bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectodysplasin regulates activator-inhibitor balance in murine tooth development through Fgf20 signaling
Authors: Häärä Otso , Harjunmaa Enni , Lindfors Päivi H. , Huh Sung-Ho , Fliniaux Ingrid , Åberg Thomas , Jernvall Jukka , Ornitz David M. , Mikkola Marja L. , Thesleff Irma
Published: July 2012

Uncovering the origin and nature of phenotypic variation within species is the first step in understanding variation between species. Mouse models with altered activities of crucial signal pathways have highlighted many important genes and signal networks regulating the morphogenesis of complex structures, such as teeth. The detailed analyses of these models have indicated that the balanced actions of a few pathways regulating cell behavior modulate the shape and number of teeth. Currently, however, most mouse models studied have had gross alteration of morphology, whereas analyses of more subtle modification of morphology are required to link developmental studies to evolutionary change. Here, we have analyzed a signaling network involving ectodysplasin (Eda) and fibroblast growth factor 20 (Fgf20) that subtly affects tooth morphogenesis. We found that Fgf20 is a major downstream effector of Eda and affects Eda-regulated characteristics of tooth morphogenesis, including the number, size and shape of teeth. Fgf20 function is compensated for by other Fgfs, in particular Fgf9 and Fgf4, and is part of an Fgf signaling loop between epithelium and mesenchyme. We showed that removal of Fgf20 in an Eda gain-of-function mouse model results in an Eda loss-of-function phenotype in terms of reduced tooth complexity and third molar appearance. However, the extra anterior molar, a structure lost during rodent evolution 50 million years ago, was stabilized in these mice.
Integrating force-sensing and signaling pathways in a model for the regulation of wing imaginal disc size
Authors: Aegerter-Wilmsen Tinri , Heimlicher Maria B. , Smith Alister C. , de Reuille Pierre Barbier , Smith Richard S. , Aegerter Christof M. , Basler Konrad
Published: July 2012

The regulation of organ size constitutes a major unsolved question in developmental biology. The wing imaginal disc of Drosophila serves as a widely used model system to study this question. Several mechanisms have been proposed to have an impact on final size, but they are either contradicted by experimental data or they cannot explain a number of key experimental observations and may thus be missing crucial elements. We have modeled a regulatory network that integrates the experimentally confirmed molecular interactions underlying other available models. Furthermore, the network includes hypothetical interactions between mechanical forces and specific growth regulators, leading to a size regulation mechanism that conceptually combines elements of existing models, and can be understood in terms of a compression gradient model. According to this model, compression increases in the center of the disc during growth. Growth stops once compression levels in the disc center reach a certain threshold and the compression gradient drops below a certain level in the rest of the disc. Our model can account for growth termination as well as for the paradoxical observation that growth occurs uniformly in the presence of a growth factor gradient and non-uniformly in the presence of a uniform growth factor distribution. Furthermore, it can account for other experimental observations that argue either in favor or against other models. The model also makes specific predictions about the distribution of cell shape and size in the developing disc, which we were able to confirm experimentally.
Identifying the Related Compounds Using Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Bromotyrosine Alkaloids from Marine Sponge Psammaplysilla Purpurea
Authors: Tilvi Supriya , D'Souza Lisette
Published: July 2012

We have investigated extracts of marine sponge Psammaplysilla purpurea during three collections from Mandapam (Tamil Nadu, India) and Okha (Gujarat, India) and indentified two new bromotyrosine alkaloids, purpurealidin I (7) and J (8) using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). This sponge has tremendous chemical diversity of bromotyrosine alkaloids. Here we have used the proteomics approach in identifying related bromotyrosine alkaloids based on the predicated mass fragmentation pattern. The focus is on the examination of detailed product ion spectra of six known compounds that allowed identification of new compounds based on its mass fragmentation pattern. The isotopic pattern of the peaks for protonated molecules indicated the number of bromine atoms present in the molecule. During MS/MS studies, the most prominent product ion peak is for the presence of the side chain propane with either free NH2 or NHMe or NMe2. The cleavage at C–C bond between oxime–amide carbonyl and amide–phenoxy moiety also gave characteristic product ions. The ESI-MS spectra for all three collections show that the bromotyrosine metabolites vary during different seasons and also geographical location, although some common metabolites were observed during the three collections. Thus, ESI-MS/MS is a method of choice in identifying the related compounds.
Ionic Liquids as Matrices in Microfluidic Sample Deposition for High-Mass Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Weidmann Simon , Kemmerling Simon , Mädler Stefanie , Stahlberg Henning , Braun Thomas , Zenobi Renato
Published: July 2012

Sample preparation for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) via a microfluidic deposition device using ionic liquid matrices addresses several problems of standard protocols with crystalline matrices, such as the heterogeneity of sample spots due to the co-crystallization of sample and matrix and the limited capability for high-throughput analysis. Since ionic liquid matrices do not solidify during the measurement, the resulting sample spots are homogeneous. The use of these matrices is also beneficial for automated sample preparation, since crystallization of the matrix is avoided and, thus, no clogging of the spotting device can occur. The applicability of ionic liquids to the analysis of biomolecules with high molecular weights, up to ≈ 1 MDa is shown, as well as a good sensitivity (5 fmol) for recombinant human fibronectin, a protein with a molecular weight of 226 kDa. Microfluidic sample deposition of proteins with high molecular weights will, in the future, allow parallel sample preparation for MALDI-MS and for electron microscopy.
Mass Spectrometic Study of Speciation in Aluminium—Fluoroquinolone Solutions
Authors: Cvijovic Mirjana , Di Marco Valerio , Traldi Pietro , Stankov Milena J. , Djurdjevic Predrag
Published: July 2012

Fluoroquinolones (FQLs) are synthetic antibacterial agents containing a 4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline skeleton. When concomintantly administered with other drugs which may contain metal ions, particularly Al3+ (antacids, phosphate binders, vaccines etc.) they may form metal–drug complexes. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that aluminium–quinolone interactions lead to reduced bio-availability and altered activity of the drug with possible development of the toxic effects of aluminium ion. Reliable speciation in Al3+–quinolone systems at the micromolar concentration level is needed to better understand pharmaco- and toxico-kinetics of the FQLs in the presence of Al. In this work, the speciation in solutions containing Al3+ and FQL family members (fleroxacin, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin) was studied by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), ESI-tandem mass spectrometry and laser desorption ionisation (LDI) MS. The dominating species identified in all three Al3+–FQL solutions, at approx. 30–50 μmol L−1 total Al concentration and 2:1 to 1:3 metal-to-ligand ratio in the pH range 3.0–6.0, were the ions related to the complexes AlL2+, AlL2+ and AlL30 (L = ligand in the mono-deprotonated form). Mixed protonated and hydroxo complexes were also formed at lower and higher pH values, respectively and, as expected, dimeric and polymeric species were not observed in ESI spectra. LDI measurements confirmed the existence of the mononuclear complexes found by ESI and indicated the formation of polymeric species. The ion [2Al3+ + 5L−]+ was identified with all three FQLs. This ionic species most probably arises from Al2L2 by clustering with free ligand anions. Comparison of literature potentiometric data with mass spectral data indicated good agreement between speciation schemes. The results obtained suggest the presence of strong interaction between FQLs and Al3+, which may be important in affecting absorption of these drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.
Application of Proteomics to Hordein Screening in the Malting Process
Authors: Flodrová Dana , Šalplachta Jiří , Benkovská Dagmar , Bobálová Janette
Published: July 2012

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the malting process on hordein composition. For this purpose, combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and the method of isotopic peptides labeling iTRAQ was used. Barley proteins are essential components determining the quality of both malt and beer. Since hordeins represent the most abundant proteins accounting for about 40–50% of total protein fraction of mature barley grain, our research was focused on them. In this respect, the proteins of interest were extracted from milled samples of barley grain, germinated barley grain (samples collected at different time intervals), green malt and malt, respectively. Particular hordein extracts were firstly fractionated via SDS-PAGE, which was used as a relatively rapid and reliable technique providing information about hordein profile of analyzed samples. Then, separated proteins were in-gel digested and resulting peptides were measured by mass spectrometry. In addition, the chosen proteins, after in-gel digestion, were subjected to the iTRAQ method and the screening of proteins during malting process was evaluated. Our results have revealed that most of the hordein components present in the barley grain can be found in all stages of the malting process as well as in the final malt. The amount of hordeins decreases during the malting process; in the case of C hordein, the protein decrease is approximately 65%. On the other hand, significant degradation of D hordein was detected. The suggested procedure can be used to follow the development of the hordein profile during germination, which is of great technological importance in beer production.
Studies on the Formation of N-Methylperfluoroalkylnitrile Cations from Perfluoroacylphenethylamines in Electron Ionisation Mass Spectrometry: Unique Marker Ion Fragments in Methamphetamine Analysis
Authors: Awad Tamer , Maher Hadir M. , DeRuiter Jack , Clark C. Randall
Published: July 2012

The mass spectra of the perfluoroacyl derivatives of methamphetamine show a unique and characteristic fragment ion identified as the N-methylperfluoroalkylnitrile cation (C nF2 n+1CNCH3)+. This ion appears at various m/z values depending on the nature of the perfluoroacyl species and is generated via rearrangement of the perfluoroacyl immonium fragment formed by loss of the benzyl-radical from the molecular ion. Analogous ions have been described in the mass spectra of other methamphetamine-like side chain substances regardless of the aromatic ring substitution pattern. The scope and limitation of this rearrangement pathway were evaluated in this study by preparing a set of substituted phenethylamines and related compounds of varying structure. The perfluoroacyl moiety leads to the formation of the highest abundance of the N-methyl nitrile cation fragment while hydrocarbon acyl groups do not show the N-methylnitrile cation as a significant peak. The N-methyl group is required for the formation of the N-methyl nitrile cation and higher N-alkyl homologues eliminate the corresponding alkene species from the acyl immonium fragment. The loss of benzaldehyde and acetone from the perfluoroacylimmonium species produces the highest relative abundance of the unique N-methylperfluoroalkylnitrile cation.
An Improved Calibration Method for the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resononance Analysis of 15N-Metabolically-Labeled Proteome Digests Using a Mass Difference Approach
Authors: Jing Li , Amster I. Jonathan
Published: July 2012

High mass measurement accuracy of peptides in enzymatic digests is critical for confident protein identification and characterization in proteomics research. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) can provide low or sub-ppm mass accuracy and ultrahigh resolving power. While for ESI-FT-ICR-MS, the mass accuracy is generally 1 ppm or better, with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-FT-ICR-MS, the mass errors can vary from sub-ppm with internal calibration to over 100 ppm with conventional external calibration. A novel calibration method for 15N-metabolically labeled peptides from a batch digest of a proteome is described which corrects for space charge induced frequency shifts in FT-ICR spectra without using an internal calibrant. This strategy utilizes the information from the mass difference between the 14N/15N peptide peak pairs to correct for space charge induced mass shifts after data collection. A procedure for performing the mass correction has been written into a computer program and has been successfully applied to high-performance liquid chromatography-MALDI-FT-ICR-MS measurement of 15N-metabolic labeled proteomes. We have achieved an average measured mass error of 1.0 ppm and a standard deviation of 3.5 ppm for 900 peptides from 68 MALDI-FT-ICR mass spectra of the proteolytic digest of a proteome from Methanococcus maripaludis.
Artifacts in Amine Analysis from Anodic Oxidation of Organic Solvents upon Electrospray Ionization for Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Abburi Ramarao , Kalkhof Stefan , Oehme Ramona , Kiontke Andreas , Birkemeyer Claudia
Published: July 2012

Different phenylenediamines were used to explore anodic oxidation in solution during electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry analysis. In our experiments, a series of unknown ionic species was detected in the phenylenediamine solutions. Our results propose that reactions of phenylenediamines with species formed by anodic oxidation of typical ESI solvents during the electrospray ionization process such as formaldehyde are producing these peaks. Identification of these compounds inter alia suggests formal alkylation, a reaction not reported so far as a result of electrolytic oxidation in the prospective organic solvents.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase plays a proapoptotic role in podocytes after reactive oxygen species treatment and inhibition of integrin–extracellular matrix interaction
Authors: Chen Chien-An , Chen Tsang-Shan , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: July 2012

The effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocking integrin–extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction on apoptosis in podocytes, and the related signal transduction pathways remain unclear. Primary cultured rat podocytes were exposed to ROS. Integrin–ECM interaction was inhibited with anti- β1-integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) or RGDS (Arg–Gly–Asp–Ser). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was evaluated with Western blotting. U0126 was used to inhibit ERK activation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-peroxidase nick end-labeling of DNA (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis. We found that ROS-treated podocytes exhibited increased apoptosis, and both anti- β1-integrin mAb and RGDS induce apoptosis. Addition of ROS to either anti- β1-integrin mAb or RGDS enhanced apoptosis in both conditions. ERK activation was increased by either ROS or blocking integrin–ECM interaction. Preincubation with U0126 decreased apoptosis induced by ROS, anti- β1-integrin mAb or RGDS, respectively. Our study demonstrated that ROS and blocking integrin–ECM interaction induce podocyte apoptosis, which is mediated by ERK activation.
Healing rates following venous surgery for chronic venous leg ulcers in an independent specialist vein unit
Authors: Thomas C A , Holdstock J M , Harrison C C , Price B A , Whiteley M S
Published: July 2012

Objectives

This is a retrospective study over 12 years reporting the healing rates of leg ulcers at a specialist vein unit. All patients presented with active chronic venous leg ulcers (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements [CEAP]: C6) and had previously been advised elsewhere that their ulcers were amenable to conservative measures only.

Method

Seventy-two patients (84 limbs) were treated between March 1999 and June 2011. Patients were contacted in August 2011 by questionnaire and telephone. Of 72 patients, two were deceased and two had moved location at follow-up, so were not contactable. Fifty patients replied and 18 did not (response rate 74%), representing a mean follow-up time of 3.1 years.

Results

Ulcer healing occurred in 85% (44 of 52 limbs) of which 52% (27) limbs were no longer confined to compression. Clinical improvement was achieved in 98% of limbs.

Conclusions

This study shows that a significant proportion of ulcers currently managed conservatively can be healed by surgical intervention.
RNA editing of protein sequences: A rare event in human transcriptomes
Authors: Kleinman Claudia L. , Adoue Véronique , Majewski Jacek
Published: July 2012

RNA editing, the post-transcriptional recoding of RNA molecules, has broad potential implications for gene expression. Several recent studies of human transcriptomes reported a high number of differences between DNA and RNA, including events not explained by any known mammalian RNA-editing mechanism. However, RNA-editing estimates differ by orders of magnitude, since technical limitations of high-throughput sequencing have been sometimes overlooked and sequencing errors have been confounded with editing sites. Here, we developed a series of computational approaches to analyze the extent of this process in the human transcriptome, identifying and addressing the major sources of error of a large-scale approach. We apply the detection pipeline to deep sequencing data from lymphoblastoid cell lines expressing ADAR1 at high levels, and show that noncanonical editing is unlikely to occur, with at least 85%–98% of candidate sites being the result of sequencing and mapping artifacts. By implementing a method to detect intronless gene duplications, we show that most noncanonical sites previously validated originate in read mismapping within these regions. Canonical A-to-G editing, on the other hand, is widespread in noncoding Alu sequences and rare in exonic and coding regions, where the validation rate also dropped. The genomic distribution of editing sites we find, together with the lack of consistency across studies or biological replicates, suggest a minor quantitative impact of this process in the overall recoding of protein sequences. We propose instead a primary role of ADAR1 protein as a defense system against elements potentially damaging to the genome.
Crystal structure of a minimal eIF4E–Cup complex reveals a general mechanism of eIF4E regulation in translational repression
Authors: Kinkelin Kerstin , Veith Katharina , Grünwald Marlene , Bono Fulvia
Published: July 2012

Cup is an eIF4E-binding protein (4E-BP) that plays a central role in translational regulation of localized mRNAs during early Drosophila development. In particular, Cup is required for repressing translation of the maternally contributed oskar, nanos, and gurken mRNAs, all of which are essential for embryonic body axis determination. Here, we present the 2.8 Å resolution crystal structure of a minimal eIF4E–Cup assembly, consisting of the interacting regions of the two proteins. In the structure, two separate segments of Cup contact two orthogonal faces of eIF4E. The eIF4E-binding consensus motif of Cup (YXXXXLΦ) binds the convex side of eIF4E similarly to the consensus of other eIF4E-binding proteins, such as 4E-BPs and eIF4G. The second, noncanonical, eIF4E-binding site of Cup binds laterally and perpendicularly to the eIF4E β-sheet. Mutations of Cup at this binding site were shown to reduce binding to eIF4E and to promote the destabilization of the associated mRNA. Comparison with the binding mode of eIF4G to eIF4E suggests that Cup and eIF4G binding would be mutually exclusive at both binding sites. This shows how a common molecular surface of eIF4E might recognize different proteins acting at different times in the same pathway. The structure provides insight into the mechanism by which Cup disrupts eIF4E–eIF4G interaction and has broader implications for understanding the role of 4E-BPs in translational regulation.
Denosumab, a RANK Ligand Inhibitor, for Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Sutton Emily E , Riche Daniel M
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To review the evidence for use of denosumab for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

DATA SOURCES:

A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted during January 2012, using the terms denosumab and osteoporosis, with index dates of 2000 to 2011. Additional information was gathered from Amgen and references cited in articles retrieved.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

English-language articles including clinical trials involving denosumab for treatment of osteoporosis and review articles were reviewed. Articles using denosumab in males or as treatment for conditions other than osteoporosis or osteopenia were excluded.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Many clinical trials have supported the safety and efficacy of denosumab in postmenopausal women with bone loss. It has been shown to improve bone mineral density, decrease markers of bone turnover, and prevent new vertebral fractures. It shows improvement over placebo in studies and has at least similar efficacy to alendronate in measurements of bone mineral density, with less risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fracture, but with an increased risk of infections and neoplasms. European cost-effectiveness studies have also demonstrated that denosumab is a cost-effective choice compared to risedronate and no treatment for fracture prevention for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Denosumab has demonstrated efficacy and safety as a first-line treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis in multiple clinical trials over at least 6 years. It may be most cost-effective for women who are unable or refuse to take bisphosphonate drugs.
Polyisoprene synthesized via cationic polymerization: State of the art
Authors: Ouardad Samira , Deffieux Alain , Peruch Frédéric
Published: July 2012

In this paper, more than 70 years of cationic polymerization of isoprene (IP) are reviewed. Up to now, the controlled or living cationic polymerization of IP was never reported due to numerous side reactions, including chain transfer, cyclization, and cross-linking reactions that were very difficult to control. Cationic polyisoprenes (PIPs) are thus described to be mainly 1,4-trans with saturated/cyclized sequences. Although progress was made for their characterization due to many analysis techniques, cationic PIPs are still not yet fully characterized, particularly the saturated sequences. As a consequence, even if suggestions are proposed, polymerization mechanism is still not fully elucidated.
RE/Search, J.G. Ballard and New Brutalist aftermath aesthetics
Authors: Murray Joanne
Published: July 2012

This article explores the relationship between RE/Search Publications and J.G. Ballard. It demonstrates how RE/Search have negotiated a series of presentations of Ballard’s work that not only elucidate many of the subtle nuances of Ballard’s fiction but also serve to encourage
new understandings of the oeuvre. Focusing on three main areas, this article first explores some reasons why the countercultural context provided by RE/Search became a perfect place to find Ballard’s work from the late 1970s onwards. Second, I consider how the form of RE/Search’s
publications both serve to nuance Ballard’s original avant-garde Atrocity Exhibition experiment, but also how it encourages new understandings of the text and Ballard’s wider project as a whole. Here I focus in particular on not only Ballard’s authorial notes added to The
Atrocity Exhibition in RE/Search’s 1990 edition, but also how the layout and design of the publication encourages new ways to interpret the text. Finally, I demonstrate how the visual elements of RE/Search’s Ballard publications elicit a greater understanding of Ballard’s
project, and here I begin to point to the ways in which Phoebe Gloeckner’s illustrations in particular have informed and fed into my own understandings of Ballard’s oeuvre, which recalibrates Ballard’s fiction through a visual lens, particularly that of New Brutalism.
Terrorism, Punishment, and Recognition
Authors: Carvalho Henrique
Published: July 2012

This paper discusses some theoretical and practical challenges that terrorism poses to a normative theory of punishment, using a theory of recognition as the main basis for critique. Punishment exists in constant tension with principles such as individual autonomy and human dignity, which the contemporary legal framework strives to uphold. The limits of this tension are both defined and challenged by situations of radical deviance, of which the current paradigmatic case is terrorism. Theorists such as Antony Duff who attempt to define punishment as a communicative endeavor, and thus justified in the eyes of a liberal political community, find a hard case in the figure of the terrorist. But such an analysis misses an important point in relation to the social nature of autonomy, and such absence risks jeopardizing the whole communicative process that punishment presumably preserves. From the perspective of recognition, this paper aims to reflect upon the criminalization of the terrorist in a way that not only criticizes it, but also puts the aforementioned justification of punishment into question.
The pathophysiology of preeclampsia in view of the two-stage model
Authors: Alasztics Bálint , Kukor Zoltán , Pánczél Zita , Valent Sándor
Published: July 2012

Preeclampsia is a common and severe disease in pregnancy, a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The main features of the disease are de novo hypertension after the 20th gestational week and proteinuria, and it is frequently accompanied by edema and other subjective symptoms. The origin of the disease is the placenta, but its sequelae affect multiple organ systems. According to the two-stage model of preeclampsia, the abnormal and hypoperfused placenta (stage 1) releases factors to the bloodstream, which are responsible for the maternal symptoms (stage 2). Oxidative stress, impaired function of nitric-oxide synthase, cellular and humoral immunological factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of the placenta. Endothelial dysfunction is the common denominator of the clinical symptoms. The theory explains the origins of hypertension, proteinuria, edema and other symptoms as well. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1167–1176.
End anchorage and bond stress in prestressed concrete
Authors: Marshall G.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

Research into the properties and problems of prestressed concrete has been pursued for some ten years in the Civil Engineering Laboratories of Leeds University and this paper deals with the results of tests on prestressed concrete columns to find the transmission lengths required to ensure complete bond between the wires and the concrete.

It is seen that the initial transmission length for 0·2 inch diameter wires stressed to 70 tons per sq. in. is about 125 diameters (25 in.) and for 0·08 inch diameter wires stressed to 100 tons per sq. in. about 60 diameter (5 in.).

These values apply only if the concrete is of good quality. It is seen that bad placing can cause these transmission lengtlrs to be greatly increased. A transmission length of approximately 400 diameters was measured in badly placed concrete.

It is recommended that som~ form of mechanical locking device should be used when structures of short length are to be prestressed by 0·2 in. diameter wires.

The use of 0·08 in. wires eliminates any uncertainity with regard to the end anchorage.
The vibration of concrete slabs
Authors: Kirkham R. H. H.
Published: July 2012

Summary

This paper describes an experimental vibrating machine used for studying the variables concerned in the compaction of concrete road and runway slabs. In this work measurements are made of the degree of compaction achieved and also of the movements produced in the concrete.
Development work at the Field Test Unit
Authors:   Ministry of Works
Published: July 2012

Extracts from a brief description of work done at the Field Test Unit (Barnet By-pass) from August 1948 to April 1949 published by the C.S.A. Division, Ministry of Works.
The measurement of vibrations in freshly placed concrete
Authors: Whiffin A. C. , Morris S. A. H. , Smith R. T.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

Descriptions are given of the electronic apparatus and techniques developed at the Road Research Laboratory for measuring vibrations. The equipment had been used, in the first instance, for measuring the movements produced in freshly placed concrete by an experimental vibrator operating on the surface. Details are given of the circuits, the calibration arrangements, and the type of information obtainable.
A method, of design for shell concrete roofs using prestressed edge beams
Authors: Silvera V. M.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

In a beam provided with prestressing cables which follow a continuous curve between supports, the prestressing force resolves itself into two components: firstly, a horizontal compressive force, which remains very nearly constant throughout the span and secondly, a vertical distributed load, acting upwards and balanced by two downward reactions at the anchorages over the supports.

By selecting a suitable curve for the cables, this vertical distributed load can be made uniform throughout the span: it can also be made to equal in value the uniformly distributed permanant loads acting on the beam, thereby cancelling all deflections caused by such loads.

Prestressing forces are usually designed to counteract tensile stresses, the effect of such forces on the deflection being purely incidental. In the case however of thin concrete shells, the vertical prestressing forces provide an effective means of cancelling the edge disturbances caused by deflections in edge beams, thereby enabling the thin shells to be regarded as membranes wirhout any appreciable bending stresses.

In the following article, an attempt is made to analyse the efreCI on thin shell structures of the prestressing forces resulting from suitable arrangement of cables. Some reference is also made 10 polygonal shell structures.

Incidentally, it may be noted that the provision of curved cables inducing upward vertical loads may lead 10 reasonably economical design in other types of structure not mentioned in this article, such as continuous girders or large span rectangular slabs.
Investigations on a model dome with arched cut-outs
Authors: Stevens L. K.
Published: July 2012

Summary

Experimental investigations on a model dome of varying thickness and with large arched cut-outs around the base are described.

These investigations include the determination of strain distributions under the action of uniform and nonuniform conditions of moment and thrust at the base, and the confirmation of an approximate method of analysis developed to predict the structural behaviour.
Participants with Prolonged Grief—How Do They Benefit from Grief Group Participation?
Authors: Johnsen Iren , Dyregrov Atle , Dyregrov Kari
Published: July 2012

Data analyzed in this article is part of a study conducted to explore grief support groups in Norway. Participants that fulfilled the criteria of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) were compared with participants that did not in order to explore whether they differed on satisfaction and experiences with participation. To allow for comparison, a subsample of 22 participants that fulfilled the criteria of PGD were drawn from the total of 262 participants. Demographic and loss-related variables were analyzed to explore factors associated with PGD. Fulfillment of PGD was then analyzed to explore the group's effect on life quality and overall satisfaction. The main finding is that participants who fulfill the criteria of prolonged grief are in general less satisfied with the groups and report less positive effect on life quality. We also found age- and gender-differences regarding fulfillment of PGD, with older bereaved women especially at risk of developing symptoms of PGD.
Considerations for Grief Interventions: Eras of Witnessing with Families
Authors: Thirsk Lorraine M. , Moules Nancy J.
Published: July 2012

This article describes research that was conducted to articulate interventions with families experiencing grief. Using an interpretive methodology framed by philosophical hermeneutics allowed for a depth of understanding of these therapeutic conversations. The research findings offer explanations of the role of time in relation to grief, particularly the timing of interventions, and describe the significance of working with multiple family members during therapeutic interventions. This research was unique in that it approached grief counseling with a family focus, the participants were interviewed for this study several years after the therapeutic encounter, and the underlying theoretical framework for the interventions focused on grief as a lifelong, life-changing experience, rather than a finite, pathology-laden event.
Field emission - based many-valued processing using carbon nanotube controlled switches - Part 2: Architecture effectuation
Authors: Al-Rabadi Anas , Mousa Marwan
Published: July 2012

A novel field emission Carbon Nanotube (CNT) - based controlled switch is
introduced in the second part of the article. For the architecture
effectuation of the new CNT field emission - based switching device, four
field emission tubes having single CNT as emitters were previously tested and
compared to a tungsten-tip tube, and the corresponding Fowler-Nordheim
analysis was performed. Measurements conducted with the CNT suggested that
mixer current could be 30 times greater if either SWCNT or MWCNT were used in
place of metal emitters, increasing the microwave output power by 30 dB.
Laser radiation was utilized to increase field emission current from a
cathode with a dense field of CNT by a factor of 18. The extension of the new
device from the two-valued to the general mvalued case is introduced, and the
implementation of many-valued Galois circuits and systems is also shown.
Analysis of new N-category on prognosis of oesophageal cancer with positive lymph nodes in a Chinese population
Authors: Xu Yaping , Jiang Youhua , Yu Xinmin , Chen Qixun , Zhou Xinming , Mao Weimin
Published: July 2012

Background. The 7th edition of the new TNM classification system for oesophageal cancer (EC) has been published. N-category is now divided into N0, N1, N2 and N3. In this study, we aimed to validate the prognostic ability of the new N classification system in EC with positive lymph nodes in a Chinese population, and evaluate whether the new N classification system can help the decision-making for postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Patients and methods. From 2002 to 2008, thoracic EC who underwent oesophagectomy were retrospectively analysed. Patients pathological stage 6th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer / Union International Against Cancer (AJCC/UICC) TNM classification were switched to pathological stage 7th edition for this analysis. Patients with pathological stage T1-4N1-3M0 EC were selected. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were employed to compare overall survival (OS).

Results. A total of 545 patients met the inclusion criteria: 346 (63.5%) received oesophagectomy alone, 199 (36.5%) received oesophagectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy, and 36.1% (197/545) received oesophagectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed significant difference in OS among patients at different postoperative pN-category (p<0.001). This was also present in patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy (p<0.001) and those undergoing postoperative chemotherapy (p<0.001). There was no marked difference in OS between patients receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy and surgery alone at the same postoperative pN-category, except that postoperative radiotherapy marginally improved OS in patients with pN2 and pN3 disease.

Conclusions. Our results validated the prognostic ability of new N classification system. The N-category is an independent prognostic factor in patients with resectable thoracic EC who were positive for lymph nodes in a Chinese population. Further studies are required to clarify the role of new N classification system in the decision-making for postoperative adjuvant therapy.
Cag Repeat Number in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Madjunkova S , Eftimov A , Georgiev V , Petrovski D , Dimovski A , Plaseska-Karanfilska D
Published: July 2012

Cag Repeat Number in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. The effects of androgens on prostatic tissue are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The 5' end of exon 1 of the AR gene includes a polymorphic CAG triplet repeat that numbers between 10 to 36 in the normal population. The length of the CAG repeats is inversely related to the transactivation function of the AR gene. There is controversy over association between short CAG repeat numbers in the AR gene and PC. This retrospective case-control study evaluates the possible effect of short CAG repeats on the AR gene in prostate cancer risk in Macedonian males. A total of 392 male subjects, 134 PC patients, 106 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 152 males from the general Macedonian population were enrolled in this study. The CAG repeat length was determined by fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exon1 of the AR gene followed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) on a genetic analyzer. The mean repeat length in PC patients was 21.5 ±2.65, in controls 22.28 ±2.86 (p= 0.009) and in BPH patients 22.1 ±2.52 (p= 0.038). Short CAG repeats (<19) were found in 21.64% of PC patientsvs.9.43% in BPH patients (p= 0.0154). We also found an association of low Gleason score (<7) with short CAG repeat (<19) in PC patients (p= 0.0306), and no association between the age at diagnosis of PC and BPH and CAG repeat length. These results suggest that reduced CAG repeat length may be associated with increased prostate cancer risk in Macedonian men.
Thermal Performance Analysis of Solar Collectors Installed for Combisystem in the Apartment Building
Authors: Žandeckis A. , Timma L. , Blumberga D. , Rochas C. , Rošā M
Published: July 2012

Thermal Performance Analysis of Solar Collectors Installed for Combisystem in the Apartment Building

The paper focuses on the application of wood pellet and solar combisystem for space heating and hot water preparation at apartment buildings under the climate of Northern Europe. A pilot project has been implemented in the city of Sigulda (N 57° 09.410 E 024° 52.194), Latvia. The system was designed and optimised using TRNSYS - a dynamic simulation tool. The pilot project was continuously monitored. To the analysis the heat transfer fluid flow rate and the influence of the inlet temperature on the performance of solar collectors were subjected. The thermal performance of a solar collector loop was studied using a direct method. A multiple regression analysis was carried out using STATGRAPHICS Centurion 16.1.15 with the aim to identify the operational and weather parameters of the system which cause the strongest influence on the collector's performance. The parameters to be used for the system's optimisation have been evaluated.
Assumption of Risk and Consent Doctrine in Sport
Authors: Mohamadinejad Azadeh , Mirsafian Hamidreza , Nemes Andras , Soltanhoseini Mohammad
Published: July 2012

Everybody who illegally harms another not only must recover the injured person, but also, may be committed a crime and be punished. According to this doctrine, every time that a participant in a sport activity touches a fellow player, or consciously runs the risk that an opponent may be touched during the game, an offence is committed and he or she is liable. This is clearly an unacceptable situation. If this were the usual way a participant in violence was dealt with by the courts, nobody would play sport, as the risk of conviction would be too great. Sport would be unable to continue in the form that we presently know it. On the other hand, sports often have inherent risks that cannot be eliminated without destroying the very essence of the activity. Consent and assumption of risk defenses in sport accident cases significantly affect resolving the conflict between performing sport as a useful and beneficial activity versus a dangerous practice, and prevent liability from being imposed for just participation in sport activity. Thus, discussion about these defenses can help athletes be more aware of their rights.
Developing a Holistic Understanding of Health and Health Behavior in People Undergoing Resocialization in Prison under the “Active Today, Different Tomorrow”
Authors: Łapiński Piotr
Published: July 2012

The main purpose of detention in a modern, humanitarian prison system is to bring the prisoners to live in a free society in a manner consistent with applicable laws and morals. The indicators of modernity are also ways and means by which attempts are made to achieve this goal. In many European and non-European prisons, physical culture achievements are commonly used in working with prisoners. They organize programmed resocialization activities for prisoners with a substantial share of physical education and recreational free time activities. Sometimes, prisoners are offered the chance to take their own initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles.

In addition to teaching, during which the prisoners participate in physical activity, they use interaction with sports authorities in the form of discussion meetings between prisoners and athletes.

Such meetings are also organized at the House of Detention in Inowrocław, which operates a half-open unit for the convicts. These meetings are the part of the activities of “Paragraph”, the Olympian club (based at the Inowrocław prison) subject to the Polish Olympic Committee.

The author participated in several such meetings as an invited guest or co-organizer and observed that they are primarily of a recollective character. But it was hard to find in them specific, praxeologically structured and conceptually implemented resocialization interactions. Teleological vagueness initiated the search for the real purpose of these meetings by means of observation. The meetings clearly appeared to have more of an ad hoc (referring to the conditions in prison) than a prospective character (undertaken with a view to the period after release). These findings were the inspiration for the development of the main objectives of a two-step strategy of a change in scenarios of the meetings between the convicts and athletes, the ultimate goal of which was to give them the characteristics of programmed rehabilitation. They defined the procedure for involving sportsmen to accomplish the objectives in the area of mental health and social development and made the selection and development of tools to measure the effects of these interactions.

The article is a report on research designed to determine differences in perception of health, as well as on conducting health activities among those inmates who participated in the program “Active today, different tomorrow” and those who did not participate in it. The study involved 67 penitentiary recidivists. Two questionnaires by Siegfried Juczyński were used: the List of Health Criteria and Health Behaviour Inventory. The results gave the possibility to formulate important methodological implications for practitioners who involve prominent sportsmen in resocialization. They also proved useful in efforts to create another resocialization program that uses sports activity in resocialization.
An Iconographic Analysis of Photographs of Two Famous Football Players: Additional Information about the Career of Puskás and Deák
Authors: Horváth H. Attila
Published: July 2012

The lifestyle reform movements at the turn of the century played a remarkably important role in the growing priority attributed to physical education. Sports clubs could be considered the most influential nongovernmental organizations at the beginning of the 20th century. Sports were given special priority and were even supported by legal measures in Hungary between the two world wars. Playing football gained vast popularity. We focus on two famous football players, Puskás, “the most famous Hungarian” and Deák, a Guinness record-holding top goal scorer. To be precise, we focus on their photos: we have similar ones of a young Puskás and a young Deák. These photos depict a very important moment in the lives of both youngsters. We conduct an iconographic analysis in order to illustrate connections the two young football players have to their clubs and to the sport.
Spatial and temporal plant phenological niche differentiation in the Wadi Degla desert ecosystem (Egypt)
Authors: Hegazy Ahmad K. , Alatar Abdelrahman A. , Lovett-Doust Jon , El-Adawy Hosam A.
Published: July 2012

Twenty dominant plant species representing different life forms were investigated phenologically over a period of 36 months (January 2004 to December 2006). Plant populations were sampled at down-, mid-, and upstream sites in a desert wadi ecosystem. The results were analyzed using TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA techniques. Five phenological niches were apparent: (1) species flowering all year round, with peaks in spring and autumn such asOchradenus baccatus; (2) species flowering during winter includingLycium shawiiandTamarix nilotica; (3) species flowering during spring, e.g.,Zillaspinosa, Zygophyllum coccineumandCapparis spinosa; (4) species flowering during summer includingIphiona mucronataandDeverra triradiata; and (5) species flowering during autumn that includeAtriplex halimusand twoAnabasisspecies. The climatic variables, including temperature, rainfall and relative humidity, affect the phenological niches and between-species differences. Within-species variations occurred between years and there were no between-site variations for most study species. The different plant species exhibited phenological diversity along the course of the wadi ecosystem. The phenological niches are species-specific and environmentally dependent rather than local selective pressures.