bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of packaging strategy on microbiological and biochemical changes in high‐pressure‐treated oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Cruz‐Romero Malco , Kelly Alan L , Kerry Joe P
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: High‐pressure (HP) treatment is being increasingly employed for commercial processing of oysters, but there is relatively limited information on the microbiological quality and enzymatic activity of HP‐treated in‐shell oysters. The objective of this research was to study the influence of packaging strategy on microbiological and biochemical changes in oysters HP treated at 260 MPa for 3 min or 400 MPa for 5 min at 20 °C and stored at 0 °C either aerobically on ice, in vacuum packaging (VP) or under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 40% CO2, 60% N2), compared with changes in untreated oysters.

RESULTS: Both HP treatments reduced the microbiological load to below the detection limit (<100 colony‐forming units g−1). MAP and VP also delayed subsequent microbial growth compared with aerobically stored samples. After 21 days of storage, total volatile base levels remained lower than the proposed acceptability limits for all samples; however, after 28 days, only oysters HP treated at 400 MPa, irrespective of the packaging system used, did not exceed this limit. HP increased the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) values of oysters, indicating increased lipid oxidation. During storage, TBARS values of all MAP and VP oysters remained lower than those of aerobically stored oysters.

CONCLUSION: HP treatment, in combination with adequate chilled storage and MAP, can extend the shelf‐life and safety of oysters. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fatty acid composition and volatile compounds of selected marine oils and meals
Authors: Giogios Ioannis , Grigorakis Kriton , Nengas Ioannis , Papasolomontos Sotiris , Papaioannou Nikos , Alexis Maria N
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Although volatile compounds characterising seafood have been studied extensively, no similar data are available regarding the volatiles of raw materials used in fish feed. Therefore the aim of this study was to make an initial screening of the volatiles of various common marine raw materials used in the aquaculture feed industry. Nine commercial marine oils (German (GFO1, GFO2 and GFO3) and Norwegian (NFO) fish oils and salmon (SO1 and SO2), tuna (TO), sardine (SRDO) and shrimp (SHO) oils) and eight commercial marine meals (Peruvian (PFM1 and PFM2), Danish (DFM1 and DFM2) and prime quality (PQFM1 and PQFM2) fish meals and Antarctic krill meals (KM1 and KM2)) were analysed for their fatty acid profiles and volatile flavour compounds. The relation between fatty acids and volatiles was examined.

RESULTS: The highest polyunsaturated fatty acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3) contents and ω3/ω6 ratio were found in NFO. The fatty acid composition of all marine meals except krill meals was found to be more variable among batches than that of marine oils. Regarding volatiles, all marine raw materials were characterised by the complete absence or negligible levels of eight‐ and nine‐carbon alcohols and carbonyls. All marine oils were found to have high 2‐ethyl furan, 2‐methylenebutyl cyclopropane, hexanal, 2,4‐octadiene and 3,5‐octadiene contents. Marine meals, unlike marine oils, were characterised by the almost complete absence of unsaturated and cyclic hydrocarbons and terpenes and very low levels of furans.

CONCLUSION: Volatiles of marine meals differ from those of marine oils. Unlike fatty acids which give useful traceability information, volatiles seem to fail in this role owing to their strong variability. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Reaction Kinetics of Polyurethane Formation Using a Commercial Oligomeric Diisocyanate Resin Studied by Calorimetric and Rheological Methods
Authors: Papadopoulos Eleni , Ginic‐Markovic Milena , Clarke Stephen
Published: October 2008

Reaction rate and kinetics of cure between PMDI and castor oil, a tri‐functional polyol, for stoichiometric and off‐stoichiometric mole ratios, were studied through isoconversional analysis of DSC data and through gelation times and viscosity build up obtained through rheological techniques. The cure kinetics of the polyurethane reaction as monitored using different techniques gave similar activation energies for the stoichiometric ratio. Isoconversional analysis of DSC data showed a competitive reaction scheme for the stoichiometric system, suggesting the presence of isocyanate groups with different reactivities in the PMDI, which was further substantiated in rheological investigations.

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Nanometer‐Scaled Hollow Spherical Micelles with Hydrophilic Channels and the Controlled Release of Ibuprofen
Authors: Xiong De'an , An Yingli , Li Zhe , Ma Rujiang , Liu Yang , Wu Chenglin , Zou Lu , Shi Linqi , Zhang Junhua
Published: October 2008

PS‐b‐PAA spherical micelles with a liquid core and a PAA shell are prepared with the assistance of 1,2‐dichloroethane. During the process of adding a mixture of PNIPAM‐b‐P4VP and PEG‐b‐P4VP, multi‐layered micelles with a mixed corona that consists of both PNIPAM and PEG chains are constructed through the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between the PAA block and the P4VP block. When heating above the LCST, the PNIPAM chains collapse onto the PAA/P4VP complex layer while the PEG chains still stretch into the solution through the collapsed PNIPAM layer, which leads to the formation of hydrophilic channels around the PEG chains. The ibuprofen encapsulated in the hollow space can diffuse through the channels and its release rate can be controlled by changing the ratio of PEG chains to PNIPAM chains in the corona.

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Tertiary Amine — Enhanced Activity of ATRP Catalysts CuBr/TPMA and CuBr/Me6TREN
Authors: Tang Huadong , Shen Youqing , Li Bo‐Geng , Radosz Maciej
Published: October 2008

Tertiary amines were found to remarkably enhance the catalytic activity of ATRP catalysts CuBr/tris[(2‐pyridyl)methyl]amine and CuBr/tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethylamine]. These two catalysts alone failed to polymerize MA, MMA, and styrene at reduced catalyst concentrations. With tertiary amines such as triethylamine both catalysts could mediate fast polymerizations of the three monomers in a controlled manner at as low as 1 mol‐% catalyst relative to initiator. A mechanism study showed that tertiary amines reduced copper(II) complexes to active copper(I) complexes.

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Hexyl‐Substituted Oligoselenophenes with Central Tetrafluorophenylene Units: Synthesis, Characterisation and Application in Organic Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Crouch David J. , Skabara Peter J. , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain , Sparrowe David , Coles Simon J. , Hursthouse Michael B.
Published: October 2008

A series of selenophene oligomers incorporating conjugated fluorinated phenylene units have been synthesised as potential semiconductor materials for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). X‐ray crystallography shows that the molecules are held in close proximity by several short intermolecular contacts, making them ideal candidates for OFET applications.

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PTPϵ has a critical role in signaling transduction pathways and phosphoprotein network topology in red cells
Authors: De Franceschi Lucia , Biondani Andrea , Carta Franco , Turrini Franco , Laudanna Carlo , Deana Renzo , Brunati Anna Maria , Turretta Loris , Iolascon Achille , Perrotta Silverio , Elson Ari , Bulato Cristina , Brugnara Carlo
Published: October 2008

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are crucial components of cellular signal transduction pathways. Here, we report that red blood cells (RBCs) from mice lacking PTPϵ (Ptpre−/−) exhibit (i) abnormal morphology; (ii) increased Ca2+‐activated‐K+ channel activity, which was partially blocked by the Src family kinases (SFKs) inhibitor PP1; and (iii) market perturbation of the RBC membrane tyrosine (Tyr‐) phosphoproteome, indicating an alteration of RBC signal transduction pathways. Using the signaling network computational analysis of the Tyr‐phosphoproteomic data, we identified seven topological clusters. We studied cluster 1 containing Fyn, SFK, and Syk another tyrosine kinase. In Ptpre−/−mouse RBCs, the activity of Fyn was increased while Syk kinase activity was decreased compared to wild‐type RBCs, validating the network computational analysis, and indicating a novel signaling pathway, which involves Fyn and Syk in regulation of red cell morphology.
Quantitative assessment of the structural bias in protein–protein interaction assays
Authors: Björklund Åsa K. , Light Sara , Hedin Linnea , Elofsson Arne
Published: October 2008

With recent publications of several large‐scale protein–protein interaction (PPI) studies, the realization of the full yeast interaction network is getting closer. Here, we have analysed several yeast protein interaction datasets to understand their strengths and weaknesses. In particular, we investigate the effect of experimental biases on some of the protein properties suggested to be enriched in highly connected proteins. Finally, we use support vector machines (SVM) to assess the contribution of these properties to protein interactivity. We find that protein abundance is the most important factor for detecting interactions in tandem affinity purifications (TAP), while it is of less importance for Yeast Two Hybrid (Y2H) screens. Consequently, sequence conservation and/or essentiality of hubs may be related to their high abundance. Further, proteins with disordered structure are over‐represented in Y2H screens and in one, but not the other, large‐scale TAP assay. Hence, disordered regions may be important both in transient interactions and interactions in complexes. Finally, a few domain families seem to be responsible for a large part of all interactions. Most importantly, we show that there are method‐specific biases in PPI experiments. Thus, care should be taken before drawing strong conclusions based on a single dataset.
Nickel nanoparticles deposited into an activated porous carbon: synthesis, microstructure and magnetic properties
Authors: Gorria Pedro , Fernández‐García María Paz , Sevilla Marta , Blanco Jesús A. , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: October 2008

Activated carbons (AC) are commonly used as efficient adsorbents to remove contaminants. The incorporation of a magnetic material into the AC could greatly enhance its manipulation through magnetic separation. However, the composite material will need to have sufficiently saturated magnetization, and as low as possible coercivity to be easily attracted by commercial permanent magnets. In this letter we report on the correlation between microstructure and magnetic behaviour of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in an amorphous activated porous carbon (Ni–AC). The Ni–AC powders have been synthesized by means of an easy and low‐cost procedure. The addition of sucrose during the preparation process provides effective protection in acid media. This Ni–AC composite has a microstructure composed of crystalline NPs with diameters in the range of 7–25 nm, and exhibits superparamagnetic behaviour at room temperature, with saturation magnetization values around 3 A m2 kg–1 under applied magnetic fields of 200 mT. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computer‐assisted distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov's method
Authors: Simpson A. L. , Ma B. , Slagel B. , Borschneck D. P. , Ellis R. E.
Published: October 2008

Background

The Taylor spatial frame is a fixation device used to implement the Ilizarov method of bone deformity correction to gradually distract an osteotomized bone at regular intervals, according to a prescribed schedule.

Methods

We modify conventional technique by: (a) preoperatively planning a virtual three‐dimensional (3D) correction; (b) basing the correction on the actual location of the frame with respect to the anatomy, immediately compensating for frame mounting errors; and (c) calculating the correction based on 3D CT data rather than measurements from radiographs. We have performed a laboratory study using plastic phantoms, and a pilot clinical study involving five patients.

Results

In 20 tibial phantom experiments, we achieved average correction errors of < 2° total rotation and < 0.5 mm total lengthening. We observed clinically acceptable corrections with no complications in our pilot clinical study.

Conclusions

Our method achieved high accuracy and precision in a laboratory setting, and produced acceptable outcomes in a pilot clinical study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled Self‐Assembly of Organic Nanowires and Platelets Using Dipolar and Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Jordan Brian J. , Ofir Yuval , Patra Debabrata , Caldwell Stuart T. , Kennedy Andrew , Joubanian Steven , Rabani Gouher , Cooke Graeme , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: October 2008

Synergistic dipole–dipole and hydrogen‐bonding interactions are used to assemble nanostructured materials. Precipitation of a hydrogen‐bonding donor–acceptor molecule 8‐[[p‐[bis(ethyl)amino]phenyl]azo]‐isobutylflavin (ABFL) yields nanowires ≈50–150 nm in diameter and lengths of several millimeters. Precipitation of the non‐hydrogen‐bonding analog, methylated ABFL (MABFL), generates micrometer‐sized hexagonal platelets that are 5–10 µm in length, 1–5 µm in width, and 0.1–0.5 µm thick. The structural similarity of the two molecules allows intermediate morphologies to be formed via co‐precipitation. Doping experiments demonstrate efficient control over nanowire length and diameter due to the disruption of the hydrogen bonding within the nanowires.
Analysis of 203 Patients with Penetrating Neck Injuries
Authors: Thoma Max , Navsaria Pradeep H. , Edu Sorin , Nicol Andrew J.
Published: October 2008

Background

Selective nonoperative management (SNOM) of penetrating neck injuries (PNI) has steadily gained favor, but indications for surgery and adjunctive diagnostic studies remain debated. The purpose of the present study is to validate a protocol of SNOM of PNI based on physical examination, which further dictates complementary investigations and management.

Patients and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in a South African tertiary urban trauma center with a high prevalence of penetrating trauma. All consecutive patients admitted with penetrating neck injuries over a 13‐month period were included.

Results

A total of 203 patients were included in the study: 159 with stab wounds and 42 with gunshot wounds. A vascular injury was identified in 27 (13.3%) patients, pharyngoesophageal injury in 18 (8.9%) patients, and an upper airway injury in 8 (3.9%) patients. Only 25 (12.3%) patients required surgical intervention. A further 8 (3.9%) patients had therapeutic endovascular procedures. The remaining 158 (77.8%) patients, either asymptomatic or with negative work‐up, were managed expectantly. There were no clinically relevant missed injuries.

Conclusions

Selective nonoperative management of neck injuries based on clinical examination and selective use of adjunctive investigational studies is safe in a high‐volume trauma center.
Migrant Well‐Being is a Multilevel, Dynamic, Value Dependent Phenomenon
Authors: Prilleltensky Isaac
Published: October 2008

Research demonstrates that the well‐being of migrants is a multilevel, dynamic, and value dependent phenomenon. It is multilevel because risk and protective factors are present at various ecological planes, from the individual to the social sphere. It is dynamic because objective and subjective risk and protective factors interact across ecological levels, creating favorable or unfavorable conditions for migrants to adjust to the new surroundings. Finally, it is value dependent because access to resources is conditioned by norms of justice prevalent in the host society. Findings from this special section on acculturation are combined with previous literature to support the three claims advanced in this article.
Social Change Movements and the Struggle Over Meaning‐Making: A Case Study of Domestic Violence Narratives
Authors: Lehrner Amy , Allen Nicole E.
Published: October 2008

Social movement theorists have emphasized the important role of meaning‐making for social change movements (e.g., D. A. Snow and R. D. Benford, 1992, In: A. D. Morris & C. M. Mueller (Eds.) Frontiers in social movement theory. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, pp 133–155; C. M. Mueller, 1992, In: A. D. Morris & C. M. Mueller (Eds.) Frontiers in social movement theory. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, pp 3–26). Using the domestic violence movement as a case study, this study undertakes a close analysis of advocates' narratives about the phenomenon of domestic violence. This analysis sheds light on the current status of the movement as a social change movement attempting to promote alternative understandings of domestic violence as a social, rather than individual, problem. Study findings provide some evidence that the domestic violence movement has become increasingly de‐politicized by documenting a range of narratives that convey an apolitical, degendered, individual‐level analysis of domestic violence.
Arginine supplementation in four patients with X‐linked creatine transporter defect
Authors: Fons C. , Sempere A. , Arias A. , López‐Sala A. , Póo P. , Pineda M. , Mas A. , Vilaseca M. A. , Salomons G. S. , Ribes A. , Artuch R. , Campistol J.
Published: October 2008

Background

Treatment with oral creatine monohydrate has not shown efficacy in patients with creatine transporter deficiency (CRTR‐D). Another therapeutic option proposed isl‐arginine, the substrate for the enzymel‐arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT). We evaluate clinical characteristics and cerebral creatine replenishment afterl‐arginine therapy in four patients with CRTR‐D.

Patients and methods

Four boys with genetically confirmed diagnosis of CRTR‐D (ages 9–16 years) were supplemented withl‐arginine (0.4 g/kg per day) for a period of 9 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by clinical and neuropsychological assessment and determination of creatine signals by brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).

Results

Epileptic seizures remained well controlled with antiepileptic drugs in three cases, both before and afterl‐arginine supplementation. Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale did not show any change in communication, daily living skills, socialization or motor skills, and a lack of improvement in brain1H‐MRS follow‐up was observed.l‐Arginine was discontinued at the end of the observation period.

Conclusions

Nine months ofl‐arginine supplementation did not show effectiveness in the four patients affected with CRTR‐D in this protocol.
Disease Rarity, Carrier Status, and Gender: A Triple Disadvantage for Women with Fabry Disease
Authors: Gibas Andrea L. , Klatt Regan , Johnson Jack , Clarke Joe T. R. , Katz Joel
Published: October 2008

Fabry disease is a multi‐systemic X‐linked genetic disorder which has progressive and deadly consequences for those it afflicts. Fabry disease symptoms are widely recognized as a substantive burden for affected males. In comparison, female heterozygotes have traditionally been viewed as relatively symptom‐free, though a debate continues about whether and how much they suffer with the disease. Previous research suggests that females with Fabry disease may be triply disadvantaged in healthcare settings owing to: (1) disease rarity, (2) devalued carrier status, and (3) gender. The combined effects of these three factors suggest that female heterozygotes may suffer substantially with Fabry disease symptoms. A qualitative analysis of a brief disease‐specific questionnaire provides supportive evidence. The female Fabry disease participants described experiencing significant symptoms that interfered with their lives. They also described unsatisfying experiences with healthcare professionals related to disease rarity, carrier status, and gender. The results of this study corroborate the suggestion that this triple disadvantage exists and may preclude appropriate management and treatment of females with Fabry disease. The role of healthcare professionals, including genetic counselors, in remedying this disadvantage is reviewed.
How the scrub height of dwarf pine Pinus pumila decreases at the treeline
Authors: Takahashi Koichi , Yoshida Shuhei
Published: October 2008

Plant height decreases much within narrow altitudinal spans near treelines. We compared the stem age, stem inclination and shoot elongation rates of alpine dwarf pine Pinus pumila between the upper distribution limit (treeline, 2,850 m a.s.l.) and the lower distribution limit (2,500 m a.s.l.) on Mount Norikura in central Japan, to examine how the growth traits of P. pumila change with altitude. The mean stem height at the upper distribution limit (49 cm) was about a quarter of that at the lower distribution limit (187 cm). The mean ratio of stem height to length was lower at the upper distribution limit than at the lower distribution limit, indicating that P. pumila stems inclined more at the higher altitude. The mean stem age at the upper distribution limit (48 years) was less than a half of that at the lower distribution limit (109 years). Although the shoot elongation rate positively correlated with stem length at the two altitudes, the shoot elongation rate at a given stem length was lower at the upper distribution limit than at the lower distribution limit. Thus, less developed scrub at the upper distribution limit than at the lower distribution limit was due to shorter stem age, more creeping stems and lower shoot elongation rates. Generally, wind velocity is greater in higher altitudes. Probably, strong wind reduces the growth and mean stem age of P. pumila stems at the upper distribution limit. Therefore, this study concludes that the scrub height of P. pumila is controlled not only by temperature, but also by strong wind.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate induces cell cycle arrest and reduction of α‐ and β‐tubulin isotypes in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yin Ping , Kawamura Tomoya , He Meilan , Vanaja Donkena Krishna , Young Charles Y.F.
Published: October 2008

This study was to investigate the effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a constituent of many edible cruciferous vegetables, on the expression of α‐ and β‐tubulins, which are the main components of microtubules in prostate cancer cells. Flow cytometry, light microscopy and western blot were used to study the cell cycle distribution, morphology changes and the expression of α‐ and β‐tubulins in prostate cancer cells treated with PEITC. The results showed that PEITC‐induced G2–M cell phase arrest and inhibited the expression of α‐ and β‐tubulin proteins in a number of human prostatic carcinoma cell lines. Further, it is showed that this inhibitory effect could be reversed by antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and proteasome inhibitor MG132. Finally, it is concluded that PEITC inhibited the expression of α‐ and β‐tubulins in prostate cancer cells, which is at least related to the oxygen reaction species and protein degradation.
Serum levels of collagen type‐I degradation markers are associated with vascular stiffness in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Chatzikyriakou Sofia V. , Tziakas Dimitrios N. , Chalikias Georgios K. , Stakos Dimitrios A. , Thomaidi Adina K. , Mitrousi Konstantina , Lantzouraki Asimina E. , Kotsiou Stamatia , Maltezos Efstratios , Boudoulas Harisios
Published: October 2008

Background:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) induces peripheral vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness by activation of various neurohormonal pathways. The abnormal collagen turnover observed in CHF may be attributed not only to myocardial remodelling, but also to vascular remodelling. However, the effect of collagen metabolism on progressive large artery stiffening in the setting of CHF is understudied.

Aims:

The present study was undertaken to investigate the association between circulating markers of collagen turnover and vascular stiffness in patients with CHF.

Methods:

Eighty patients (mean age 6±11 years, 68 men) with stable CHF and in sinus rhythm, were studied. Serum concentrations of carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP) and amino‐terminal propetide of procollagen type I (PINP), markers of collagen type I degregation and synthesis respectively, were measured in all patients. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) of aortic pulse wave form, markers of arterial stiffness, were also determined by applanation tonometry.

Results:

Peripheral PWV was inversely associated with serum CITP levels (r = −0.585, p<0.001). AIx although weakly was negatively correlated with serum CITP levels (r = −0.285, p = 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that peripheral PWV remained independently associated with serum CITP levels after adjustment for all confounding variables.

Conclusions:

Findings from the present study imply a possible link between altered collagen metabolism and peripheral vascular stiffness in CHF.
The effect of change in clinical state on eye movement dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Kallimani Dimitra , Theleritis Christos , Evdokimidis Ioannis , Stefanis Nicholas C. , Chatzimanolis Ioannis , Smyrnis Nikolaos
Published: October 2008

Measures of eye movement dysfunction have been considered as candidate endophenotypes for the study of genetic liability in schizophrenia. In this respect it is crucial to confirm a clinical state independentce of these measures. Twenty people with DSM-IV schizophrenia were assessed using a battery of oculomotor tasks in the acute phase of their disorder without being treated with antipsychotic medication and then again in the remission phase under treatment with antipsychotic medication. The saccade latency in the saccade task, the error rate and antisaccade latency in the antisaccade task, and the frequency of unwanted saccades in the active fixation task were stable in time both at the group level and within each individual, showing no relation to the significant improvement in different psychopathological dimensions of these patients. The root mean square error, gain and saccade frequency in the pursuit task were not stable over time, although again this instability was not related to the changes in psychopathological status of these patients. Finally, the saccade frequency in the active fixation task with distracters was not stable in time and was correlated with changes in specific dimensions of psychopathology. These results provide further evidence that saccade and smooth eye pursuit dysfunction measures are not affected by the substantial change in the clinical state of schizophrenia from the acute phase to remission, and strengthen the current view that they can be used as endophenotypes. On the other hand, active fixation might be state-dependent adding to the evidence against its use as a candidate endophenotype in schizophrenia.
Intrapartum stillbirth in a Nigerian tertiary hospital setting
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike O. , Okezie Obioma A. , Odugu Boniface U.
Published: October 2008

Objective

To examine the nonmedical events contributing to intrapartum stillbirths in an African setting.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the records of women who had intrapartum stillbirths at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, from January 1999 to December 2007. The events surrounding the delivery of these women were critically analyzed and statistically compared with those who had live births to determine the nonmedical factors contributing to the stillbirths.

Results

The overall stillbirth rate was 89 per 1000 births. The intrapartum stillbirth rate was 52.1 per 1000 births. Nonmedical factors contributing to stillbirths included delays in receiving appropriate management, inadequate intrapartum monitoring, inappropriate interventions, and wrong diagnosis. All 3 types of delay were significantly associated with intrapartum stillbirth (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Intrapartum stillbirth accounts for the majority of stillbirths in this setting. Avoidable delays, suboptimal intrapartum monitoring, and inappropriate interventions contribute to the majority of intrapartum stillbirths in Nigeria.
Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 K469E polymorphism in Korean patients with spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Kwon Han‐Sung , Sohn In‐Sook , Lee Ji‐Young , Lee Sun‐Joo , Kim Soo‐Nyung , Kim Bok‐Ja
Published: October 2008

Objectives

To investigate the association between intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) gene K469E polymorphism and spontaneous preterm delivery in a Korean population.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood from 55 women experiencing preterm labor and 153 multiparous women (control group) with a history of at least 2 term deliveries. DNA samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

The spontaneous preterm delivery (SPD) group carried the 469E allele significantly more frequently than those in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04–2.53). The EE genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of SPD (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.17–6.89; P = 0.02). Allelic frequencies in women with abnormal C‐reactive protein levels (K = 0.48; E = 0.52) were significantly different from frequencies in the controls (K = 0.68; E = 0.32) (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

ICAM‐1 gene K469E polymorphism may be a candidate region and useful predictor of susceptibility to SPD in the Korean population.
Concurrent infections ofFasciola,SchistosomaandAmphistomumspp. in cattle from Kafue and Zambezi river basins of Zambia
Authors: Yabe J. , Phiri I.K. , Phiri A.M. , Chembensofu M. , Dorny P. , Vercruysse J.
Published: October 2008

This study investigated interactions amongFasciola gigantica,Schistosomaspp. andAmphistomumspp. concurrent natural infections in Zambian cattle, based on egg and worm counts. In the abattoir 315 cattle were screened for worms ofF. giganticain the liver,Schistosomaspp. in mesenteric veins and/orAmphistomumspp. in the rumen. One hundred and thirty-three (42.2%) of the abattoir-examined cattle harboured one, two or all three trematodes. Of 133 cattle, 50 were randomly selected for worm and egg counts. The mean numbers ( ±  SD) ofAmphistomum, SchistosomaandFasciolawere 622.08 ( ±  97.87), 33.68 ( ±  7.44) and 19.46 ( ±  4.58), respectively. A total of 32% harboured all the three trematodes, 66% hadF. giganticaandAmphistomumspp. infections, 52% hadSchistosomaspp. andAmphistomumspp. infections while 32% hadF. giganticaandSchistosomainfections. A positive correlation (P = 0.014) was found betweenF. giganticaandAmphistomumworm burdens. There were no correlations betweenAmphistomumandSchistosomaworm burdens and betweenF. giganticaandSchistosomaworm burdens. It may be concluded that there is no significant cross-protection among these trematodes in cattle in endemic areas.
Frontiers of Family Life: Early Modern Atlantic and Indian Ocean Worlds
Authors: MANNING PATRICK
Published: October 2008

Families, while usually thought of in local terms, also have their global dimension: some families stretch around the world, while families anywhere are affected by worldwide declines in mortality. This study addresses the local and global changes brought to family structures by migration. Through comparisons of five pairs of regions from the early modern Indian Ocean world and Atlantic basin, the study shows how migration created distinctive regional age and sex ratios. It also traces the flows of migrants between Atlantic and Indian Ocean and compares the intensity of migration in each zone. It argues that expanding migration reinforced familial mixing and family frontiers in virtually every region and every social grouping. The resulting complexity in family mixes often caused families to become smaller, yet brought new criteria (birthplace, colour, religion, etc.) for hierarchy and social order.
Bounded-type Siegel disks of a one-dimensional family of entire functions
Authors: KEEN LINDA , ZHANG GAOFEI
Published: October 2008

Let 0<θ<1 be an irrational number of bounded type. We prove that for any map in the family (e2πiθz+αz2)ez, α∈ℂ, the boundary of the Siegel disk, with fixed point at the origin, is a quasi-circle passing through one or both of the critical points.
Integration of communicative partner's visual perspective in patterns of referential requests
Authors: BAHTIYAR SEVDA , KÜNTAY AYLIN C.
Published: October 2008

How do Turkish children differ from adults in sensitivity to the commonality of their partner's perspective with their own in producing referential language? Fifteen five- to six-year-olds, 15 nine- to ten-year-olds and 15 adults were asked to tell a confederate to pick up an object across three conditions: the common ground condition, in which two similar objects with one contrastive feature were visible to both the participants and the confederate; the privileged ground condition, in which one of the two similar objects was available only to the participant; and the baseline condition, in which there were no competing objects. Age-related increases were found from preschool ages into adulthood in the production of (a) discriminating adjectives in the common ground trials, and (b) requestive speech acts with verbal constructions, rather than noun-only labels. A follow-up study with preschoolers (N=15) prompted for requestive speech acts, leading to an increase in discriminating adjectives.
Mantle upwelling revealed by genetic algorithm inversion of the magnetovariational anomaly around Kyushu island, Japan
Authors: Toh Hiroaki , Honma Sawako
Published: October 2008

The spatial extent of an outstanding mantle upwelling in the west of Kyushu island, Japan, has been estimated by a genetic algorithm inversion. Here we show how the mantle upwelling manifests in modeling of observed anomalies of temporal geomagnetic variations, i.e., magnetovariational anomalies around southwest Japan. Observed ratios of the vertical to horizontal geomagnetic components at short periods are known as indicators of subsurface electrical contrasts. However, they are also sensitive to the presence of oceans and continents because of much more conductive seawater than land rocks. To circumvent the difficulty, we used three‐dimensional nonuniform thin sheet approximation to subtract out the conductive as well as inductive effects of the ocean on the magnetovariational anomalies. The observed anomalies were then inverted by a genetic algorithm inversion for conductance (the product of electrical conductivity and thickness) with the known bathymetry as a priori information. The derived conductance model has particular sensitivity to the northeastern portion of spatial extent of the mantle upwelling probably centered at the East China Sea. The upwelling may result in horizontal flows of the uppermost mantle, which induce the horizontal stress field that can trigger hazardous shallow intraplate earthquakes of large magnitude, such as the earthquake off the west coast of Fukuoka Prefecture that occurred on 20 March 2005. The northeastern rim of the mantle upwelling thus revealed can also be related to an unidentified boundary between the Amurian plate and the Eurasia plate.
Local and nonlocal geometry of interplanetary coronal mass ejections: Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) short‐period variations and magnetic field modeling
Authors: Quenby J. J. , Mulligan T. , Blake J. B. , Mazur J. E. , Shaul D.
Published: October 2008

Energetic galactic cosmic ray (GCR) particles, arriving within the solar system, are modulated by the overall interplanetary field carried in the solar wind. Localized disturbances related to solar activity cause further reduction in intensity, the largest being Forbush decreases in which fluxes can fall ∼20% over a few days. Understanding Forbush decreases leads to a better understanding of the magnetic field structure related to shock waves and fast streams originating at the Sun since the propagation characteristics of the GCR probe much larger regions of space than do individual spacecraft instruments. We examined the temporal history of the integral GCR fluence (≥100 MeV) measured by the high‐sensitivity telescope (HIST) aboard the Polar spacecraft, along with the solar wind magnetic field and plasma data from the ACE spacecraft during a 40‐day period encompassing the 25 September 1998 Forbush decrease. We also examined the Forbush and (energetic storm particles) ESP event on 28 October 2003. It is the use of HIST in a high‐counting‐rate integral mode that allows previously poorly seen, short‐scale depressions in the GCR fluxes to be observed, adding crucial information on the origin of GCR modulation. Variability on time scales within the frequency range 0.001–1.0 mHz is detected. This paper concentrates on investigating four simple models for explaining short‐term reductions in the GCR intensity of both small and large amplitude. Specifically, these models are a local increase in magnetic scattering power, the passage of a shock discontinuity, and the passage of a tangential discontinuity or magnetic rope in the solar wind plasma. Analysis of the short‐scale GCR depressions during a test period in September through October 1998 shows that they are not correlated with changes in magnetic scattering power or fluctuations in solar wind speed or plasma density. However, magnetic field and plasma data during the test period of Forbush decrease strongly suggest the presence of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME). Use of a non‐force‐free magnetic rope model in conjunction with the energetic particle data allows modeling of the geometry of the ICME in terms of a magnetic cloud topology. It is only this cloud configuration that allows a satisfactory explanation of the magnitude of the Forbush event of 25 September 1998. Calculations made during the test period point to short‐scale GCR depressions being caused by either small‐scale magnetic flux rope structures or possibly tangential discontinuities in the solar wind.
Depth dependency of the Paleocene‐Eocene carbon isotope excursion: Paired benthic and terrestrial biomarker records (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 208, Walvis Ridge)
Authors: McCarren H. , Thomas E. , Hasegawa T. , Röhl U. , Zachos J. C.
Published: October 2008

The Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) coincided with a negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) in carbonate and organic matter, in terrestrial and marine records. Consequently the PETM global warming of 5–6°C has been attributed to the rapid emission of a large amount of isotopically light carbon into the ocean‐atmosphere system, and the magnitude of the CIE has been used to estimate the amount of carbon greenhouse gas emitted. However, there are large discrepancies between the magnitude of the CIE in marine and in terrestrial material, in different types of marine carbonate records (bulk carbonate, planktic and benthic foraminiferal carbonate), and in marine carbonate records from different locations. The marine carbonate record of the CIE may be incomplete in most deep‐sea (bathyal‐abyssal) locations because of ocean acidification and widespread dissolution of seafloor carbonates. We demonstrate that the CIE in benthic foraminiferal stable isotope records is relatively abrupt and not as gradual as portrayed in bulk carbonate records along the Walvis Ridge depth transect (SE Atlantic). The benthic CIE is about −1.5‰ at 3600 m paleodepth, in contrast to about −3.5‰ at 1500 m paleodepth, consistent with depth‐dependent truncation by carbonate dissolution. Strong covariance between the benthic record and the stable carbon isotope values of terrestrial n‐alkanes isolated from the same core (i.e., Site 1263) supports a relatively rapid excursion of at least −3.5‰ but no more than −5.0‰.
Mesoscale perturbations control inter‐ocean exchange south of Africa
Authors: Biastoch A. , Lutjeharms J. R. E. , Böning C. W. , Scheinert M.
Published: October 2008

The quantification of inter‐ocean leakage from the South Indian to the South Atlantic Ocean is an important measure for the role of the Agulhas system in the global thermohaline circulation. To explore the specific role of mesoscale variability (such as Agulhas rings and Mozambique eddies) in this process a high‐resolution model (based on NEMO‐ORCA) for the Agulhas region has been set up. It is nested into a global coarse‐resolution model. The high‐resolution nest captures all salient features of the greater Agulhas region, including the upstream perturbations of the Agulhas Current and Natal Pulses along the African coast. A comparison of the inter‐ocean exchange in the high‐resolution nest with its coarse resolution counterpart reveals that the latter significantly over‐estimates the amount of water flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating the need to explicitly simulate the mesoscale features. A sensitivity experiment that excludes the upstream perturbations revealed no difference in the amount of inter‐ocean exchange. However, the realistic representation of Agulhas rings and their drift path into the South Atlantic depends on the simulation of those upstream perturbations.
A Poisson model for earthquake frequency uncertainties in seismic hazard analysis
Authors: Greenhough J. , Main I. G.
Published: October 2008

Frequency‐magnitude distributions, and their associated uncertainties, are of key importance in statistical seismology. When fitting these distributions, the assumption of Gaussian residuals is invalid since event numbers are both discrete and of unequal variance. In general, the observed number in any given magnitude range is described by a binomial distribution which, given a large total number of events of all magnitudes, approximates to a Poisson distribution for a sufficiently small probability associated with that range. In this paper, we examine four earthquake catalogues: New Zealand (Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences), Southern California (Southern California Earthquake Center), the Preliminary Determination of Epicentres and the Harvard Centroid Moment Tensor (both held by the United States Geological Survey). Using independent Poisson distributions to model the observations, we demonstrate a simple way of estimating the uncertainty on the total number of events occurring in a fixed time period.
A comparison of τc and τpmax for magnitude estimation in earthquake early warning
Authors: Shieh Jang‐Tian , Wu Yih‐Min , Allen Richard M.
Published: October 2008

We determined the τc and τpmax parameters from the K‐NET strong motion records of 16 earthquakes in Japan with moment magnitude (Mw) ranging from 6.0 to 8.3. A 0.075 Hz high‐pass Butterworth filter was applied for determination of τc based on our previous studies. It was found that different pole selections of the Butterworth filter lead to different uncertainty in magnitude determination. Our results show that using two poles in the filters results in the best magnitude estimates, i.e., minimized the standard deviation in magnitude determination in comparison to Mw using τc. The τpmax parameters (Allen and Kanamori, 2003) were also determined with the same dataset using the Wurman et al. (2007) procedure. It was found that τpmax values obtained from this dataset, and using the Wurman procedure, had a larger uncertainty. However, when a 0.075 Hz high‐pass Butterworth filter with five poles was added, the uncertainty in τpmax‐derived magnitude estimates decreased minimizing the standard deviation in magnitude determination using τpmax. This difference in the behavior of τc and τpmax can be used to further reduce the uncertainty in rapid magnitude determination for earthquake early warning. When the magnitude estimations from τc and τpmax of each event are averaged to provide a new magnitude estimate, the standard deviation in magnitude estimates is reduced further to 0.27 magnitude units.
Electron diffusion region and thermal demagnetization
Authors: Scudder J. D. , Holdaway R. D. , Glassberg R. , Rodriguez S. L.
Published: October 2008

The demagnetized skin depth width electron diffusion region (EDR) distinguishes the innermost current layers of collisionless magnetic reconnection (CMR) from other current layers. Such narrow layers with virtually unknown properties are hard to identify in space observations. Soon, diagnosing it will be the central focus of NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. Initial attempts have been made to frame necessary tests to ensure that the observer is in the EDR. Since none of the tests are sufficient to identify the EDR, it is important to vet as many necessary conditions as possible. In this way a winnowing process can lessen the likelihood of false positive detections of the EDR. Since the “necessary” criteria of the EDR are usually not amenable to direct experimental tests, a vetting process is desirable before accepting “necessary” proxy tests for the criteria of CMR. This paper proposes a further necessary test of an essential property of the EDR: the necessity that the thermal electrons be demagnetized in these regions. Without this attribute, the magnetic flux is essentially frozen to the electron fluid velocity and the topology breaking of CMR is thwarted. We have framed this test from kinetic theory, gathered the relevant observables, and used it with a published set of over 100 previously identified EDRs. Surprisingly, 99% of them are ≃100 times more magnetized than expected for the EDR of CMR theory. The outcome of this falsifiable test demonstrates the scientific dialogue is incomplete for framing adequate pragmatic tests for identifying EDRs.
Comparison of methods for estimating evapotranspiration rate of dry forest canopy: Eddy covariance, Bowen ratio energy balance, and Penman‐Monteith equation
Authors: Shi Ting‐Ting , Guan De‐Xin , Wu Jia‐Bing , Wang An‐Zhi , Jin Chang‐Jie , Han Shi‐Jie
Published: October 2008

A multiyear, multitechnique study was conducted to estimate latent heat flux within a temperate mixed forest of broad‐leaved and coniferous trees of Changbai Mountains in northeastern China. Three different methods were used, including eddy covariance (EC), Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB), and Penman‐Monteith (PM), during the growing seasons (May to September) of 2003–2005. BREB‐ and PM‐based latent heat fluxes calculated with micrometeorological variables of different reference levels were analyzed and those of the topmost reference level were the most similar to the EC measurements. The latent heat fluxes (LE) estimated with the three methods showed similar diurnal and seasonal courses. The maximum of monthly averaged daily LE appeared in July and August. Although the three methods gave the roughly consistent result, dispersion among them still existed in the experiment. PM method usually gave the highest latent heat flux among the three methods. Sum of the half‐hourly values from BREB and PM methods of the three growing seasons took 81.2% and 131% of that from EC measurement. The discrepancy between BREB estimates, as well as PM estimates, and EC measurements was analyzed with regard to vapor pressure deficit. Several reasons leading to the uncertainty of BREB and PM methods were discussed, including the assumptions in the two methods, source area and the influence of environmental factors.