bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les voies de la déférence Sur la nature des concepts sociopolitiques
Authors: Kaufmann Laurence
Published: April 2010

Un des enjeux clés des discours institutionnels est de transformer des entités qui ne sont, d'un point de vue ontologique, que des fictions (Opinion publique, Nation, Justice, Vierge, Dieu) en des êtres socialement incontournables. En recourant à la philosophie du langage, cet article se propose d’éclairer un des principaux mécanismes qui contribuent à cette métamorphose statutaire : la déférence sémantique. Les agents ordinaires défèrent à une autorité compétente, que ce soit l’ensemble de la collectivité ou les «experts» qui la représentent, le soin d’attribuer à des concepts sociopolitiques a priori fictifs les référents auxquels ils n’auraient théoriquement pas droit. Cette validation à crédit permet de distinguer les concepts déférentiels (la Vierge, l’opinion publique) des concepts référentiels, qui renvoient à un objet tangible (orme, eau), ainsi que des concepts fictionnels, dont l’usage n’est valide que dans un contexte restreint et isolé du monde «réel» (Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes).
La langue comme ressource productive et les rapports de pouvoir entre communautés linguistiques
Authors: Dubois Lise , LeBlanc Mélanie , Beaudin Maurice
Published: April 2010

Cet article est le résultat d’une collaboration entre deux disciplines : la socio-linguistique et l’économie, dans la perspective des études minoritaires. Les auteurs cherchent à cerner de quelles manières la nouvelle économie restructure les rapports entre deux communautés linguistiques, qui partagent une histoire et des visées contemporaines, par le biais de la valorisation des ressources linguistiques et de quelles manières les locuteurs participent aux processus de (re)catégorisation sociale à la lumière des conditions socio-éco-nomiques changeantes qu’entraîne l’implantation d’activités liées à la nouvelle économie. Les analyses relèvent d’une étude menée dans un centre d’appels de la région du Grand Moncton dans le Sud-Est de la province du Nouveau-Brunswick qui visait à mieux comprendre la distribution hiérarchique et fonctionnelle des langues dans un milieu de travail spécifique.
Idéologies et pratiques du multilinguisme au québec : luttes et mutations dans un site de la nouvelle économie
Authors: Kahn Emmanuel , Heller Monica
Published: April 2010

Le pouvoir langagier peut s’exercer par de nombreux biais en milieu de travail. Notamment, des questions concernant le plurilinguisme se posent dans ces contextes. à partir d’un travail de terrain mené en 2002-2003 dans une ONG basée à Montréal et œuvrant dans le secteur du développement durable et du commerce équitable, nous examinerons certaines des nouvelles manifestations des tensions de longue date entre l’unilinguisme francophone et le bi et multilinguisme, ou entre la promotion d’une québécité francophone et une inclusivité davantage pluraliste. Nous montrerons que les membres de l’ONG construisent la langue selon deux modalités contradictoires, mais complémentaires : comme une habileté technique ou, à l’inverse, comme un talent inné. Ainsi l’ONG demeure un espace (discursif) francophone homogène malgré le multilinguisme exigé par ses activités.
Mujeres extranjeras en prisiones españolas. El caso andaluz
Authors: Castillo Algarra Joaquina , Ruiz García Marta
Published: April 2010

El sistema penal español viene experimentando profundos cambios desde los años ochenta. Importantes aspectos de este proceso han sido, por un lado, el notable incremento de la población reclusa femenina —España tiene el mayor número de mujeres reclusas de Europa— y por otro, la presencia de extranjeros en las prisiones españolas, siendo significativo el progresivo aumento de mujeres extranjeras de distintas nacionalidades. Este artículo muestra el perfil sociológico de las mujeres presas en España y, específicamente, en Andalucía; establece su perfil delictivo y analiza la vida en prisión desde las perspectivas de género y extranjería. El trabajo de campo se ha centrado en las prisiones andaluzas de Huelva, Algeciras (Cádiz) y Alhaurín de la Torre (Málaga), empleando la entrevista en profundidad como técnica de investigación principal, que se ha realizado en el interior de los módulos de mujeres.
Maturity at harvest affects postharvest longevity of cut Calathea foliage
Authors: Perera LNS , Daundasekera WAM , Wijesundara DSA
Published: April 2010

Foliage of Calathea aemula, C. lietzei and C. zebrina at four maturity stages, first, second, third and fourth fully expanded leaves (FEL) from the shoot apex, were subjected to vase life assessment in distilled water at 20°C and 70% RH. Leaf rolling was the factor leading to vase life termination. Chlorophyll content significantly decreased during vase life in all three species. The best harvesting maturity in relation to vase life varied among the species. At the time of harvest, chlorophyll content of the 1st FEL were significantly less than those of the 4th FEL in all three species. However, the chlorophyll content at harvest did not show a significant correlation with subsequent Calathea vase life. Key words: chlorophyll; vase life; leaf rollingDOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1856 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 35-38, 2009
X-Ray induced changes in biochemical and histochemical parameters in the testis of male wild Indian house rate, Rattus rattus
Authors: Santra Kalyan Brata , Manna Chanchal Kumar
Published: April 2010

To observe the complementary effects, whole body of the male wild Indian house rat, Rattus rattus was irradiated with X-rays at 100 r, 200 r, 300 r and 500 r (single dose) doses. The changes in the histophysiological parameters of the testis were observed after 2, 7, 15 and 30 days of post treatment. Determination of biochemical parameters: ascorbic acid, cholesterol, acid and alkaline phosphatases in the testicular tissues indicated that concentrations of ascorbic acid and cholesterol (2 to 15 days post treatment) had increased while acid and alkaline phosphatases (2-30 days) had decreased. Changes in these parameters were observed in all four X-ray treated groups (100 r, 200 r, 300 r and 500 r). The histochemical study of the different X-ray treated groups clearly showed the intense accumulation of lipid substances and depletion of acid, alkaline phosphatases, 5-3-HSDH and 17-HSDH in the testicular tissues of 7 to 30 day - post treated groups exposed to 300 r and 500 r X-irradiation. In view of the changes observed in the testicular tissues, it is likely that a single dose of X- ray may cause certain histophysiological changes in the testis of wild rodents at least for certain periods. As a single dose of X-rays of 200r or 300r was sufficient to cause sterility in male rats, this may be included as a controlling agent that adversely effect the fertility of the rodent pests. Possible mode of action is discussed. Key Words: rodent pest; acid and alkaline phosphatases; lipid; fertility; spermatogenesis DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1857 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 39-49, 2009
Occurrence of leaf blotch disease (Botryosphaeria Sp.) in Ficus religiosa in Sri Lanka
Authors: Maharachchikumbura SiouxSSN , Adikaram NKB
Published: April 2010

This paper reports the occurrence of a leaf blotch disease in Ficus religiosa in Sri Lanka. The disease first appears as small, irregular, yellow specks in leaves at later stages of maturity and with time the infected areas become necrotic and gradually enlarge. At advanced stages the whole leaf turns yellow with brown blotches and is shed. The causal agent was identified as Botryosphaeria sp. The necrotic blotches are associated with erumpent fruiting bodies of the fungus, ascomata. Ascomata are solitary or botryose and are found on both sides of leaves. Asci are with numerous pseudoparaphyses and ascospores were observed. Colony developed on water agar medium showed hyaline, aseptate conidia and mature brown conidia. In the presence of leaf blight caused by Glomerella cingulata, the leaf blotch symptoms appeared much later, about 10-12 weeks after the new flush. The diseased leaves do not last long as F. religiosa, being a deciduous species, sheds leaves seasonally. However, the fallen leaves, unless eliminated, may provide a good source of inoculum for infection of the new flush. Commercial fungicide, BULLET 50, inhibited the in vitro growth of Botryosphaeria sp. This is the first report on a blotch disease attacking leaves of F. religiosa in Sri Lanka. Key words: sacred fig; fungal disease DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1858 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 51-56, 2009
A phenetic analysis of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates from selected host plants
Authors: Gunawardhana PLT , Senevirathna AMWK , Adikaram NKB , Yakandawala DMD
Published: April 2010

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a ubiquitous fungus which infects a wide variety of plants in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. This fungus accounts for substantial economic losses through out the world via both preharvest and postharvest diseases. A phenetic analysis of C. gloeosporioides isolated from Capsicum frutescens, Carica papaya, Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Ficus religiosa and Hevea brasiliensis was carried out to identify sub-specific populations. A total of 40 isolates from these six host species were used. The overall similarity among different isolates of C. gloeosporioides was determined using culture, conidial and appressorial characteristics. According to the resulting phenogram, fungal isolates had divided into two distinct groups at the initial stage separating C. papaya isolates from the rest of the isolates. The subsequent branching has lead to separation of C. gloeosporioides isolates of different hosts into distinct groups. A high degree of similarity was observed among the isolates obtained from C. frutescens, H. brasiliensis and F. religiosa. Similarly, isolates of P. americana and M. indica appear to be morphologically more similar to each other. Further, the study confirms the cross infection potential of some C. gloeosporioides isolates and the presence of host specific populations Key Words: anthracnose; phenetic analysis; cross inoculation DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1859 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 57-66, 2009
Methods of testing and their costs to control r-growth of coppiced Eucalyptus camaldulensis in harvested plantations in Naula, Matale District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Reed Timothy , Ranawana Kithsiri , Nanayakkara Anslem
Published: April 2010

Eucalyptus spp. have been widely planted for timber in the tropics and subtropics and have been promoted by both Governments and businesses. In Sri Lanka, in the semi-dry zone, north of Kandy there are extensive stands of 30-40 year old E. camaldulensis, some of which were planted by a company for commercial fuel wood. Poor growth, and a change in fuel technology, has made these plantings redundant. The company is returning its leased holdings slowly back to near-natural forest. In order to do this, it undertook trials to determine the best way to control coppice re-growth from cleared Eucalyptus. Finding a cost-effective way of controlling Eucalyptus re-growth will assist Government and other landholders in reviving natural forest and promoting the associated ecosystem services such as water retention, provision of herbs, and honey. The use of chemicals, light exclusion and a variety of physical control techniques was tested at two locations near Naula, Matale District. The most effective method was cutting the stems down to the ground and then covering with well-secured heavy gauge plastic. The next best method, but more expensive, and with no problems of waste disposal or recycling associated with polythene, was the cutting of any coppice growth as soon as it emerged. After 4 rounds of coppice control all stools died. Chemical controls proved ineffective and expensive. Uncontrolled coppice, almost all regrew. If possible, control without the use of chemicals is preferable. Key words: biodiversity; ecosystem services; chemical control DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1861 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 75-83, 2009
PKG and PKC Are Down-Regulated during Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells: Manipulation of These Pathways Enhances Cardiomyocyte Production
Authors: Mobley Stephen , Shookhof Jessica M. , Foshay Kara , Park Michelle , Gallicano G. Ian
Published: April 2010

Understanding signal transduction mechanisms that drive differentiation of adult or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is imperative if they are to be used to cure disease. While the list of signaling pathways regulating stem cell differentiation is growing, it is far from complete. Indentifying regulatory mechanisms and timecourse commitment to cell lineages is needed for generating pure populations terminally differentiated cell types, and in ESCs, suppression of teratoma formation. To this end, we investigated specific signaling mechanisms involved in cardiomyogenesis, followed by manipulation of these pathways to enhance differentiation of ESCs into cardiomyocytes. Subjecting nascent ESC-derived cardiomyocytes to a proteomics assay, we found that cardiomyogenesis is influenced by up- and down-regulation of a number of kinases, one of which, cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), is markedly down-regulated during differentiation. Delving further, we found that manipulating the PKG pathway using PKG-specific inhibitors produced significantly more cardiomyocytes from ESCs when compared to ESCs left to differentiate without inhibitors. In addition, we found combinatorial effects when culturing ESCs in inhibitors to PKG and PKC isotypes. Consequently, we have generated a novel hypothesis: Down-regulation of PKG and specific PKC pathways are necessary for cardiomyogenesis, and when manipulated, these pathways produce significantly more cardiomyocytes than untreated ESCs.
An ecological study of the plant communities in the proposed Highveld National Park, in the peri-urban area of Potchefstroom, South Africa
Authors: Daemane Mahlomola E. , Cilliers Sarel S. , Bezuidenhout Hugo
Published: April 2010

The proposed Highveld National Park (HNP) is an area of high conservation value in South Africa, covering approximately 0.03% of the endangered Grassland Biome. The park is situated immediately adjacent to the town of Potchefstroom in the North-West Province. The objective of this study was to identify, classify, describe and map the plant communities in this park. Vegetation sampling was done by means of the Braun-Blanquet method and a total of 88 stratified random relevés were sampled. A numerical classification technique (TWINSPAN) was used and the results were refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures. The final results of the classification procedure were presented in the form of phytosociological tables and, thereafter, nine plant communities were described and mapped. A detrended correspondence analysis confirmed the presence of three structural vegetation units, namely woodland, shrubland and grassland. Differences in floristic composition in the three vegetation units were found to be influenced by environmental factors, such as surface rockiness and altitude. Incidences of harvesting trees for fuel, uncontrolled fires and overgrazing were found to have a significant effect on floristic and structural composition in the HNP. The ecological interpretation derived from this study can therefore be used as a tool for environmental planning and management of this grassland area.Conservation implications: Grasslands are amongst the most threatened and least conserved vegetation biomes in South Africa, with less than 1.3% currently being conserved. The HNP has significant value for biodiversity conservation and the protection of this area will contribute to the preservation of the highly threatened Highveld vegetation types.
Improving Student Discussions in Graduate and Undergraduate Courses: Transforming the Discussion Leader
Authors: Soranno Patricia A.
Published: April 2010

Student discussions are a common teaching approach in graduate and advanced undergraduate courses because of their benefits to student learning, and to future professional development for natural resources professionals. However, traditional student‐led discussions often are ineffective at meeting course and learning objectives and suffer from many common pitfalls, such as dominance by a few vocal students. I present the “student facilitator approach” to student‐led discussions that changes the roles of all students in the discussion classroom, particularly the leader, and provides students clear guidelines about preparing for and participating in classroom discussions. A key feature of the approach is the replacement of the student discussion leader (who has control over both discussion content and process) with a student facilitator (who has control over only the discussion process). Using this approach, I found that students responded very positively, that it tended to encourage student participation, and that it created an environment where students took more ownership of the discussion.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour
Authors: Sobin L. H. , Gospodarowicz M.K. , Wittekind Ch.
Published: April 2010

are newly classified in TNM‐7.The classification is based on GIST's three major prognostic factors: site, size, and mitotic rate. The categorization is the result of studies of over two thousand cases by Miettinen et al.
Appendix ‐ Carcinoid
Authors: Sobin L. H. , Gospodarowicz M.K. , Wittekind Ch.
Published: April 2010

This is the first classification of appendiceal carcinoids by TNM. T is based on size and local extension. The criteria differ from other gastrointestinal carcinoids. Goblet cell carcinoids are classified according to the criteria for appendiceal carcinomas.
Liver ‐ Intrahepatic Bile Ducts
Authors: Sobin L. H. , Gospodarowicz M.K. , Wittekind Ch.
Published: April 2010

Intrahepatic bile duct carcinomas were included with hepatocellular carcinomas in TNM's 6th edition. In the 7th edition they have a separate classification.
Extrahepatic Bile Ducts ‐ Perihilar
Authors: Sobin L. H. , Gospodarowicz M.K. , Wittekind Ch.
Published: April 2010

The TNM system is used to describe and classify cancer stages and progression based on the assessment of three components:

T

The extent of the primary tumour

N

The absence or presence and extent of regional lymph node metastasis

M

The absence or presence of distant metastasis.

TNM classification for the above site is described under the following headings:

Rules for classification with the procedures for assessing T, N, and M categories; additional methods may be used when they enhance the accuracy of appraisal before treatment

Anatomical sites and subsites where appropriate

Definition of the regional lymph nodes

TNM Clinical classification

pTNM Pathological classification

G Histopathological grading

Stage grouping

Summary
Robust exponential stability for discrete‐time interval BAM neural networks with delays and Markovian jump parameters
Authors: Qiu Jiqing , Lu Kunfeng , Shi Peng , Mahmoud Magdi S.
Published: April 2010

This paper investigates the problem of global robust exponential stability for discrete‐time interval BAM neural networks with mode‐dependent time delays and Markovian jump parameters, by utilizing the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional combined with the linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. A new Markov process as discrete‐time, discrete‐state Markov process is considered. An exponential stability performance analysis result is first established for error systems without ignoring any terms in the derivative of Lyapunov functional by considering the relationship between the time‐varying delay and its upper bound. The delay factor depends on the mode of operation. Three numerical examples are given to demonstrate the merits of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building the body: Active learning laboratories that emphasize practical aspects of anatomy and integration with radiology
Authors: Zumwalt Ann C. , Lufler Rebecca S. , Monteiro Joseph , Shaffer Kitt
Published: April 2010

Active learning exercises were developed to allow advanced medical students to revisit and review anatomy in a clinically meaningful context. In our curriculum, students learn anatomy two to three years before they participate in the radiology clerkship. These educational exercises are designed to review anatomy content while highlighting its relevance to the study of radiology. Laboratory exercises were developed using inexpensive materials in the form of hands‐on stations designed for use by students working together in small groups. Station exercises include model building, exploring relevant radiological imaging, and practicing clinical techniques. Students are encouraged to move from abstract conceptualization of the anatomy using models to applying knowledge to living tissues by using a portable ultrasound to explore superficial anatomy on each other. Stations are designed to integrate knowledge and reemphasize concepts in different contexts, so that upon completion students have a reinforced understanding of the three‐dimensional anatomy of the region in question, the appearance of the anatomy on radiological images, and an appreciation of the relevance of the anatomy to radiological procedures. Anat Sci Educ, 2010 © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
A bibliometric classificatory approach for the study and assessment of research performance at the individual level: The effects of age on productivity and impact
Authors: Costas Rodrigo , van Leeuwen Thed N. , Bordons María
Published: April 2010

The authors set forth a general methodology for conducting bibliometric analyses at the micro level. It combines several indicators grouped into three factors or dimensions, which characterize different aspects of scientific performance. Different profiles or “classes” of scientists are described according to their research performance in each dimension. A series of results based on the findings from the application of this methodology to the study of Spanish National Research Council scientists in Spain in three thematic areas are presented. Special emphasis is made on the identification and description of top scientists from structural and bibliometric perspectives. The effects of age on the productivity and impact of the different classes of scientists are analyzed. The classificatory approach proposed herein may prove a useful tool in support of research assessment at the individual level and for exploring potential determinants of research success.
Weighted citation: An indicator of an article's prestige
Authors: Yan Erjia , Ding Ying
Published: April 2010

The authors propose using the technique of weighted citation to measure an article's prestige. The technique allocates a different weight to each reference by taking into account the impact of citing journals and citation time intervals. Weightedcitation captures prestige, whereas citation counts capture popularity. They compare the value variances for popularity and prestige for articles published in the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology from 1998 to 2007, and find that the majority have comparable status.
A semantic similarity approach to predicting Library of Congress subject headings for social tags
Authors: Yi Kwan
Published: April 2010

Social tagging or collaborative tagging has become a new trend in the organization, management, and discovery of digital information. The rapid growth of shared information mostly controlled by social tags poses a new challenge for social tag‐based information organization and retrieval. A plausible approach for this challenge is linking social tags to a controlled vocabulary. As an introductory step for this approach, this study investigates ways of predicting relevant subject headings for resources from social tags assigned to the resources. The prediction of subject headings was measured by five different similarity measures: tf–idf, cosine‐based similarity (CoS), Jaccard similarity (or Jaccard coefficient; JS), Mutual information (MI), and information radius (IRad). Their results were compared to those by professionals. The results show that a CoS measure based on top five social tags was most effective. Inclusions of more social tags only aggravate the performance. The performance of JS is comparable to the performance of CoS while tf–idf is comparable with up to 70% less than the best performance. MI and IRad have inferior performance compared to the other methods. This study demonstrates the application of the similarity measuring techniques to the prediction of correct Library of Congress subject headings.
Observer‐based controller design of discrete‐time piecewise affine systems
Authors: Gao Ya‐Hui , Liu Zhi‐Yuan , Chen Hong
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a novel observer‐based controller design method for discrete‐time piecewise affine (PWA) systems. The basic idea is as follows: at first, a piecewise linear (without affine terms) state feedback controller and a PWA observer are designed separately, and then it is proved that the output feedback controller constructed by the resulting observer and state feedback controller gains can guarantee the stability of the closed‐loop system. During the controller design, the piecewise‐quadratic Lyapunov function technique is used. Moreover, the region information is taken into account to treat the affine terms, so the controller gains can be obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities, which are numerically feasible with commercially available software. Three simulation examples are given finally to verify the proposed theoretical results.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Construction of a novel cationic polymeric liposomes formed from PEGylated octadecyl‐quaternized lysine modified chitosan/cholesterol for enhancing storage stability and cellular uptake efficiency
Authors: Wang Hanjie , Zhao Peiqi , Liang Xiaofei , Song Tao , Gong Xiaoqun , Niu Ruifang , Chang Jin
Published: April 2010

The design and construction of delivery vectors with high stability and effective cellular uptake efficiency is very important. In this study, a novel polymeric liposomes (PLs) formed from PEGylated octadecyl‐quaternized lysine modified chitosan (OQLCS) and cholesterol with higher size stability and cellular uptake efficiency has been synthesized successfully. Compared to conventional liposomes (CLs; phosphatidyl choline/cholesterol), the calcein‐loaded PLs exhibited a multi‐lamellar structure with homogenous size diameter (200 nm) and high calcein encapsulation efficiency (about 92%). PLs could be stored at different temperature (25, 4, and −20°C) and different medium (deionized water, phosphate‐buffered saline, and human plasma solution) for up to 4 weeks without significant size change. The spectrophotometer fluorometry analysis and the flow cytometry analysis indicated that in comparison with CL, PLs with positive zeta potential facilitates the uptake of calcein by MCF‐7 tumor cells. The data suggests that PLs may provide a new method to overcome the stability and enhance the uptake efficiency of CLs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 952–962. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic responses of Dunaliella in moving fluids
Authors: Chengala Ahammed Anwar , Hondzo Miki , Troolin Dan , Lefebvre Paul A
Published: April 2010

The objective of this work was to quantify the kinetic behavior of Dunaliella primolecta (D. primolecta) subjected to controlled fluid flow under laboratory conditions. In situ velocities of D. primolecta were quantified by micron‐resolution particle image velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry. Experiments were performed under a range of velocity gradients and corresponding energy dissipation levels at microscopic scales similar to the energy dissipation levels of natural aquatic ecosystems. An average swimming velocity of D. primolecta in a stagnant fluid was 41 µm/s without a preferential flow direction. In a moving fluid, the sample population velocities of D. primolecta follow a log‐normal distribution. The variability of sample population velocities was maximal at the highest fluid flow velocity in the channel. Local fluid velocity gradients inhibited the accrual of D. primolecta by twofold 5 days after the initiation of the experiment in comparison to the non‐moving fluid control experiment. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 65–75. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of breast cancer risk factors among hispanic and non‐hispanic white women
Authors: Hines Lisa M. , Risendal Betsy , Slattery Martha L. , Baumgartner Kathy B. , Giuliano Anna R. , Sweeney Carol , Rollison Dana E. , Byers Tim
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white (NHW) populations within the United States have different breast cancer incidence rates, yet there is limited research on how ethnic differences in the prevalence of established risk factors and their associations with breast cancer contribute to the observed differences.

METHODS:

Odds ratios and population‐attributable risk estimates for breast cancer were determined for Hispanic and NHW women in the population‐based, case‐control 4‐Corners Breast Cancer Study.

RESULTS:

When comparing NHW and Hispanic women, the authors observed differences in the prevalence of certain risk factors and in the magnitude and direction of their associations with breast cancer. Hispanic women were more likely to have characteristics associated with lower breast cancer risk, such as younger age at first birth, having more children, shorter height, less hormone use, and less alcohol consumption. Among premenopausal women, ethnic differences in risk were observed with taller height and positive family history, which were not associated with breast cancer among Hispanic women. Among postmenopausal women, associations for certain risk factors were either weaker or were not observed in Hispanics, such as recent estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy use and younger age at menarche. Among NHW women, an estimated 62% to 75% of breast cancers were attributed to the evaluated risk factors compared with 7% to 36% in Hispanic women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Breast cancer risk factors established in NHW populations had less influence on breast cancer risk in Hispanic women. These findings reflect the need to further evaluate breast cancer risk factors among different ethnic and racial populations. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Capacity of the two‐way relay channel within a constant gap
Authors: Avestimehr Amir Salman , Sezgin Aydin , Tse David N. C.
Published: April 2010

We study the capacity of the full‐duplex bidirectional (or two‐way) relay channel with two nodes and one relay. The channels in the forward direction are assumed to be different (in general) than the channels in the backward direction, i.e. channel reciprocity is not assumed. We use the recently proposed deterministic approach to capture the essence of the problem and to determine a good transmission and relay strategy for the Gaussian channel. Depending on the ratio of the individual channel gains, we propose to use either a simple amplify‐and‐forward or a particular superposition coding strategy at the relay. We analyse the achievable rate region and show that the scheme achieves to within 3 bits the cut‐set bound for all values of channel gains. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified MAP channel estimator for OFDM systems under Rayleigh fading
Authors: Çürük Selva Muratoğlu , Tanık Yalçın
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a simplified Maximum A Posteriori (SMAP) channel estimator to be used in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems under the Rayleigh fading assumption for the subchannels, using a parametric correlation model and assuming that the channel is frequency selective and slowly time varying. Expressions for the mean‐square error (MSE) of estimations are derived to evaluate the performance of the estimator. The relation between the correlation of subchannels taps and error variance is investigated. Dependencies of the proposed estimator's performance on the correlation parameter estimation error and signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) estimation error are analysed. We provide approximations on the estimator algorithms in order to make the estimator practical. The simulations done using measured channel data show that the proposed estimator with approximations operates satisfactorily with negligible loss in performance. Finally, we investigate the symbol error rate (SER) performance of an OFDM system using quadrature phase‐shift keying (QPSK) modulation, based on channel estimation modes (a) training sequence (b) decision feedback and (c) pilot subcarriers. The results have indicated that the proposed estimator performance is always better than maximum likelihood (ML) estimator, and as the subchannel correlation increases (large number of subcarriers) the performance comes very close to that of exactly known channel case. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A stable and accurate projection method on a locally refined staggered mesh
Authors: Liu Qianlong
Published: April 2010

In this paper, a robust projection method on a locally refined mesh is proposed for two‐ and three‐dimensional viscous incompressible flows. The proposed method is robust not only when the interface between two meshes is located in a smooth flow region but also when the interface is located in a flow region with large gradients and/or strong unsteadiness. In numerical simulations, a locally refined mesh saves many grid points in regions of relatively small gradients compared with a uniform mesh. For efficiency and ease of implementation, we consider a two‐level blocked structure, for which both of the coarse and fine meshes are uniform Cartesian ones individually. Unfortunately, the introduction of the two‐level blocked mesh results in an important but difficult issue: coupling of the coarse and fine meshes. In this paper, by properly addressing the issue of the coupling, we propose a stable and accurate projection method on a locally refined staggered mesh for both two‐ and three‐dimensional viscous incompressible flows. The proposed projection method is based on two principles: the linear interpolation technique and the consistent discretization of both sides of the pressure Poisson equation. The proposed algorithm is straightforward owing to the linear interpolation technique, is stable and accurate, is easy to extend from two‐ to three‐dimensional flows, and is valid even when flows with large gradients cross the interface between the two meshes. The resulting pressure Poisson equation is non‐symmetric on a locally refined mesh. The numerical results for a series of exact solutions for 2D and 3D viscous incompressible flows verify the stability and accuracy of the proposed projection method. The method is also applied to some challenging problems, including turbulent flows around particles, flows induced by impulsively started/stopped particles, and flows induced by particles near solid walls, to test the stability and accuracy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution analysis of follicular lymphoma genomes reveals somatic recurrent sites of copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity and copy number alterations that target single genes
Authors: Cheung K‐John J. , Delaney Allen , Ben‐Neriah Susana , Schein Jacquie , Lee Tang , Shah Sohrab P. , Cheung Dorothy , Johnson Nathalie A. , Mungall Andrew J. , Telenius Adele , Lai Betty , Boyle Merrill , Connors Joseph M. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Marra Marco A. , Horsman Douglas E.
Published: April 2010

A multiplatform approach, including conventional cytogenetic techniques, BAC array comparative genomic hybridization, and Affymetrix 500K SNP arrays, was applied to the study of the tumor genomes of 25 follicular lymphoma biopsy samples with paired normal DNA samples to characterize balanced translocations, copy number imbalances, and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH). In addition to the t(14;18), eight unique balanced translocations were found. Commonly reported FL‐associated copy number regions were revealed including losses of 1p32‐36, 6q, and 10q, and gains of 1q, 6p, 7, 12, 18, and X. The most frequent regions affected by copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity were 1p36.33 (28%), 6p21.3 (20%), 12q21.2‐q24.33 (16%), and 16p13.3 (24%). We also identified by SNP analysis, 45 aberrant regions that each affected one gene, including CDKN2A, CDKN2B, FHIT, KIT, PEX14, and PTPRD, which were associated with canonical pathways involved in tumor development. This study illustrates the power of using complementary high‐resolution platforms on paired tumor/normal specimens and computational analysis to provide potential insights into the significance of single‐gene somatic aberrations in FL tumorigenesis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss,Inc.
Citalopram versus other antidepressants for late‐life depression: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seitz Dallas P. , Gill Sudeep S. , Conn David K.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To determine the efficacy and tolerability of citalopram when compared to other antidepressants for late‐life depression (LLD).

Methods

We searched electronic databases and trial registries to identify randomized controlled trials comparing citalopram to other antidepressants for LLD. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool. We summarized the efficacy of citalopram compared to other antidepressants by examining rates of depression remission, depression response and change in depression symptom scores. Medication tolerability was assessed through trial withdrawals due adverse events and withdrawals due to any cause. We used meta‐analysis to determine the odds ratios (OR) of efficacy and tolerability outcomes for citalopram compared to other antidepressants.

Results

Seven studies comparing citalopram (N = 647) to other antidepressants (N = 641) for LLD were identified including four studies with tricyclic comparators and three studies with non‐tricyclic comparators. Most of the studies had methodological limitations that placed them at risk for potential bias. The majority of studies reported no significant differences between citalopram and comparator medications for depression efficacy or tolerability outcomes. Meta‐analysis did not find any significant differences between citalopram and other antidepressants for depression remission [OR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.56–1.28] or for trial withdrawals due to adverse effects [OR = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.48–1.02].

Conclusions

Currently there are few studies directly comparing citalopram to other antidepressants for LLD. The small number of studies and methodological issues in many studies limit any conclusions about the relative efficacy and tolerability of citalopram compared to other antidepressants. Well‐designed studies comparing citalopram to other antidepressants for LLD are required. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generality of fractal 1/f scaling in catchment tracer time series, and its implications for catchment travel time distributions
Authors: Godsey Sarah E. , Aas Wenche , Clair Thomas A. , de Wit Heleen A. , Fernandez Ivan J. , Kahl J. Steve , Malcolm Iain A. , Neal Colin , Neal Margaret , Nelson Sarah J. , Norton Stephen A. , Palucis Marisa C. , Skjelkvåle Brit Lisa , Soulsby Chris , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Kirchner James W.
Published: April 2010

Catchment travel time distributions reflect how precipitation from different storms is stored and mixed as it is transported to the stream. Catchment travel time distributions can be described by the mean travel time and the shape of the distribution around the mean. Whereas mean travel times have been quantified in a range of catchment studies, only rarely has the shape of the distribution been estimated. The shape of the distribution affects both the short‐term and long‐term catchment response to a pulse input of a soluble contaminant. Travel time distributions are usually estimated from conservative tracer concentrations in precipitation and streamflow, which are analyzed using time‐domain convolution or spectral methods. Of these two approaches, spectral methods are better suited to determining the shape of the distribution. Previous spectral analyses of both rainfall and streamflow tracer time series from several catchments in Wales showed that rainfall chemistry spectra resemble white noise, whereas the stream tracer spectra in these same catchments exhibit fractal 1/f scaling over three orders of magnitude. Here we test the generality of the observed fractal scaling of streamflow chemistry, using spectral analysis of long‐term tracer time series from 22 catchments in North America and Europe. We demonstrate that 1/f fractal scaling of stream chemistry is a common feature of these catchments. These observations imply that catchments typically exhibit an approximate power‐law distribution of travel times, and thus retain a long memory of past inputs. The observed fractal scaling places strong constraints on possible models of catchment behavior, because it is inconsistent with the exponential travel time distributions that are predicted by simple mixing models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling rapid flow response of a tile‐drained field site using a 2D physically based model: assessment of ‘equifinal’ model setups
Authors: Klaus Julian , Zehe Erwin
Published: April 2010

Rapid flow in connected preferential flow paths is crucial for fast transport of water and solutes through soils, especially at tile‐drained field sites. In the present study, we propose a spatially explicit approach to represent worm burrows as connected structures of realistic geometry, high conductivity and low retention capacity in a two‐dimensional physically based model. We show that this approach allows successful prediction of a tile‐drain discharge and preferential flow patterns in soil observed during the irrigation of a tile‐drained hillslope in the Weiherbach catchment. However, we found a considerable equifinality in the spatial setup of the model when key parameters such as the area density of worm burrows, the maximum volumetric water flows inside these macropores and the conductivity of the tile drain were varied within the ranges of either our measurements or measurements reported in the literature. In total, we found that 67 out of 432 model runs were acceptable [Nash–Sutcliffe (NS) ≥ 0·75]. Among these, the 13 best yielded a NS coefficient of more than 0·9, which means that more than 90% of the flow variability is explained by the model. Also, the flow volumes were in good accordance and timing errors were less than or equal to 20 min. It is suggested that this uncertainty/equifinality could be reduced when more precise data on initial states of the subsurface and on the width of the control volume draining into a single drainage tube could be made available. However, such data are currently most difficult to assess even at very well investigated sites such as those studied here. We thus suggest that non‐uniqueness of the spatial setup of process‐based model seems to be an important factor causing predictive uncertainty at many sites where preferential flow dominates system response. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of creatine kinase activity by 3‐butyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenyltelluro)oct‐en‐1‐one in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of young rats
Authors: de Andrade Rodrigo Binkowski , Gemelli Tanise , Guerra Robson Brum , Funchal Cláudia , Duval Wannmacher Clovis Milton
Published: April 2010

In the present study, we investigated the potential in vitro toxicity of the tellurium compound 3‐butyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenyltelluro)oct‐en‐1‐one on creatine kinase activity in cerebral cortex and cerebellum of 30‐day‐old Wistar rats. First, enriched mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions from the two tissues were pre‐incubated for 30 min in the presence or absence of 1, 5 or 20 µm of organotellurium and the creatine kinase activity was measured. The organochalcogen reduced creatine kinase activity in a concentration‐dependent pattern in the two tissues studied. Furthermore, the enzyme activity was performed after pre‐incubation for 30, 60 or 90 min in the presence of 5 µm of the organotellurium. The compound inhibited creatine kinase activity in a time‐dependent way in the enriched mitochondrial fraction of both tissues, but not in the cytosolic fraction, indicating different mechanisms for the organochalcogen in the mitochondrial and in the cytosolic creatine kinase. Pre‐incubation of tellurium compound with reduced glutathione suggests that creatine kinase activity inhibition might be caused by direct interaction with thiol groups or by oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that creatine kinase inhibition may be one of the mechanisms by which this organotellurium could cause toxicity to the rat brain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anaerobic digestion of Aegean olive mill effluents with and without pretreatment
Authors: Pekin Gülseren , Haskök Senem , Sargın Sayit , Gezgin Yüksel , Eltem Rengin , İkizoǧlu Erdinç , Azbar Nuri , Sukan Fazilet Vardar
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Olive oil production is an important economical activity in the Aegean region of Turkey. However, the effluents of the olive oil producing mills with their high organic loads and toxic compounds are causing serious environmental problems. The anaerobic biological treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) using the treatment plants of the regional industries could be a method of choice and within the scope of this study floccular and granular sludges were investigated in batch mode for their success in the treatment of OMWW while producing biogas.

The major limitation of this treatment is the inhibition of methanogenic bacteria by the phenolic compounds in OMWW. Thus an integrated solution was suggested in which a pre‐treatment step (dephenolization) was also introduced before biological step.

RESULTS: The effluents of 27 olive mills out of 47 were found to have total phenolics (TP) less than 3 g L−1 and could be treated anaerobically after simple dilution. The biogas production for the untreated OMWW was higher for floccular sludge than for the granular sludge (68.5 mL and 45.7 mL respectively). Combined pre‐treatment experiments, first coagulation with polyaluminum chloride, followed by flocculation with cationic polyelectrolyte and finally Fenton's oxidation, could remove 80% of TP and 95% of the total suspended solids.

CONCLUSION: OMWW having TP values less than 3 g L−1 can be treated anaerobically using floccular sludge after simple dilution and biogas can be produced. For OMWW samples having higher TP values pre‐treatment is necessary and the pre‐treatment given in this study may be used effectively. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Construction of self‐organized free‐standing TiO2 nanotube arrays for effective disinfection of drinking water
Authors: Ng Jiawei , Zhang Xiwang , Zhang Tong , Pan Jia‐Hong , Du Jian‐Hong Alan , Sun Darren D.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: In this study, the efficacy of disinfection surface water using anodic TiO2 films was investigated. The as‐prepared photocatalyst demonstrated excellent photocatalytic disinfection of E. coli cells. Free‐standing and self‐organized TiO2 nanotube arrays were synthesized via a facile electrochemical anodization method, prior to calcination.

RESULTS: Over 95% of the initial 106 cpu mL−1 E. coli cells were inactivated within 50 min of UV‐A photocatalytic disinfection, despite the influence of various ionic species and organic compounds commonly present in groundwater. This was justified by the unique double‐walled nanotubular structure of the TiO2 photocatalyst, which provided efficient delocalization of electron carriers and promoted anti‐recombination of photogenerated pairs of electrons and holes. Based on the experimental results obtained, cations enhanced the overall disinfection process while anions had an inhibitory effect on disinfection rates.

CONCLUSION: The photocatalyst exhibited high efficiency in terms of photocatalytic disinfection of E. coli cells present in groundwater. It is deemed promising for applications in drinking water treatment owing to its superior disinfection performance, as well as high settleability, which promotes recovery and reuse of the catalyst. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry