter Horst Bjorn , van Wermeskerken Jeroen , Feringa Ben L. , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: November 2009

The first asymmetric synthesis of mycolipenic acid and mycolipanolic acid by using an improved iterative procedure involving catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of MeMgBr as the key step is described. Mycolipenic and mycolipanolic acid are obtained in 11 steps with perfect stereocontrol, and both acids are identical to their counterparts from natural sources.
Capillary electrochromatography with packed bead beds in microfluidic devices
Authors: Jemere Abebaw B. , Martinez Dolores , Finot Michael , Harrison D. Jed
Published: November 2009

Microchip‐based bead‐packed columns for electrochromatography are described for several types of stationary phases. Chromatography columns 2 mm in length were used for the separation of proteins and peptides by size‐ and ion‐exchange modes of separation, respectively. In size‐exclusion electrochromatograpgy, FITC‐IgG and FITC‐insulin were baseline resolved in less than 10 s, with efficiencies of up to 139,000 plates/m for FITC‐insulin. In strong cation‐exchange electrochromatography, a mixture of three fluorescently labeled peptides was baseline resolved in less than 40 s, with efficiencies up to 400,000 plates/m. The RSD for the analytes retention times were<3% in both size‐exclusion and ion‐exchange modes of separations. The use of a 1‐mm‐long reverse‐phase column for the semiquantitative evaluation of pharmaceutical formulations in drug solubility tests illustrates the use of this microfluidic chip‐based electrochromatographic approach to drug development.
A review of advanced techniques for characterising SOFC behaviour
Authors: Malzbender J. , Steinbrech R. W. , Singheiser L.
Published: November 2009

The use of advanced characterization methods to assess degradation and failure mechanisms is gaining increasing importance within the closed loop of design, fabrication, testing and post operational analysis of solid oxide fuel cell materials, cells and stacks.

Characterization can be separated into electrochemical and non‐electrochemical methods that are used either in‐situ or pre‐/post‐operational. In the present work, a selection of non‐electrochemical methods is reviewed with the aim of improving the understanding of material interactions, degradation mechanisms and failure modes. The described experimental techniques include X‐ray computer tomography to assess defects in cells and sealants and X‐ray diffraction to analyze residual stresses. Furthermore, the effect of mechanical loading on the contact area is addressed, in‐situ observation techniques are outlined and finally methods for microstructure characterization are illustrated.
Evaluation of operators' performance for automation design in the fully digital control room of nuclear power plants
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Yenn Tzu‐Chung , Yang Chih‐Wei
Published: November 2009

Recent technical developments in computer hardware and software have meant that human–machine systems can be automated in many respects. If automation fails, however, human operators can have difficulty in recognizing the existence of a problem, identifying what has failed, and taking corrective action to remedy these out‐of‐the‐loop (OOTL) performance problems. Several studies have suggested that taxonomies of levels of automation (LOAs) and types of automation (TOAs) can be used to solve OOTL problems. This study examined the impact of LOAs in process control automation within the context of nuclear power plants (NPPs). A simulation experiment in an NPP is performed to validate this framework using an automatic mode and a semiautomatic mode. Mental demand is found to be significantly reduced under the automatic mode; however, participants felt frustrated with this LOA. Situation awareness is found to be similar in the two modes. The results of an end‐of‐experiment subjective rating reveal that participants were evenly divided between the two modes with respect to generating and selecting functions. It is therefore suggested that human operators be involved in generating and selecting functions under an automatic mode. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On recognizing graphs by numbers of homomorphisms
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk
Published: November 2009

Let hom (G, H) be the number of homomorphisms from a graph G to a graph H. A well‐known result of Lovász states that the function hom (·, H) from all graphs uniquely determines the graph H up to isomorphism. We study this function restricted to smaller classes of graphs. We show that several natural classes (2‐degenerate graphs and graphs homomorphic to an arbitrary non‐bipartite graph) are sufficient to recognize all graphs, and provide a description of graph properties that are recognizable by graphs with bounded tree‐width. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 64: 330–342, 2010
Chickpea protein isolates obtained by wet extraction as emulsifying agents
Authors: Papalamprou Evdoxia M , Doxastakis Georgios I , Kiosseoglou Vassilios
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Wet extraction of protein from defatted chickpea (variety Thiva (T), Greece) flour, at alkaline or slightly acidic pH, followed by isoelectric precipitation (pI) or ultrafiltration (UF) to recover the protein, was employed to obtain a number of chickpea protein isolates, enriched either in protein constituents belonging to the globulin (TpI, TUF, TUFG) or to the albumin fraction (TUFA).

RESULTS: The interfacial activity and film‐forming ability of the isolate protein constituents as well as their emulsifying properties were evaluated. The method applied for chickpea protein isolate preparation influenced to an appreciable extent their composition, adsorption behaviour to oil–water interfaces and emulsion formation and stabilization characteristics, especially with respect to oil droplet flocculation and coalescence. The isolates also differed in their ability to stabilize emulsions subjected to thermal processing or following storage under freezing conditions. The results are discussed in terms of compositional and, possibly, structural differences existing between the protein constituents of the chickpea isolates that may influence their functional behaviour in emulsion systems.

CONCLUSION: The method applied for isolate preparation influenced to an appreciable extent the ability of proteins to adsorb to the oil–water interface and stabilize emulsions during long‐time ageing or following heat treatment or freezing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Longitudinal change of treatment‐related upper limb dysfunction and its impact on late dysfunction in breast cancer survivors: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Eun Joo , Park Won‐Beom , Seo Kwan Sik , Kim Sung‐Won , Heo Chan‐Yeong , Lim Jae‐Young
Published: November 2009

Background and Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of upper limb dysfunction (ULD) and subtypes after breast cancer surgery and to identify factors associated with late ULD.

Methods

Among 191 enrolled patients, 191 were evaluated at 3 months, 187 at 6 months, and 183 at 12 months after surgery. Pain, shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, and arm circumference were assessed. Based on symptoms and physical examinations, the types of ULD common after breast cancer treatment were diagnosed and categorized.

Results

The prevalence of ULD after surgery were 24.6%, 20.9%, and 26.8% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The most common types of ULD were pectoralis tightness at 3 and 6 months and lymphedema at 12 months. Patients with pectoralis tightness or lymphedema at 3 or 6 months showed a higher prevalence of rotator cuff disease at 12 months compared with those without early pectoralis tightness or lymphedema.

Conclusions

The major post‐operative ULD were pectoralis tightness at 3 and 6 months and lymphedema at 12 months. Late ULD such as rotator cuff disease were associated with pectoral tightness or lymphedema at earlier stages. Diagnosis and treatment of ULD should take place as soon as possible after surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:84–91. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical spectrum of patients with erosion of the inner ear by jugular bulb abnormalities
Authors: Friedmann David R. , Le B. Thuy , Pramanik Bidyut K. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Anatomic variants of the jugular bulb (JB) are common; however, abnormalities such as large high riding JB and JB diverticulum (JBD) are uncommon. Rarely, the abnormal JB may erode into the inner ear. The goal of our study is to report a large series of patients with symptomatic JB erosion into the inner ear.

Study Design:

Retrospective review in an academic medical center.

Methods:

Eleven patients with JB abnormality eroding into the inner ear were identified on computed tomography (CT) scan of the temporal bone.

Results:

Age at presentation was from 5 years to 82 years with six males and five females. The large JB or JBD eroded into the vestibular aqueduct (n = 9) or the posterior semicircular canal (n = 4). The official radiology report usually identified the JB abnormality; however, erosion into these structures by the JB was not mentioned in all but one case. All patients were symptomatic with five having conductive hearing loss (CHL) and three complaining of pulsatile tinnitus. Those with pulsatile tinnitus and four of five with CHL had erosion into the vestibular aqueduct. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) findings in three of six patients were consistent with dehiscence of the inner ear.

Conclusions:

High riding large JB or JBD can erode into the inner ear and may be associated with CHL and/or pulsatile tinnitus. CT scan is diagnostic and should be examined specifically for these lesions. As patients with pulsatile tinnitus may initially undergo a magnetic resonance imaging scan, identification of JB abnormality should prompt CT scan or VEMP testing to evaluate for inner ear erosion. Laryngoscope, 2010
Morphology and pH Sensing Characteristics of New Luminescent Electrospun Fibers Prepared from Poly(phenylquinoline)‐block‐Polystyrene/Polystyrene Blends
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Ching , Tung Yi‐Chih , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: November 2009

New luminescent electrospun (ES) fibers for pH‐tunable colorimetric sensors were prepared from binary blends of poly(phenylquinoline)‐block‐polystyrene (PPQ‐b‐PS)/polystyrene (PS) with a single‐capillary spinneret. The PPQ‐b‐PS aggregated domain sizes in the ES fibers prepared from dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), chlorobenzene (CB) and chloroform (CHCl3) were 1.5 ± 0.5, 2.2 ± 0.4 and 4.1 ± 1.1 µm, respectively. Such variation on the aggregation size led to the red‐shifting photoluminescence spectra changing from green, to yellow, and orange. ES fibers prepared from CH2Cl2 exhibited pH‐tunable photoluminescence and the emission maximum varied from 532 to 560 nm as the pH value changed from 7 to 1. The study demonstrated that the ES fibers prepared could have potential applications for sensory devices.

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Fabrication of Patterned Polydiacetylene Composite Films Using a Replica‐Molding (REM) Technique
Authors: Yarimaga Oktay , Lee Sumi , Kim Jong‐Man , Choi Yang‐Kyu
Published: November 2009

Functional three‐dimensional (3D) micropatterns of diacetylene supramolecules embedded in a host polymer have been successfully fabricated by a replica‐molding (REM) technique. Dimensional reduction as a result of liquid evaporation during the curing process does not affect the conformational features of the transferred patterns. Polymerization of the diacetylene vesicles using 254 nm UV‐light irradiation from the back‐side of the transparent substrate induces blue colored polydiacetylene (PDA) micro‐images. Interestingly, the polymerization selectively occurs in the molded areas because of the sub‐300 nm light blocking property of SU‐8. 3D fluorescence patterns are readily obtained by heat treatment of the blue images on the film.

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Prediction of Propagation Rate Coefficients in Free Radical Solution Polymerization Based on Accurate Quantum Chemical Methods: Vinylic and Related Monomers, Including Acrylates and Acrylic Acid
Authors: Deglmann Peter , Müller Imke , Becker Florian , Schäfer Ansgar , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Weiß Horst
Published: November 2009

The simulation of polymerization processes is of enormous industrial importance. A quantum chemical method based on density functional theory is developed and validated that provides almost chemical accuracy for radical polymerization propagation of industrially relevant monomers in aqueous solution. The necessary corrections are computed using the CC level of theory. Solvent effects are accounted for by the solvation model COSMO‐RS. The method is capable of reproducing and rationalizing, for example, monomer concentration effects on the propagation rate for NVP. A comparison is performed with recent PLP experimental data. The method does not rely on error compensation effects or empiric corrections and is suitable for industrially relevant systems.

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Linking prevention science and social and emotional learning: The Oregon Resiliency Project
Authors: Merrell Kenneth W.
Published: November 2009

This article reviews the contributions of the Oregon Resiliency Project, an effort to enhance positive social–emotional development of children and youth through social and emotional learning (SEL). The project was launched in 2001 as a collaborative effort between faculty and graduate student researchers at the University of Oregon. The primary aims have included training, outreach, and research in school‐based mental health promotion. One of the major contributions has been the development of the Strong Kids programs, SEL curricula designed to be used by educators and mental health personnel at the pre‐K through Grade 12 level as a brief and low‐cost way to promote SEL. The Strong Kids programs and the process of developing and refining them are described. The yield of several feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness studies are overviewed, as are the lessons learned in conducting this line of work. Additional efforts of the project are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning science through research apprenticeships: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Sadler Troy D. , Burgin Stephen , McKinney Lyle , Ponjuan Luis
Published: November 2009

Science education models for secondary and college students as well as K‐12 teachers have been dominated by classroom‐based approaches. Recently, research apprenticeships wherein learners worked with practicing scientists on authentic scientific research have become increasingly popular. The purpose of this critical review of the literature was to review and synthesize empirical studies that have explored learning outcomes associated with research apprenticeships for science learners. We reviewed 53 studies of scientific research apprenticeship experiences for secondary students, undergraduates and teachers, both pre‐service and in‐service. The review explored various learning outcomes associated with participation in research apprenticeships. These outcomes included effects of apprenticeship experiences on participant career aspirations, ideas about the nature of science (NOS), understandings of scientific content, confidence for doing science and intellectual development. The extant literature supported many of the presumed positive associations between apprenticeship experiences and desired learning outcomes, but findings related to some themes (e.g., NOS understandings) supported conflicting conclusions. Implications included importance of the length of the apprenticeship, need to explicitly place attention on desired outcomes, and engagement of participants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47:235–256, 2010
Carbon nanotubes towards medicinal biochips
Authors: Tarakanov Alexander O. , Goncharova Larisa B. , Tarakanov Yury A.
Published: November 2009

This overview focuses on the recent advances in carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based biochips and tries to clarify their potential for modern molecular medicine. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 1–10

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Leaving a Legacy: Bequest Giving in Australia
Authors: Wiepking Pamala , Madden Kym , McDonald Katie
Published: November 2009

This article considers what drives donors to leave charitable bequests. Building on theories of charitable bequest giving, we consider two types of motivations for leaving a bequest: attitudinal and structural motivations. Using unique Australian data, we show that a strong belief in the efficacy of charitable organisations has a significant positive effect on the likelihood of leaving a bequest, as does past giving behaviour and having no children. As bequests constitute an important income stream for charitable organisations, this research can help fundraisers better target their marketing strategies towards those most likely to plan their estates and motivate these people to make bequests.
Tensions as Resources in Jewish Historical Civilizational Experience
Authors: Eisenstadt Shmuel N.
Published: November 2009

The article analyzes in a comparative framework the Jewish historical experience as a distinct – the first monotheistic – Axial civilization and the major characteristics thereof. Special emphasis is given to the multivalence of the major components of the cultural orientations, collective consciousness and institutional premises as they bear on its long historical continuity and their major carriers, including heterodoxies. The article points out some of the major differences of the modern Jewish historical experience as compared with medieval history.
Power, Boundaries and Institutions: Marriage in Ultra-Orthodox Judaism
Authors: Lehmann David , Siebzehner Batia
Published: November 2009

The growth in the numbers and influence of ultra-Orthodoxy – the haredim – since the Second World War has changed Judaism worldwide, even though it remains a minority culture. Growth has occurred through the maximization of family size and through the movement oft'shuva(“return”), and it has benefited from state and private subsidies to the institutions of Torah learning (yeshivotand schooling generally), which have become one of the twin pillars of ultra-Orthodoxy. The other pillar is theshidduch, the system of concerted marriage which ensures that more or less everyone gets married, and strengthens the educational institutions which inculcate among prospective brides a preference for a learned husband engaged in full-time study, and for a life devoted to sustaining him.
Glycaemic responses to cereal-based Indian food preparations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and normal subjects
Authors: Urooj Asna , Puttaraj Shashikala
Published: November 2009

The in vivo glycaemic responses to six cereal-based foods traditionally consumed in South India were evaluated in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and healthy volunteers. All foods contained 50 g carbohydrate and were compared with a 50 g glucose load. Also studied were the in vitro starch digestibility and nutrient composition of the foods. The postprandial responses to the foods at 30, 60 and 120 min were significantly (P < 0·05) lower than those to the reference glucose, in both groups. The peak glucose responses for three foods, i.e. chapatti, idli and poori, occurred 60 min postprandially in both groups. The glycaemic index (GI) values ranged from 67 to 90 in NIDDM and from 44 to 69 in healthy subjects with no significant differences within the groups. Significant relationships were observed between peak responses and area under the curve for foods in patients with NIDDM and in vitro rate of starch hydrolysis (r 0·83, r 0·85, P < 0·05). The GI values predicted using in vitro data were found to be similar to the GI values observed in patients with NIDDM. The GI concept is useful for identifying foods in the habitual Indian diet with attributes of the desired glycaemic effect such as delayed peak rise and low area under the curve.
On the Life History of the Lungworm, Synthetocaulus abstrusus, hitherto confused with that of Ollulanus tricuspis in Cats
Authors: Cameron Thomas W. M.
Published: November 2009

In 1865, Leuckart described from the stomach of the domestic cat, a minute bursate worm which he named Ollulanus tricuspis. His original description was somewhat scanty, but it was amplified in later years (1867–1876). As this work is scattered throughout many pages, the following is a brief resumé of Leuckart's theory.

He was struck by the fact, that being viviparous in habit, it resembled Trichinella spiralis, but recognised that several fundamental differences existed between them. Ollulanus never produced more than three larvae at a time from relatively large eggs, about 60μ to 120μ long; whereas Trichinella produced numerous larvae with small eggs about 35μ long. He found what he believed were the free larvae of Ollulanus, which measured about 320μ long by 15μ wide, had a truncated oral extremity and a short tail which ended in a short S-shaped tip (Fig. 1, a). The oesophagus was between one third and one half of the total length of the intestine; several transparent vesicles could be seen at its clubshaped posterior extremity. Although there are seldom more than three embryos inside the female, larvae were usually, found in large numbers throughout the whole intestinal tract of the host, as well as encysted (in cysts ·15 to ·2 mm. in diameter) on various internal organs. The cyst wall had a connective tissue-like structure of such thickness that it might be three or four times the diameter of the enclosed space.
On the Morphology of the adults and the free living larvæ of Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, the Lung-worm of Equines
Authors: Cameron Thomas W. M.
Published: November 2009

This parasite was first reported by Cobbold in 1882 from a donkey and described by him two years later under the name of Strongylus arnfieldi. Previously, worms from the lungs of equines had been reported by Diesing and by Gurlt, but these had been confused with the species found in bovines. This species was later identified in the horse by Railliet. It was placed in its present genus by Railliet and Henry in 1907.