bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defending the Revolution: The Church of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament, 1689–95
Authors: Stephen Jeffrey
Published: June 2010

With particular emphasis upon the revolution and the early years of William's reign, this article aims to shed some light on the nature of the relationship between church and parliament, in particular its importance to the church in promoting its vision for a reformed church in Scotland. The article focuses on the strategies used by the church to achieve their objectives. Effective organisation, careful and diligent lobbying of parliament and forthright presentation of their position through preaching, enabled them to galvanise their support within parliament and secure a settlement that not only disappointed their opponents but went beyond what William and erastian inclined Presbyterians would have preferred. It is quite clear that the church significantly influenced the nature and extent of the final ecclesiastical settlement. Consequently, the revolution provided the template for relations between church and parliament until the latter's dissolution in 1707.
Presbyterian Moral Economy: The Covenanting Tradition and Popular Protest in Lowland Scotland, 1707–c.1746
Authors: Wallace Valerie
Published: June 2010

This paper explores the religious dimension to popular protest in the early eighteenth century, highlighting in particular the continued influence of what has been called the Covenanting tradition – the defence of Presbyterian church government, popular sovereignty and the resistance of Anglican imperialism – in southwest and west central Scotland. Religiously inspired ideas of equality and economic equity in God's world, combined with the desire to resist the encroachment of Anglican hierarchy, drove ordinary Presbyterians to rebel. There is evidence to suggest that the reaction of some protesters to socio-economic conditions was coloured by their theological worldview. The phenomenon at work in southwest Scotland might best be described as ‘Presbyterian moral economy’. The paper suggests that lowland Presbyterian culture coloured popular protest to a degree not hitherto recognised. Presbyterian moral economy was a robust and continuous – but unduly neglected – strand in the history of Scottish radicalism.
Metamaterial Electromagnetic Superabsorber with Arbitrary Geometries
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Huang Ming , Yang Chengfu , Peng Jinhui , Zong Rong
Published: June 2010

The electromagnetic superabsorber that has larger absorption cross section than its real size may be a novel photothermal device with improved solar energy conversion rates. Based on a transformation optical approach, the material parameters for a two-dimensional (2D) metamaterial-assisted electromagnetic superabsorber with arbitrary geometries are derived and validated by numerical simulation. We find that for the given geometry size, the absorption cross section of the superabsorber using nonlinear transformation is larger than that using linear transformation. These transformations can also be specialized to the designing the N-sided regular polygonal superabsorber just by changing the contour equation. All theoretical and numerical results validate the material parameters for the 2D electromagnetic superabsorber we have developed.
Variation in Total Polyphenolics Contents of Aerial Parts of Potentilla Species and Their Anticariogenic Activity
Authors: Tomczyk Michał , Pleszczyńska Małgorzata , Wiater Adrian
Published: June 2010

The aerial parts of selected Potentilla species (P. anserina, P. argentea, P. erecta, P. fruticosa, P. grandiflora, P. nepalensis, P. norvegica, P. pensylvanica, P. crantzii and P. thuringiaca) were investigated in order to determine their contents of polyphenolic compounds. The results showed that P. fruticosa has relatively high concentrations of tannins (167.3 ± 2.0 mg/g dw), proanthocyanidins (4.6 ± 0.2 mg/g dw) and phenolic acids (16.4 ± 0.8 mg/g dw), as well as flavonoids (7.0 ± 1.1 mg/g dw), calculated as quercetin. Furthermore, we investigated the in vitro inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from these species against cariogenic Streptococcus spp. strains. It was found that the tested samples moderately inhibit the growth of oral streptococci. However, all the preparations exhibited inhibitory effects on water-insoluble α-(1→3)-, α-(1→6)-linked glucan (mutan) and artificial dental plaque formation. The extract from P. fruticosa showed the highest anti-biofilm activities, with minimum mutan and biofilm inhibition concentrations of 6.25–25 and 50–100 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that the studied Potentilla species could be a potential plant material for extracting biologically active compounds, and could become a useful supplement for pharmaceutical products as a new anticariogenic agent in a wide range of oral care products.
Optimization of the Sampling Periods and the Quantization Bit Lengths for Networked Estimation
Authors: Soo Suh Young , Sik Ro Young , Jun Kang Hee
Published: June 2010

This paper is concerned with networked estimation, where sensor data are transmitted over a network of limited transmission rate. The transmission rate depends on the sampling periods and the quantization bit lengths. To investigate how the sampling periods and the quantization bit lengths affect the estimation performance, an equation to compute the estimation performance is provided. An algorithm is proposed to find sampling periods and quantization bit lengths combination, which gives good estimation performance while satisfying the transmission rate constraint. Through the numerical example, the proposed algorithm is verified.
Plant Natural Compounds with Antibacterial Activity towards Common Pathogens of Pond-Cultured Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Authors: Schrader Kevin K.
Published: June 2010

The bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare cause enteric septicemia and columnaris disease, respectively, in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Natural therapeutants may provide an alternative to current management approaches used by producers. In this study, a rapid bioassay identified plant compounds as potential therapeutants. Chelerythrine chloride and ellagic acid were the most toxic toward E. ictaluri, with 24-h IC50 of 7.3 mg/L and 15.1 mg/L, respectively, and MIC of 2.1 mg/L and 6.5 mg/L, respectively. Chelerythrine chloride, ellagic acid, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, sorgoleone, and wogonin were the most toxic towards two genomovars of F. columnare, and wogonin had the strongest antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.3 mg/L).
Production, Secretion and Biological Activity of Bacillus cereus Enterotoxins
Authors: Senesi Sonia , Ghelardi Emilia
Published: June 2010

Bacillus cereus behaves as an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing gastrointestinal diseases, and it is increasingly recognized to be responsible for severe local or systemic infections. Pathogenicity of B. cereus mainly relies on the secretion of a wide array of toxins and enzymes and also on the ability to undergo swarming differentiation in response to surface-sensing. In this report, the pathogenicity exerted by B. cereus toxins is described with particular attention to the regulatory mechanisms of production and secretion of HBL, Nhe and CytK enterotoxins.
Techniques and methods of characterization of admixtures for the concrete
Authors: Palacios M. , Sierra C. , Puertas F.
Published: June 2010

Admixtures are defined as those products that are incorporated in the moment of the process of mixture of the concrete in a quantity not bigger than 5 by mass of the cement %, with relationship to the cement content in the concrete, with object of modifying the properties of the mixture in .state fresh and/or hardened. The behaviour of the admixtures depends on its chemical and ionic composition, the organic functional groups present, and the structure of the polymer and the distribution of molecular weight of the different polymers. In the present work the techniques and methods of characterization physical-chemistry, chemistry and ionic, structural, as well as of the polymers that constitute this admixtures, are described. A lot of techniques have been employed like: ionic chromatography, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-RMN and 13C-RMN), gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Two commercial admixtures have been selected to carry out this characterization, a superplastificant based on policarboxilates, and a reducer of the shrinkage based on polipropilenglycol.
Effect of three natural pozzolans in portland cement hydration
Authors: Rahhal V. , Talero R.
Published: June 2010

Natural pozzolans have been used since ancient times and continues to be used today. The chemistry and morphological composition of natural pozzolans and their particle size distribution allows classifying them as more or less reactive pozzolan. In this research several techniques have been used to study the influence of pozzolan on portland cement hydration as much as to evaluate the mechanical and durable properties of concretes, mortars and pastes containing pozzolans. This paper describes the effect of incorporating three natural pozzolans to two cements with very different mineralogical composition. The techniques used were: conduction calorimetry and Fratini test. Results proved that pozzolanic activity and the acceleration and retardation of hydration reaction depend on the mineralogical composition of the portland cernent used. Effects of dilution, stimulation, acceleration or retardation reactions, behavior into areas of heat dissipation and pozzolanic activity depend on the percentage of pozzolan used and the age in which it has been analyzed.
Thermodynamic modeling of the CaO-SiO2-CaCO3-H2O closed and open system at 25ºC
Authors: Aguilera J. , Blanco-Várela M. T. , Martínez-Ramírez S.
Published: June 2010

This paper reports on a thermodynamic calculation-based study of the CaO-SiO2-CaCO3-H2O closed system at 25 °C, conducted to determine the range of carbonate ion concentrations at which each phase of the system is stable. Portlandite (CH) and the CSH gel were found to be stable for carbonate ion concentrations of less than or equal to 7.62 X 10-3 mM/kg and 1.62 x 10-2 mM/kg, respectively. The CSH gel was found to remain stable in the system at pH values ranging from 10.18 to 10.48. In the CaO-SiO2-H2O open system at 25 °C, likewise studied, with PCO2 held constant at atmospheric values, only hydrated silica (SH) and calcite were found to be stable.
Relationships between grade determining properties of Spanish scots and laricio pine structural timber
Authors: Fernández-Golfín J. I. , Diez M.R. , Hermoso E.
Published: June 2010

In a. sample made up of 3312 boards of scots pine (pinus sylvestris) and 3318 boards of laricio pine pinus nigra Van Saltzmannii), both of Spanish provenance, and ranging in size from 100x40x2500 mm to 200x70x4500 mm, previously tested in accordance with the procedure set forth in UNE EN 408 standard, the relationships between the grade determining properties considered in the UNE EN 338 standard (bending strength, global and local modulus of elasticity in bending, density) are studied. In addition to these variables, the modulus of elasticity was also considered, calculated by means of the measuring of the transmission speed of an ultrasonic pulse generated by a Sylvatest device. The global modulus of elasticity calculated by measuring the deformation at the neutral axis seems to be the best predictor of the ultimate bending strength, while the local modulus of elasticity proves to be difficult to obtain, and has a lower predictive quality, and so its elimination is suggested. The need to consider one single testing procedure to determine the global modulus of elasticity is also analyzed, along with the convenience of carrying out further studies regarding the use of ultrasonic techniques in order to predict the modulus of elasticity, due to the fact that the systems available are not sufficiently precise.
Drying shrinkage of mortars with limestone filler and blast-furnace slag
Authors: Carrasco M. F. , Bonavetti V. L. , Irassar E. F.
Published: June 2010

During the 1990's the use of cements made with port land clinker and two mineral admixtures, called ternary or blended cements, has grown considerably. Nowadays, cements containing several combinations of fly ash and silica fume, blast-furnace slag and silica fume or blast-furnace slag and limestone filler are commonly used. There are numerous works on the influence of blended cements on the fresh state and mechanical properties of mortar and concrete, but the their deformations due to drying shrinkage are not so well described. Analysis of drying shrinkage is relevant because this property influences the possibility of cracking occurrence and, hence, the deterioration of mechanical and durable properties of concrete structures. This paper evaluates the influence on the drying shrinkage of mortars of variable contents of limestone filler and/or blast-furnace slag in Portland cement. Additionally, flexion strength and non evaporable water content were evaluated. Test results show that the inclusion of these mineral admixtures, Joint or separately, increments drying shrinkage of mortars at early ages. Despite this fact, mortars made with limestone filler cement are less susceptible to cracking than mortars made with cements incorporating blast-furnace slag or both admixtures.
Improving the high performance concrete (HPC) behaviour in high temperatures
Authors: Cattelan Antocheves De Lima R. , Pinto Da Silva Filho L. C. , Casonato C. A.
Published: June 2010

High performance concrete (HPC) is an interesting material that has been long attracting the interest from the scientific and technical community, due to the clear advantages obtained in terms of mechanical strength and durability. Given these better characteristics, HFC, in its various forms, has been gradually replacing normal strength concrete, especially in structures exposed to severe environments. However, the veiy dense microstructure and low permeability typical of HPC can result in explosive spalling under certain thermal and mechanical conditions, such as when concrete is subject to rapid temperature rises, during a f¡re. This behaviour is caused by the build-up of internal water pressure, in the pore structure, during heating, and by stresses originating from thermal deformation gradients. Although there are still a limited number of experimental programs in this area, some researchers have reported that the addition of polypropylene fibers to HPC is a suitable way to avoid explosive spalling under f re conditions. This change in behavior is derived from the fact that polypropylene fibers melt in high temperatures and leave a pathway for heated gas to escape the concrete matrix, therefore allowing the outward migration of water vapor and resulting in the reduction of interned pore pressure. The present research investigates the behavior of high performance concrete on high temperatures, especially when polypropylene fibers are added to the mix.
Recycled construction debris as an aggregates. Production of concrete blocks
Authors: Sousa J. G. G. , Bauer E. , Sposto R. M.
Published: June 2010

This paper analyzes the use of recycled construction and demolition debris as aggregate for the construction of concrete blocks to be used in sealing masonry. Initial studies addressed the definition of parameters used in the mix of conventional materials (traditionally used in the production of concrete blocks), involving cylindrical test specimens (100x200 mm), molded with the help of a vibratory table. In addition to these definitions, and based on the mixes showing the best results, a new granulometric range was established, against which the granulometry of the recycled aggregates was adjusted. After the initial studies, concrete blocks were molded with the following dimensions: 100x190x390 mm). Studies have determined the behavior of aggregates in relation to mold humidity specific mass, water absorption, and compression resistance in view of the percentage of recycled debris that composes the total aggregate. For the most part, results suggest that construction and demolition debris can potentially be used in the production of concrete blocks, as well as in other pre-molded artefacts.
Influence of clinker grinding-aids on the intrinsic characteristics of cements and on the behaviour of mortars
Authors: Fernández Luco L. , Dorrego F. , De Luxán M. P.
Published: June 2010

In the production of portland cement, grinding aids are used to improve the grinding stage and reduce the energy required to achieve the required fineness. These additives remain in the final product and they might influence the characteristics and properties of the cement, and thus, mortar and concrete. This paper presents an evaluation of two grinding-aid additives used in the production of portland cement ground in a ball mill at a laboratory stage, with suitable proportions of portland cement clinker and gypsum. A control cement mix was also produced without using any admixture and the results are shown on a comparative basis. Conclusions indicate that grinding-aids additives have some influence on the characteristics of portland cement produced, increasing their specific surface and modifying microstructure and its packing ability. Mortars and concretes made with cements ground with the addition of gringing-aids exhibit higher strength at any age and a reduced water demand. Special attention should be taken to consider any interaction with water-reducing admixture in concretes and mortars.
Evaluation of the method of electrochemical extraction of chlorides ions for the rehabilitation of concrete structures with reinforcement corrosion problems
Authors: Monteiro E. , Helene P. , Barbosa P.
Published: June 2010

The present work evaluates the method of electrochemical extraction of chloride ions for the rehabilitation of corroded concrete structures. The influence of the concrete cover and the water-to-cement ratio in the efficiency of the method was studied by determining the initial and the final chloride content. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the corrosion potential were used to monitor the reinforcement electrochemical behavior during the chloride extraction. The test results verify that this method successfully extracted chloride ions like it was previous reported in the literature. On average, this method removed 77% of the content of initial chloride ions at a distance of 0.5 cm from the surface and 50% of the content of initial chloride ions near de rebars.
Study of service life of concrete girder bridge on the sea
Authors: Da Silva T. J. , Gomes A. M.
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper is to study the evolution of the failure probability of the concrete beams to estimate the service life of a sea bridge in the southeast region of Brazil. The mechanism of deterioration analyzed in the study was the corrosion of the reinforcing bars. The models utilized for that are related with the carbonation and penetration of chlorides. Tests have been carried out for the characterization of the main variables used in the calculations and in the deterioration models. The information was completed with the control data obtained during the construction. It was obtained the functions of conjoined density of the variables through simulation. The method FORM was used to estimate the failure probability. For an adopted failure probability of 10-3 cracking due the corrosion products, the obtained values for the service lives for the 25 analyzed beams were in a range of 25 up to 70 years.
Comparison between the corrosion forecast based on the potential measurement and the determination of the corrosion rate of the reinforcement bar by means of electrochemical techniques
Authors: Castañeda A. , Corvo F. , O'Reilly V.
Published: June 2010

The ASTA4 876-91 standard establishes a corrosion forecast of concrete reinforced bar by measuring the electrochemical potential. This forecast is based on thermodynamic considerations without taking into account the kinetic of the corrosion process. A comparison was made between the results obtained based on this standard and others using electrochemical techniques (Tafel, Rp, EIS, Electrochemical Noise). These techniques allows to obtain the corrosion rate in samples having 0.4, 0.5 and 0.66 water/cement ratios submitted to salt spray outdoors and by immersion in 3% saline solution during a test time of 20 months. Differences were detected between the results obtained using the ASTM standard and the electrochemical techniques used. The main difference is that samples submitted to immersion shows a higher probability of corrosion than samples submitted to salt spray; however, the electrochemical techniques showed the contrary concerning the corrosion kinetic process .A comparison respecting corrosion rate was also made between the results obtained by the different electrochemical techniques. It is very well known that all electrochemical techniques supposed always general corrosion except electrochemical noise. Using the technique the pitting index can be calculated. It shows that localized corrosion is the most predominant
National Theatre, historical monument of Brasilia. Case study.
Authors: Fonseca Silva E. , Coimbra A. C. F. , Ribas Silva M. , Kropp J.
Published: June 2010

This work is part of an International Cooperation Agreement for the conservation of historical monuments made of reinforced concrete in Brasilia. This research is based on a routine inspection of the National Theatre of Brasilia, a city recognized by UNESCO in 1987 as world cultural heritage. The structure, entirely made of reinforced concrete, was conceived by architect Oscar Niemeyer, and has a total of 48 m of height and 42,000 m2 of constructed area. After examining the available documentation, the existing damage was then identified and mapped. The concrete shows a good state of conservation, with the exception of some regions of the structure: the damages found were exposed armature, oxidation of armature, infiltration, mold and efflorescence.
Immunity to Pre-1950 H1N1 Influenza Viruses Confers Cross-Protection against the Pandemic Swine-Origin 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Virus
Authors: Skountzou Ioanna , Koutsonanos Dimitrios G. , Kim Jin Hyang , Powers Ryan , Satyabhama Lakshmipriyadarshini , Masseoud Feda , Weldon William C. , Martin Maria del Pilar , Mittler Robert S. , Compans Richard , Jacob Joshy
Published: June 2010

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus outbreak is the first pandemic of the twenty-first century. Epidemiological data reveal that of all the people afflicted with H1N1 virus, <5% are over 51 y of age. Interestingly, in the uninfected population, 33% of those >60 y old have pre-existing neutralizing Abs against the 2009 H1N1 virus. This finding suggests that influenza strains that circulated 50–60 y ago might provide cross-protection against the swine-origin 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. To test this, we determined the ability of representative H1N1 influenza viruses that circulated in the human population from 1930 to 2000, to induce cross-reactivity to and cross-protection against the pandemic swine-origin H1N1 virus, A/California/04/09. We show that exposure of mice to the 1947 virus, A/FM/1/47, or the 1934 virus, A/PR/8/34, induced robust cross-protective immune responses and these mice were protected against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted A/California/04/09 H1N1 virus. Conversely, we observed that mice exposed to the 2009 H1N1 virus were protected against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted 1947 or 1934 H1N1 viruses. In addition, exposure to the 2009 H1N1 virus induced broad cross-reactivity against H1N1 as well as H3N2 influenza viruses. Finally, we show that vaccination with the older H1N1 viruses, particularly A/FM/1/47, confers protective immunity against the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus. Taken together, our data provide an explanation for the decreased susceptibility of the elderly to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak and demonstrate that vaccination with the pre-1950 influenza strains can cross-protect against the pandemic swine-origin 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Secretory-IgA Antibodies Play an Important Role in the Immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Fukuyama Yoshiko , King Janice D. , Kataoka Kosuke , Kobayashi Ryoki , Gilbert Rebekah S. , Oishi Kazunori , Hollingshead Susan K. , Briles David E. , Fujihashi Kohtaro
Published: June 2010

This study was designed to investigate whether secretory-IgA (S-IgA) Abs induced by a pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA)-based nasal vaccine are necessary for prevention of streptococcal colonization. Mice nasally immunized with PspA plus a plasmid expressing Flt3 ligand (pFL) cDNA as a mucosal adjuvant showed significantly higher levels of PspA-specific S-IgA and IgG Ab responses in both plasma and nasal washes when compared with naive mice. Although IgA−/− mice given nasal PspA plus pFL had significantly high levels of PspA-specific IgG Abs, high numbers of CFUs were detected in nasal washes and nasal passages. In contrast, vaccinated wild-type mice showed essentially no bacteria in the nasal cavity. Further, a nasal vaccine consisting of PspA plus pFL effectively reduced pre-existing Streptococcus pneumoniae in the nasal cavity. These results show that PspA-based vaccine-induced specific S-IgA Abs play a necessary role in the regulation of S. pneumoniae colonization in the nasal cavity.
Cutting Edge: CTNNBL1 Is Dispensable for Ig Class Switch Recombination
Authors: Han Li , Masani Shahnaz , Yu Kefei
Published: June 2010

Ig class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation require activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). The search for AID-interaction factors has been a major research effort in the field, as the mechanism of preferential targeting of AID to Ig loci remains elusive. CTNNBL1 is one of the few identified AID-interacting factors and has been shown to affect AID-mediated mutation and gene conversion in chicken DT40 cells. CTNNBL1 was also implicated in mammalian CSR by the fact that an AID mutant that fails to interact with CTNNBL1 also fails to support CSR in AID-deficient mouse B cells. To directly assess the role of CTNNBL1 in CSR, we disrupted the CTNNBL1 gene on both alleles in mouse CH12F3 cells by gene targeting. We found normal levels of CSR in CTNNBL1-deficient cells, indicating that CTNNBL1 is dispensable for CSR.
Molecular Characterization of Heat Shock Protein 70-1 Gene of Goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Gade Nitin , Mahapatra R. K. , Sonawane Arvind , Singh V. K. , Doreswamy Ramesh , Saini Mohini
Published: June 2010

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) plays a vital role by bestowing cytoprotection against diverse kinds of stresses. The ubiquitous HSP 70 proteins are the most abundant and temperature sensitive among all the HSPs. The present paper has characterized HSP70-1 cDNA in goat (Capra hircus). Total RNA isolated from goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse transcribed to cDNA that was used for amplification of HSP 70-1 gene. PCR product (1926 bp) was cloned in pGEM-T easy vector and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed 1926-bp-long open reading frame of HSP 70-1 gene encoding 641 amino acids in goat, as reported in cattle. At nucleotide level, goat HSP 70-1 was found to be 96–99% similar to that of sheep (partial), cattle, and buffalo whereas the similarity at amino acid level was 95–100%. Nonsynonymous substitutions exceeding synonymous substitutions indicate the evolution of this protein through positive selection among domestic animals. Goat and sheep appear to have diverged from a common ancestor in phylogenetic analysis. Predicted protein structures of goat HSP 70 protein obtained from deduced amino acid sequence indicated that the functional amino acids involved in chaperoning through ATPase hydrolytic cycle and in uncoating of clathrin coated vesicles are highly conserved.
Retaining Residual Ovarian Tissue following Ovarian Failure Has Limited Influence on Bone Loss in Aged Mice
Authors: Craig Zelieann R. , Marion Samuel L. , Funk Janet L. , Bouxsein Mary L. , Hoyer Patricia B.
Published: June 2010

Previous work showed that retaining residual ovarian tissue protects young mice from accelerated bone loss following ovarian failure. The present study was designed to determine whether this protection is also present in aged animals. Aged (9–12 months) C57BL/6Hsd female mice were divided into: CON (vehicle), VCD (160 mg/kg; 15d), or OVX (ovariectomized). Lumbar BMD was monitored by DXA andμCT used to assess vertebral microarchitecture. BMD was not different between VCD and CON at any time point but was lower (P<.05) than baseline, starting 1 month after ovarian failure in VCD and OVX mice. FollowingμCT analysis there were no differences between CON and VCD, but OVX mice had lower bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and a trend for decreased connectivity density. These findings provide evidence that retention of residual ovarian tissue may protect aged follicle-depleted mice from accelerated bone loss to a lesser extent than that observed in young mice.
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Taurine in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ghandforoush-Sattari Mohammadreza , Mashayekhi Siminozar , Krishna Channarayapatna V. , Thompson John P. , Routledge Philipp A.
Published: June 2010

Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is a normal constituent of the human diet. Little is known of the pharmacokinetics of taurine in man after oral administration. We studied the pharmacokinetics of 4 g taurine in eight healthy male volunteers (median age 27.5, range 22–45) following orally administration in the fasting state in the morning. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals and plasma taurine concentration was measured by a modified HPLC method. Data were subjected to noncompartmental analysis. Maximum plasma taurine concentration () was measured at  hr after administration as  mg/L ( mmol). Plasma elimination half-life () and the ratio of clearance/bioavailability (Cl/F) were  hr and  L/hr, respectively. Since taurine is occasionally used in therapeutics as a medicine, the pharmacokinetics and effects of oral taurine in healthy volunteers would be useful in the future studies of taurine in pharmacology and nutrition.
Microbial Sensing by the Intestinal Epithelium in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Scharl Michael , Rogler Gerhard
Published: June 2010

Recent years have raised evidence that the intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory bowels diseases. This evidence comes from several observations. First, animals raised under germ-free conditions do not develop intestinal inflammation in several different model systems. Second, antibiotics are able to modulate the course of experimental colitis. Third, genetic polymorphisms in a variety of genes of the innate immune system have been associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. Dysfunction of these molecules results in an inappropriate response to bacterial and antigenic stimulation of the innate immune system in the gastrointestinal tract. Variants of pattern recognition receptors such as NOD2 or TLRs by which commensal and pathogenic bacteria can be detected have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. But not only pathways of microbial detection but also intracellular ways of bacterial processing such as autophagosome function are associated with the risk to develop Crohn's disease. Thus, the “environment concept” and the “genetic concept” of inflammatory bowel disease pathophysiology are converging via the intestinal microbiota and the recognition mechanisms for an invasion of members of the microbiota into the mucosa.
Spatial distribution and interannual variation of surface PM10 concentrations over eighty-six Chinese cities
Authors: Qu W. J. , Arimoto R. , Zhang X. Y. , Zhao C. H. , Wang Y. Q. , Sheng L. F. , Fu G.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The spatial distribution of the aerosols over 86 Chinese cities was reconstructed from air pollution index (API) records for summer 2000 to winter 2006. PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 μm) mass concentrations were calculated for days when PM10 was the principal pollutant, these accounted for 91.6% of the total 150 428 recorded days. The 83 cities in mid-eastern China (100° E to 130° E) were separated into three latitudinal zones using natural landscape features as boundaries. Areas with high PM10 level in northern China (127 to 192 μg m−3) included Urumchi, Lanzhou-Xining, Weinan-Xi'an, Taiyuan-Datong-Yangquan-Changzhi, Pingdingshan-Kaifeng, Beijing-Tianjin-Shijiazhuang, Jinan, and Shenyang-Anshan-Fushun; in the middle zone, high PM10 (119–147 μg m−3) occurred at Chongqing-Chengdu-Luzhou, Changsha-Wuhan, and Nanjing-Hangzhou; in the southern zone, only four cities (Qujing, Guiyang, Guangzhou and Shaoguan) showed PM10 concentration >80 μg m−3. The median PM10 concentration decreased from 108 μg m−3 for the northern cities to 95 μg m−3 and 55 μg m−3 for the middle and southern zones, respectively. PM10 concentration and the APIs both exhibited wintertime maxima, summertime minima, and the second highest values in spring. PM10showed evidence for a decreasing trend for the northern cities while in the other zones urban PM10 levels fluctuated, but showed no obvious change over time. The spatial distribution of PM10 was compared with the emissions, and the relationship between the surface PM10 concentration and the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was also discussed.
Southeast Pacific stratocumulus clouds, precipitation and boundary layer structure sampled along 20 S during VOCALS-REx
Authors: Bretherton C. S. , Wood R. , George R. C. , Leon D. , Allen G. , Zheng X.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Multiplatform airborne, ship-based, and land-based observations from 16 October–15 November 2008 during the VOCALS Regional Experiment (REx) are used to document the typical structure of the Southeast Pacific stratocumulus-topped boundary layer and lower free troposphere on a transect along 20° S between the coast of Northern Chile and a buoy 1500 km offshore. Strong systematic gradients in clouds, precipitation and vertical structure are modulated by synoptically and diurnally-driven variability. The boundary layer is generally capped by a strong (10–12 K), sharp inversion. In the coastal zone, the boundary layer is typically 1 km deep, fairly well mixed, and topped by thin, nondrizzling stratocumulus with haccumulation-mode aerosol and cloud droplet concentrations exceeding 200 cm−3. Far offshore, the boundary layer depth is typically deeper (1600 m) and more variable, and the vertical structure is usually decoupled. The offshore stratocumulus typically have strong mesoscale organization, much higher peak liquid water paths, extensive drizzle, and cloud droplet concentrations below 100 cm−3, sometimes with embedded pockets of open cells with lower droplet concentrations. The lack of drizzle near the coast is not just a microphysical response to high droplet concentrations; smaller cloud depth and liquid water path than further offshore appear comparably important. Moist boundary layer air is heated and mixed up along the Andean slopes, then advected out over the top of the boundary layer above adjacent coastal ocean regions. Well offshore, the lower free troposphere is typically much drier. This promotes strong cloud-top radiative cooling and stronger turbulence in the clouds offshore. In conjunction with a slightly cooler free troposphere, this may promote stronger entrainment that maintains the deeper boundary layer seen offshore. Winds from ECMWF and NCEP operational analyses have an rms difference of only 1 m s−1 from collocated airborne leg-mean observations in the boundary layer and 2 m s−1 above the boundary layer. This supports the use of trajectory analysis for interpreting REx observations. Two-day back-trajectories from the 20° S transect suggest that eastward of 75° W, boundary layer (and often free-tropospheric) air has usually been exposed to Chilean coastal aerosol sources, while at 85° W, neither boundary-layer or free-tropospheric air has typically had such contact.
Sea-surface salinity variations in the Northern Caribbean Sea across the mid-Pleistocene transition
Authors: Sepulcre S. , Vidal L. , Tachikawa K. , Rostek F. , Bard E.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. This study aimed at documenting climate changes in tropical area in response to the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT) by reconstructing past hydrologic variations in the Northern Caribbean Sea and its influence on the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) during the last 940 kyr. Using core MD03-2628, we estimated past changes in sea surface salinity (SSS) using Δδ18O, the difference between the modern and the past δ18O of seawater (obtained by combining alkenone thermometer data with the δ18O of the planktonic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber (white) and corrected for ice-sheet volume effects). Today, the lowest SSS values in the studied area are associated with the northernmost location of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The Δδ18O record exhibits glacial/interglacial cyclicity with higher values during all glacial periods spanning the last 940 kyr, indicating increased SSS. At a longer timescale, the Δδ18O exhibits a shift toward lower values for interglacial periods during the last 450 kyr, when compared to interglacial stages older than 650 kyr. A rise in SSS during glacial stages may be related to the southernmost location of the ITCZ, which is induced by a steeper interhemispheric temperature gradient and associated with reduced northward cross equatorial oceanic transport. Therefore, the results suggest a permanent link between the tropical salinity budget and the AMOC during the last 940 kyr. Following the MPT, lower salinities during the last five interglacial stages indicate a northernmost ITCZ location, forced by changes in the interhemispheric temperature gradient that is associated with the poleward position of Southern Oceanic Fronts that amplified the transport of heat and moisture to the North Atlantic. These processes may have contributed to amplification of the climate cycles that followed the MPT.
Monitoring of water and carbon fluxes using a land data assimilation system: a case study for southwestern France
Authors: Albergel C. , Calvet J.-C. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Rüdiger C. , Barbu A. L. , Lafont S. , Roujean J.-L. , Walker J. P. , Crapeau M. , Wigneron J.-P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS) able to ingest surface soil moisture (SSM) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) observations is tested at local scale to increase prediction accuracy for water and carbon fluxes. The ISBA-A-gs Land Surface Model (LSM) is used together with LAI and the soil water content observations of a grassland at the SMOSREX experimental site in southwestern France for a seven-year period (2001–2007). Three configurations corresponding to contrasted model errors are considered: (1) best case (BC) simulation with locally observed atmospheric variables and model parameters, and locally observed SSM and LAI used in the assimilation, (2) same as (1) but with the precipitation forcing set to zero, (3) real case (RC) simulation with atmospheric variables and model parameters derived from regional atmospheric analyses and from climatological soil and vegetation properties, respectively. In configuration (3) two SSM time series are considered: the observed SSM using Thetaprobes, and SSM derived from the LEWIS L-band radiometer located 15m above the ground. Performance of the LDAS is examined in the three configurations described above with either one variable (either SSM or LAI) or two variables (both SSM and LAI) assimilated. The joint assimilation of SSM and LAI has a positive impact on the carbon, water, and heat fluxes. It represents a greater impact than assimilating one variable (either LAI or SSM). Moreover, the LDAS is able to counterbalance large errors in the precipitation forcing given as input to the model.
Performance and reliability of multimodel hydrological ensemble simulations based on seventeen lumped models and a thousand catchments
Authors: Velázquez J. A. , Anctil F. , Perrin C.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. This work investigates the added value of ensembles constructed from seventeen lumped hydrological models against their simple average counterparts. It is thus hypothesized that there is more information provided by all the outputs of these models than by their single aggregated predictors. For all available 1061 catchments, results showed that the mean continuous ranked probability score of the ensemble simulations were better than the mean average error of the aggregated simulations, confirming the added value of retaining all the components of the model outputs. Reliability of the simulation ensembles is also achieved for about 30% of the catchments, as assessed by rank histograms and reliability plots. Nonetheless this imperfection, the ensemble simulations were shown to have better skills than the deterministic simulations at discriminating between events and non-events, as confirmed by relative operating characteristic scores especially for larger streamflows. From 7 to 10 models are deemed sufficient to construct ensembles with improved performance, based on a genetic algorithm search optimizing the continuous ranked probability score. In fact, many model subsets were found improving the performance of the reference ensemble. This is thus not essential to implement as much as seventeen lumped hydrological models. The gain in performance of the optimized subsets is accompanied by some improvement of the ensemble reliability in most cases. Nonetheless, a calibration of the predictive distribution is still needed for many catchments.
Predicting Dissemination of a Disaster Mental Health “Train-the-Trainer” Program
Authors: Cross Wendi , Cerulli Catherine , Richards Heidi , He Hua , Herrmann Jack
Published: June 2010

Objective: Disaster mental health (DMH) is vital to comprehensive disaster preparedness for communities. A train-the-trainer (TTT) model is frequently used in public health to disseminate knowledge and skills to communities, although few studies have examined its success. We report on the development and implementation of a DMH TTT program and examine variables that predict dissemination.

Methods: This secondary analysis examines 140 community-based mental health providers' participation in a TTT DMH program in 2005–2006. Instructors' dissemination of the training was followed for 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to predict dissemination of the training program.

Results: Sixty percent of the trainees in the DMH TTT program conducted training programs in the 12-month period following being trained. The likelihood of conducting training programs was predicted by a self-report measure of perceptions of transfer of training. The number of individuals subsequently trained (559) was predicted by prior DMH training and sex. No other variables predicted dissemination of DMH training.

Conclusions: The TTT model was moderately successful in disseminating DMH training. Intervention at the organizational and individual level, as well as training modifications, may increase cost-effective dissemination of DMH training.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:339-343)
Weed Control, 1. Fundamentals
Authors: Müller Franz , Appleby Arnold P.
Published: June 2010

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

1.1.

Definitions of Weeds

1.2.

Losses from Weeds

2.

Biology of Weeds

2.1.

Plant Types

2.1.1.

Land Plants

2.1.2.

Aquatic Plants

2.1.3.

Parasitic Seed Plants

2.2.

Life Cycles

2.2.1.

Annuals

2.2.2.

Biennials

2.2.3.

Perennials

2.3.

Reproduction

2.4.

Interference Between Crops and Weeds

2.4.1.

Competition

2.4.2.

Allelopathy

2.5.

Biological Variability and Adaptability in Relation to Control Systems

2.5.1.

Species Shifts

2.5.2.

Resistance Development within a Species

3.

General Concepts Underlying Weed Control

4.

Physical Methods of Weed Control

4.1.

Manual Methods

4.2.

Tillage Methods

4.3.

Mowing and Cutting

4.4.

Flooding

4.5.

Mulching

4.6.

Use of Heat

5.

Biological Control of Weeds

5.1.

Herbivore Management

5.2.

Classical Biological Control

5.3.

Inundative Biological Control

6.

Controlling Weeds by Habitat Management

7.

Chemical Control of Weeds

7.1.

History and Introduction

7.2.

Adjuvants

7.2.1.

Surfactants

7.2.2.

Oils

7.2.3.

Drift Retardants

7.2.4.

Other Adjuvants

7.3.

Herbicide Formulations

7.3.1.

Spray Formulations

7.3.1.1.

Soluble Concentrates (SC)

7.3.1.2.

Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)

7.3.1.3.

Wettable Powders (WP)

7.3.1.4.

Flowables (F)

7.3.1.5.

Dispersible Granules or Dry Flowables (DF)

7.3.1.6.

Invert Emulsions

7.3.1.7.

Encapsulated Formulations

7.3.2.

Formulations Applied Dry

7.3.3.

Active Ingredient vs. Acid Equivalent

7.4.

Factors Influencing Foliage‐Applied Herbicides

7.5.

Factors Influencing Soil‐Applied Herbicides

7.5.1.

Microbiological Effects

7.5.2.

Adsorption on Soil Colloids

7.5.3.

Chemical Decomposition

7.5.4.

Leaching

7.5.5.

Volatilization

7.5.6.

Photodecomposition

7.5.7.

Uptake and Translocation from the Soil

7.6.

Selective Action of Herbicides

7.7.

Classification of Herbicides

8.

Economic Aspects

9.

Regulatory Aspects of Pesticides

10.

General Comments
Activation Analysis
Authors: Dams Richard , Strijckmans Karel , Bichler Max
Published: June 2010

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Neutron Activation Analysis2.1.Basic Principles2.2.Methods of Neutron Activation2.3.Standardization2.4.Sources of Errors2.5.Measuring Equipment2.6.Procedures for Activation Analysis2.7.Sensitivity and Detection Limits3.Photon Activation Analysis4.Charged‐Particle Activation Analysis5.Applications5.1.High‐Purity Materials5.2.Environmental Materials5.3.Biological Materials5.4.Geo‐ and Cosmochemistry5.5.Art and Archaeology6.Evaluation of Activation Analysis
Automation in Quality
Authors: Alford J.
Published: June 2010

The pharmaceutical industry defines product quality in terms of product safety, strength, identity, purity, and use of quality (i.e. validated) processes. Automation is a technology that can improve product quality from a number of perspectives. This article focuses on features, applications, and validation of automation systems.
Capillary Electrophoresis of Dendrimer‐Related Medical Nanodevices
Authors: Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: June 2010

Recent advances in dendrimer‐based nanomedicine show that dendrimers have been used in many different ways in medical applications. Dendrimer can be used as a platform to covalently conjugate targeting moieties and to physically encapsulate drug molecules inside their interior to improve the water solubility and bioavailability of the drugs. Various types of analytical techniques have been used to characterize dendrimeric nanoparticles, including capillary electrophoresis (CE). This article gives an overview of the recent advances of CE analysis and characterization of various dendrimer nanomaterials from simple dendrimer derivatives to complex multifunctional dendrimeric medical nanodevices.
Microdialysis
Authors: Carroll Jamie , Brookshire Bethany R. , Mathews Tiffany A.
Published: June 2010

Microdialysis is one of the most popular techniques for sampling biological molecules from living tissue. Dialysis is the process of sampling fluid in the in vivo environment, which uses a semi‐permeable membrane that allows endogenous biological molecules to diffuse into a sample via a concentrated gradient. This article focuses on microdialysis of the brain.