bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High temporal consistency in quantitative food web structure in the face of extreme species turnover
Authors: Kaartinen Riikka , Roslin Tomas
Published: March 2012

Food webs encapsulate the functional makeup of natural communities by describing both the number and identity of species present, and how they interact with each other. Yet, how different aspects of food web organisation vary in time is still poorly known. In this study, we used multiple complementary descriptors of food web composition and structure to examine the temporal consistency of 22 local food webs as followed over two consecutive years. The focal food webs consisted of specialist herbivore hosts (gallers and miners) and their natural enemies (parasitic and inquiline wasps) on individual pedunculate oaks,Quercus robur. In the changes detected among years, we searched for effects of species‐ specific ecological traits (abundance, trophic rank and feeding guild) on the persistence of species within local communities. Local food webs showed high consistency between years in terms of species richness and quantitative structure. Nonetheless, the species composition and the qualitative link structure of the webs changed dramatically over time. While different aspects of food web structure revealed different levels of consistency in time, species turnover did leave a detectable imprint on quantitative and qualitative descriptors of food web structure. Overall, a mean 44% of all species present in a community in 2006 were no longer detected in 2007, whereas 31% of the species encountered in 2007 were new to the site. Species turnover was unevenly distributed among feeding guilds, and increased with a decreasing abundance of the species. The patterns uncovered suggest that quantitative, emergent characteristics of food web structure will exhibit less temporal variation than patterns at the level of individual food web parts. However, as these features reflect different, complementary aspects of how food webs are built and how communities are likely to function, patterns at both levels should be considered in assessing the temporal stability of natural communities.
RISK FACTORS FOR THE PREVALENCE OF THE UPPER LIMB AND NECK WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG POULTRY SLAUGHTER WORKERS
Authors: Mohammadi Ghorbanali
Published: March 2012

Poultry slaughtering reports a high prevalence of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDs). The main risk factors associated with upper limb and neck work-related musculoskeletal disorders are repetitiveness, high frequency of action, excessive force, awkward posture, insufficient recovery time and exposure to cold temperature. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, using the Nordic standardized questionnaire and occupational repetitive action (OCRA) checklist method. The study subjects consisted of 68% male and 32% female with a mean age 28.88 ± 0.56. Two hundred twelve poultry slaughter workers were interviewed. Out of every 20 workers, in the last 12 months, 12 reported pain in the upper limb and neck. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the OCRA level of risk and UP-WMSD symptom (ρ < 0.05). The results of this study revealed that upper limb and neck symptoms occurred in high rates among poultry slaughter workers. This study provides information for the prevalence of upper limb and neck symptoms among poultry slaughter workers in Iran, and the results suggest interventions for hands/wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain should be important and major priority.
Dietary emu oil supplementation suppresses 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy-induced inflammation, osteoclast formation, and bone loss
Authors: Raghu Nadhanan Rethi , Abimosleh Suzanne M. , Su Yu-Wen , Scherer Michaela A. , Howarth Gordon S. , Xian Cory J.
Published: March 2012

Cancer chemotherapy can cause osteopenia or osteoporosis, and yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and currently, no preventative treatments are available. This study investigated damaging effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on histological, cellular, and molecular changes in the tibial metaphysis and potential protective benefits of emu oil (EO), which is known to possess a potent anti-inflammatory property. Female dark agouti rats were gavaged orally with EO or water (1 ml·day−1·rat−1) for 1 wk before a single ip injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) or saline (Sal) was given. The treatment groups were H2O + Sal, H2O + 5-FU, EO + 5-FU, and EO + Sal. Oral gavage was given throughout the whole period up to 1 day before euthanasia ( days 3, 4, and 5 post-5-FU). Histological analysis showed that H2O + 5-FU significantly reduced heights of primary spongiosa on days 3 and 5 and trabecular bone volume of secondary spongiosa on days 3 and 4. It reduced density of osteoblasts slightly and caused an increase in the density of osteoclasts on trabecular bone surface on day 4. EO supplementation prevented reduction of osteoblasts and induction of osteoclasts and bone loss caused by 5-FU. Gene expression studies confirmed an inhibitory effect of EO on osteoclasts since it suppressed 5-FU-induced expression of proinflammatory and osteoclastogenic cytokine TNFα, osteoclast marker receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB, and osteoclast-associated receptor. Therefore, this study demonstrated that EO can counter 5-FU chemotherapy-induced inflammation in bone, preserve osteoblasts, suppress osteoclast formation, and potentially be useful in preventing 5-FU chemotherapy-induced bone loss.
The Fuzzy Economic Order Quantity Problem with a Finite Production Rate and Backorders
Authors: Björk Kaj-Mikael
Published: March 2012

The track of developing Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) models with uncertainties described as fuzzy numbers has been very lucrative. In this paper, a fuzzy Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) model is developed to address a specific problem in a theoretical setting. Not only is the production time finite, but also backorders are allowed. The uncertainties, in the industrial context, come from the fact that the production availability is uncertain as well as the demand. These uncertainties will be handled with fuzzy numbers and the analytical solution to the optimization problem will be obtained. A theoretical example from the process industry is also given to illustrate the new model.
Nigella Sativa Reduces Tissue Damage in Rat Ovaries Subjected to Torsion and Detorsion: Oxidative Stress, Proinflammatory Response and Histopathological Evaluation
Authors: Bayir Yasin , Karagoz Yalcin , Karakus Emre , Albayrak Abdulmecit , Sengul Ozlem , Can Ismail , Yayla Nuh , Kuskun Ufuk , Keles Mevlut Sait
Published: March 2012

Background: To evaluate biochemically and histopathologically the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) in experimental ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries. Methods: Thirty-six female rats were divided into 6 groups: group I = sham operation; group II = 500 mg/kg NS + sham operation; group III = bilateral ovarian ischemia; group IV = 500 mg/kg NS + ischemia; group V = 3-hour period of ischemia + 3-hour reperfusion, and group VI: 3-hour period of ischemia + 500 mg/kg NS 2.5 h after the induction of ischemia + 3-hour reperfusion. At the end of ischemia, the bilateral vascular clips were removed, and 3-hour reperfusion was continued. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokine levels in serum, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Results: I/R increased the MDA level and MPO activity while significantly decreasing the SOD activity and GSH level when compared to the sham. The 500-mg/kg dose of NS before I/R reversed the trend in MDA levels, MPO activity, SOD activity, and GSH levels. Ischemia and I/R increased the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, while the administration of NS decreased the serum levels of these cytokines. Conclusions: The administration of NS is effective in reversing tissue damage induced by ischemia and/or I/R in ovaries.
Transcriptome sequencing of field pea and faba bean for discovery and validation of SSR genetic markers
Authors: Kaur Sukhjiwan , Pembleton Luke W , Cogan Noel OI , Savin Keith W , Leonforte Tony , Paull Jeffrey , Materne Michael , Forster John W
Published: March 2012

Background

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) are cool-season grain legume species that provide rich sources of food for humans and fodder for livestock. To date, both species have been relative 'genomic orphans' due to limited availability of genetic and genomic information. A significant enrichment of genomic resources is consequently required in order to understand the genetic architecture of important agronomic traits, and to support germplasm enhancement, genetic diversity, population structure and demographic studies.

Results

cDNA samples obtained from various tissue types of specific field pea and faba bean genotypes were sequenced using 454 Roche GS FLX Titanium technology. A total of 720,324 and 304,680 reads for field pea and faba bean, respectively, were de novo assembled to generate sets of 70,682 and 60,440 unigenes. Consensus sequences were compared against the genome of the model legume species Medicago truncatula Gaertn., as well as that of the more distantly related, but better-characterised genome of Arabidopsis thaliana L.. In comparison to M. truncatula coding sequences, 11,737 and 10,179 unique hits were obtained from field pea and faba bean. Totals of 22,057 field pea and 18,052 faba bean unigenes were subsequently annotated from GenBank. Comparison to the genome of soybean (Glycine max L.) resulted in 19,451 unique hits for field pea and 16,497 unique hits for faba bean, corresponding to c. 35% and 30% of the known gene space, respectively. Simple sequence repeat (SSR)-containing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified from consensus sequences, and totals of 2,397 and 802 primer pairs were designed for field pea and faba bean. Subsets of 96 EST-SSR markers were screened for validation across modest panels of field pea and faba bean cultivars, as well as related non-domesticated species. For field pea, 86 primer pairs successfully obtained amplification products from one or more template genotypes, of which 59% revealed polymorphism between 6 genotypes. In the case of faba bean, 81 primer pairs displayed successful amplification, of which 48% detected polymorphism.

Conclusions

The generation of EST datasets for field pea and faba bean has permitted effective unigene identification and functional sequence annotation. EST-SSR loci were detected at incidences of 14-17%, permitting design of comprehensive sets of primer pairs. The subsets from these primer pairs proved highly useful for polymorphism detection within Pisum and Vicia germplasm.
Differential effects of dietary supplements on metabolomic profile of smokers versus non-smokers
Authors: Spitale Robert C , Cheng Michelle Y , Chun Kimberly A , Gorell Emily S , Munoz Claudia A , Kern Dale G , Wood Steve M , Knaggs Helen E , Wulff Jacob , Beebe Kirk D , Chang Anne Lynn S
Published: March 2012

Background

Cigarette smoking is well-known to associate with accelerated skin aging as well as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, in large part due to oxidative stress. Because metabolites are downstream of genetic variation, as well as transcriptional changes and post-translational modifications of proteins, they are the most proximal reporters of disease states or reversal of disease states.

Methods

In this study, we explore the potential effects of commonly available oral supplements (containing antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids) on the metabolomes of smokers (n = 11) compared to non-smokers (n = 17). At baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation, metabolomic analysis was performed on serum by liquid and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS and GC-MS). Furthermore, clinical parameters of skin aging, including cutometry as assessed by three dermatologist raters blinded to subjects' age and smoking status, were measured.

Results

Long-chain fatty acids, including palmitate and oleate, decreased in smokers by 0.76-fold (P = 0.0045) and 0.72-fold (P = 0.0112), respectively. These changes were not observed in non-smokers. Furthermore, age and smoking status showed increased glow (P = 0.004) and a decrease in fine wrinkling (P = 0.038). Cutometry showed an increase in skin elasticity in smokers (P = 0.049) but not in non-smokers. Complexion analysis software (VISIA) revealed decreases in the number of ultraviolet spots (P = 0.031), and cutometry showed increased elasticity (P = 0.05) in smokers but not non-smokers.

Conclusions

Additional future work may shed light on the specific mechanisms by which long-chain fatty acids can lead to increased glow, improved elasticity measures and decreased fine wrinkling in smokers' skin. Our study provides a novel, medicine-focused application of available metabolomic technology to identify changes in sera of human subjects with oxidative stress, and suggests that oral supplementation (in particular, commonly available antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids) affects these individuals in a way that is unique (compared to non-smokers) on a broad level.
Salinity- and population-dependent genome regulatory response during osmotic acclimation in the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) gill
Authors: Whitehead Andrew , Roach Jennifer L. , Zhang Shujun , Galvez Fernando
Published: March 2012

The killifish Fundulus heteroclitus is abundant in osmotically dynamic estuaries and it can quickly adjust to extremes in environmental salinity. We performed a comparative osmotic challenge experiment to track the transcriptomic and physiological responses to two salinities throughout a time course of acclimation, and to explore the genome regulatory mechanisms that enable extreme osmotic acclimation. One southern and one northern coastal population, known to differ in their tolerance to hypo-osmotic exposure, were used as our comparative model. Both populations could maintain osmotic homeostasis when transferred from 32 to 0.4 p.p.t., but diverged in their compensatory abilities when challenged down to 0.1 p.p.t., in parallel with divergent transformation of gill morphology. Genes involved in cell volume regulation, nucleosome maintenance, ion transport, energetics, mitochondrion function, transcriptional regulation and apoptosis showed population- and salinity-dependent patterns of expression during acclimation. Network analysis confirmed the role of cytokine and kinase signaling pathways in coordinating the genome regulatory response to osmotic challenge, and also posited the importance of signaling coordinated through the transcription factor HNF-4α. These genome responses support hypotheses of which regulatory mechanisms are particularly relevant for enabling extreme physiological flexibility.
Transport Behavior of Divalent Lead Ions through Disphase Supplying Supported Liquid Membrane with PC-88A as Mobile Carrier
Authors: Pei Liang , Wang Li-ming
Published: March 2012

The transport behavior of Pb(II) through a novel disphase supplying supported liquid membrane (DSSLM) with 2-ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid-mono-2-ethyl hexyl ester (PC-88A) as the carrier in kerosene, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane(PVDF) as the support and HCl as the stripping agent, has been studied. The effects of organic-to-feed volume ratio (O:F), pH, initial concentration of Pb(II) and ionic strength in the feed solution, organic-to-strip volume ratio (O:S), concentration of HCl solution and PC-88A concentration in the supplying strip phase on transport of Pb(II) have also been investigated. The advantages of DSSLM campared to the traditional SLM were investigated. The system stability, the reuse of membrane solution and the retention of membrane phase were also studied. When initial Pb(II) concentration was 2.00 × 10-4 mol/L, the transport percentage of Pb(II) was up to 92.9% under the optimun conditions in 175 min. The kinetic equation was developed in terms of the law of mass diffusion and the theory of interface chemistry. The results were in good agreement with experimental results.
A Comprehensive Review of Just Suspended Speed in Liquid-Solid and Gas-Liquid-Solid Stirred Tank Reactors
Authors: Jafari Rouzbeh , Chaouki Jamal , Tanguy Philippe A.
Published: March 2012

For successful design and operation of Liquid-Solid (LS) and Gas-Liquid-Solid (GLS) stirred tank reactors engineers and scientists must define geometrical and operating conditions for a specific medium (specified physical properties) in such a way that provides the optimum level of solid suspension. Failure to design the stirred tank reactor to achieve optimum conditions and maintain the system at these conditions during operation may be detrimental to product quality (selectivity and yield) and cost. Successful design and operation require comprehensive knowledge about how the state of solid suspension may be affected by changing physical, operational, and geometrical parameters. Also, accurate correlations are necessary to fulfill that objective. This article intends to provide that background for scientists and engineers. It critically surveys the published work in this field and makes specific recommendations for the appropriate conditions that provide the successful operation of agitated vessels.
An Investigation on Physical Ageing of ?-Lactoglobulin and Implications for Its Storage
Authors: Farahnaky Asgar , Majzoobi Mahsa
Published: March 2012

Due to the importance of physical ageing in functional properties of the globular protein of β-lactoglobulin as the main protein of whey powder (the by product of cheese manufacturing industry) the possible occurrence of physical ageing in dry powder of β-lactoglobulin with moisture content of 15.9% was studied at different temperatures below and close to the glass transition.Endothermic peaks that corresponded to relaxation enthalpy were observed for a β-lactoglobulin with 4 % moisture. Enthalpy and peak temperature increased on storage of β-lactoglobulin when it was held in the glassy state at different temperatures (20, 40, 60 º C). The general characteristics of the endothermic peaks were similar to those previously reported for synthetic polymers.
Organizational Redesign, Information Technologies and Workplace Productivity
Authors: Dostie Benoit , Jayaraman Rajshri
Published: March 2012

Using a large, longitudinal, nationally representative workplace-level data-set, we explore the productivity gains associated with computer use and organizational redesign. The empirical strategy involves the estimation of a production function, augmented to account for technology use and organizational design, correcting for unobserved heterogeneity. Our first-difference and GMM estimates suggest that the productivity premium associated with computer use is not statistically different from zero. Neither is there any evidence to support the idea that complementarities between computer use and organizational redesign have any substantial bearing on productivity.
A Group-based Wellness Intervention in the Laboratory
Authors: Charness Gary B. , Jahnke Roger
Published: March 2012

The enormous cost of health care in the United States has sparked increasing interest in innovative and alternative approaches to both physical and emotional wellness. We demonstrate the value of an easy-to-implement, stress-reducing and wellness-enhancing methodology. In our study, undergraduate students who participated in a weekly meeting over the course of two months had, relative to a control group, a significant decrease in the resting-pulse rate over time, as well as significant improvement in several measures of wellness. Our results suggest that simple lifestyle-oriented wellness-promotion interventions may have significant benefits in terms of increasing health and productivity, as well as diminished medical costs.
Editorial
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: March 2012

This Editorial introduces the papers in the Policy & Internet Special Issue on Internet Taxation (volume 4, issue 1).
Displacement and Disaster Recovery: Transnational Governance and Socio‐legal Issues Following the 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Sapat Alka , Esnard Ann‐Margaret
Published: March 2012

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti and its aftermath have highlighted inherent but understudied transnational governance and socio‐legal complexities of disaster recovery and displacement. The aftermath of the earthquake and issues related to recovery were experienced not only domestically within in Haiti, but also transnationally, particularly in the South Florida region. This region has been particularly important in the recovery process, as it is home to over 300,000 Haitians, it served as a receiving area for severely injured earthquake survivors and for school‐aged displacees, and it is an area that is rich with Haitian‐American organizations, including activists who have for decades been fighting causes of immigration equality for people of Haitian descent. The specific objectives of this paper are to examine and analyze the key transnational governance and socio‐legal issues that have arisen in the South Florida region for four distinct groups: (i) displacees and their related legal, social, cultural, and economic issues; (ii) host communities and governance, legal, and monetary complexities associated with compensation payments (e.g., to hospitals for their services to earthquake survivors); (iii) immigrants within the United States and related legalization and citizenship issues; and (iv) diaspora communities and socio‐legal issues related to dual citizenship and their ongoing struggles to have a louder voice in the future of Haiti. Our methodology and data sources include interviews with key members of the Haitian‐American diaspora, school districts, city and county governments, non‐profit organizations, relief task forces, and local government agencies. We also looked at relevant plans/ policies modified or adopted by governmental and non‐governmental institutions in response to governance and socio‐legal issues that have arisen as part of our analysis and when referred to by our interviewees. We find that social constructions of the different groups in our study, along with other social, political and economic factors, were important in understanding policy responses to the issues that emerged.
Why Some Disaster Insurance Does not Exist
Authors: Chen Yueyun , Hamwi Iskandar S.
Published: March 2012

The failure of some disaster insurance market has been a very serious problem. This paper focuses on why disaster reinsurance fails and how that will affect the availability of primary disaster insurance. The insurer’s unexpected costs are added to the expected costs associated with the insured event to illustrate the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of disaster insurance and reinsurance. Particularly, investors’ negative response to an insurer’s huge, disaster-related liability exposures may lead to availability problem unless the insurer’s asset value losses in the financial market can be minimized. A large insurer may be more likely to withdraw from underwriting disaster insurance. Three different pricing schemes for disaster reinsurance contracts are investigated. The one which is based on the Option Pricing Theory is rejected because it leads to market failure.
BioIntel: Leveraging Information to Prevent Biological Weapons Attacks
Authors: Mustin Jeff
Published: March 2012

Identifying and assessing biological weapons (“BW”) programs has been a fatal flaw in the United States defense posture since the Cold War. From the time when the Berlin Wall was torn down and the technology used to build BW proliferated worldwide, the BW threat has become more immediate, however the ability to identify hostile BW programs and assess their capabilities has received little attention. This paper seeks to identify ways to leverage information that might prevent a BW attack on the United States. It begins by looking at historical trends in the failure to assess, continues with a brief analysis of the intelligence collection cycle, and then looks to tailor the cycle to meet this unique threat.
In dubio pro Print!
Authors: Kuth Martina
Published: March 2012

Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt exemplarisch dar, wie sich die Veröffentlichungsstrategie deutscher juristischer Verlage von Print- und elektronischen Medien auf das Bestandsmanagement juristischer Sekundärliteratur in der lokalen Firmenbibliothek einer Anwaltskanzlei auswirken kann. Es wird belegt, dass eine virtuelle Bibliothek den Informationsbedarf der Nutzer nicht deckt und nach Kriterien zur Entwicklung eines hybriden Bestandsaufbaus gesucht. Im Zentrum steht die Auswahl des Publikationsformats als Print- oder elektronische Ausgabe, sofern eine Wahlmöglichkeit in einem printorientierten Verlagsangebot besteht. Es wird festgestellt, dass die standardisierte Auswahl eines verlässlich zugänglichen und nutzerorientierten Publikationsformats lediglich auf einen kleinen Teil des Bestandes anwendbar ist. Die Einzelfallentscheidung bleibt die Regel. Das Fallbeispiel in seiner Funktion als interner Dienstleister steht dabei für den Bibliothekstyp der Kanzleibibliothek bzw. der Firmenbibliothek mit juristischem Bestand. In einem sich aktuell dynamisch entwickelnden Verlagsangebot möchte die Verfasserin einen Beitrag zur fachlichen Diskussion um die nutzergerechte hybride Kanzleibibliothek leisten und formuliert Desiderate zur weiteren Entwicklung des juristischen Verlagsangebots. Einstweilen gilt: In dubio pro Print!
Phase space approach to the use of integrator rods and optical arrays in illumination systems
Authors: Rausch Denise , Herkommer Alois M.
Published: March 2012

Integrator rods and optical arrays are the most frequently used components in illumination design for homogenizing radiation fields. However, these two standard components are very different in their performance and characteristics. This tutorial is aimed to illustrate the operation principle, basic design rules and the performance of those components. It should guide the optical designer towards the optimum choice for the individual illumination application. To illustrate the functionality of integrator rods and optical arrays simultaneously in angle and position, the concept of phase space is introduced. Here the effect of the homogenizing components can nicely be illustrated in the form of phase space transformations. This offers new insight and a different perspective onto the employment and characteristics of those elements.
The space of Heegaard splittings
Authors: Johnson Jesse , McCullough Darryl
Published: March 2012

For a Heegaard surface Σ in a closed orientable 3-manifold M, we denote by ℋ﻿(M, Σ) = Diff﻿(M)/Diff﻿(M, Σ) the space of Heegaard surfaces equivalent to the Heegaard splitting (M, Σ). Its path components are the isotopy classes of Heegaard splittings equivalent to (M, Σ). We describe H﻿(M, Σ) in terms of Diff﻿(M) and the Goeritz group of (M, Σ). In particular, for hyperbolic M each path component is a classifying space for the Goeritz group, and when the (Hempel) distance of (M, Σ) is greater than 3, each path component of ℋ﻿(M, Σ) is contractible. For splittings of genus 0 or 1, we determine the complete homotopy type (modulo the Smale Conjecture for M in the cases when it is not known).
The microstructure of DNA-egg yolk phosphatidylcholine-gemini surfactants complexes: effect of the spacer length
Authors: Uhríková Daniela , Pullmannová Petra , Šabíková Adriana , Devínsky Ferdinand , Funari Sergio S.
Published: March 2012

Background: The length of spacer of gemini surfactants affects the DNA packing in DNA-neutral phospholipid-gemini surfactant complexes.

Methods: The microstructure of complexes DNA-egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC)-alkane-α,ω-diyl-bis(dodecyl\xaddimethylammonium bromides) (CnGS, spacer n=2–12, n is even) was studied using small angle X-ray diffraction.

Results: At EYPC:CnGS=1:1 mol/mol, the condensed lamellar phase was identified in complexes with CnGS, n=2–4, whereas longer spacer (n≥6) induced a hexagonal phase. The condensed lamellar phase L

α

c
was observed in the range 2\≤ EYPC:GnGS≤10 (mol/mol) in all complexes. The distance between adjacent DNA strands increases linearly with decreasing surface charge density of EYPC-CnGS vesicles. We determined the increase in d

DNA
0.40±0.03 nm/1 mol of EYPC from the slope of d

DNA
=f (molEYPC/molCnGS) in the range of molar ratios 2≤EYPC:CnGS≤5. At lower surface charge density, EYPC:CnGS>5 mol/mol, the length of CnGS spacer (n=6–10) modulates the DNA-DNA distance.

Conclusions: Both the short spacer of CnGS and the low molar ratio EYPC:CnGS result in the closest DNA-DNA packing. A high surface charge density of membrane was reported as a key parameter for transfection efficiency of L

α

c
phase-forming complexes.
Two-Color Babylon
Authors: Georgakopoulos Agelos , Winkler Peter
Published: March 2012

We solve the game of Babylon when played with chips of two colors, giving a winning strategy for the second player in all previously unsolved cases.
Conceptual metaphor as a news-story promoter: The cases of ENL and EIL headlines
Authors: Shie, Jian-Shiung
Published: March 2012

This paper explores conceptual metaphor as a news-story promoter in the English-as-a-native-language (ENL) and English-as-an-international-language (EIL) contexts, using a self-constructed corpus of 605 pairs of corresponding New York Times (NYT) and Times Supplement (TS) news stories. Identified from the corpus are the non-lexicalized linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in the headlines of the corresponding stories. Rhetorical functions of the identified conceptual metaphors are examined and analyzed with regard to their pragmatic roles as a news-story promoter. Metaphoric variations in figurative conventionality and cultural specificity between NYT and TS headlines are also discussed to reveal the effects of intercultural audience design. The results show that non-lexicalized metaphors foreground a stylistically appealing aspect of the story to draw the reader into the body of the story, that non-lexicalized metaphors in a grander style are used in NYT headlines to engage the ENL reader, that those in a plainer style are used in TS headlines to inform the EIL reader, and that non-lexicalized metaphors in the TS are in general less culture-specific than those in their NYT counterparts. The implication for EIL learning is discussed briefly at the end of the paper.
Levels of pragmatic competence in an EFL academic context: A tool for assessment
Authors: Ifantidou, Elly , Tzanne, Angeliki
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses an advanced language assessment tool designed to assess university students' linguistic competence in L2. The tool serves the final exam of a course offered to second-year students of English language and literature. Of the three parts of the exam, (1) reading, (2) language awareness, and (3) writing, the third part (language awareness) explicitly addresses students' pragmatic competence.

In the light of our work, assessing students' pragmatic competence is shown to involve the identification of certain levels of competence ensuing from the interpretive routes learners follow in their attempt to (a) interpret the communicator's intention, (b) identify the linguistic devices that lead them to this interpretation, and (c) explicitly verbalize the link between linguistic devices and interpretation. The suggested ranking of levels draws on data from statistical analysis of 190 final exam scripts.

The proposed assessment of pragmatic competence manifested when dealing with written discourse is considered to be an innovative testing tool, because it is a discourse-based approach to testing pragmatic competence, where both explicit and implicit meanings are retrieved by drawing on a naturally-occurring wide range of lexical and grammatical features. More importantly, the proposed assessment constitutes an accurate testing tool because it allows for levels of pragmatic, hence linguistic, competence to naturally unveil in an authentic reading context requesting the reader's spontaneous reaction and contribution to the process of meaning making in L2.
Review on Application of Response Surface Method based Design of Experiments to Welding Processes
Authors: Siva Prasad Kondapalli , Srinivasa Rao Chalamalasetti , Nageswara Rao Damera
Published: March 2012

Design of Experiment is one of the
extensively used method for experimental study
of many manufacturing processes in
engineering. In welding, Design of Experiments
are widely used to develop a mathematical
relationship between the welding input
parameters and the output variables of the
weld joint in order to determine the welding
input parameters that lead to the desired weld
quality. In the present study, a review is
made on Response Surface Method based Design
of Experiments that have been employed for
various welding processes by other
researchers. This study predominantly focuses
on the usage of Response Surface Method in
Welding.
Monographs on drugs which are frequently analyzed in therapeutic drug monitoring/Arzneimittel-Monographien für Medikamente, die regelmäßig im Rahmen des Therapeutic Drug Monitorings analysiert werden
Authors: Rentsch Katharina , Buhl Daniela , Eap Chin Bin , Fathi Marc , Thormann Wolfgang , Werner Dominique
Published: March 2012

In addition to the monographs which have been published in the past 7 years by the working group “Drug Monitoring” of the Swiss Society of Clinical Chemistry (SSCC) [1–6], new monographs have been written. The data presented in these monographs provide an overview of the information which is important for the request and interpretation of the results. Therefore, laboratory health professionals and the receivers of the reports are the targeted readers. In this series, antiretroviral drugs are presented for which drug concentrations are regularly determined (protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). To date, no clear evidence has been established that therapeutic drug monitoring of these drugs increases the success of the antiretroviral therapy. Nevertheless, many cases have demonstrated that the therapy can be guided with much more confidence and with good success if the drug concentrations are determined, especially if the patient has a combination therapy with many pharmacokinetically interfering compounds. First, information is given about pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of these drugs, such as protein binding, metabolic pathways with specific enzymes involved, elimination half-life time, elimination route(s) of the parent drug, as well as therapeutic and toxic concentrations. Moreover, indications for therapeutic drug monitoring are listed with important preanalytical information (time point of blood sampling and time to steady state since beginning or after change of posology). Furthermore, the stability of the drug and its metabolite(s) after blood sampling are described. For readers with a specific interest, references to important publications are given. The number of monographs will be further enlarged. The updated files are presented on the homepage of the SSCC (www.sscc.ch). We hope that these monographs are helpful for the better handling of therapeutic drug monitoring and we are looking forward to receiving comments from the readers.
Solid-state and solution 117Sn NMR study of C2O4(SnPh3)2: a revision
Authors: Diop Libasse
Published: March 2012

Solid-state and solution 117Sn nuclear magnetic resonance studies of C2O4(SnPh3)2 have been carried out and found to be in good agreement with the tetrahedral environment of the tin (IV) atom as found from the solid state structure, previously determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis and characterisation of organotin(IV) derivatives of ambidentate ligands containing nitrogen and sulphur donor atoms
Authors: Chagas Rafael César Russo , da Silveira Maia José Roberto , Ferraz Vany P.
Published: March 2012

A series of organotin(IV) derivatives of bis(pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methane (ptm), 1,2-bis(pyrimidin-2-ylthio)ethane (pte) and 1,6-bis(pyrimidin-2-ylthio)hexane (pth) have been prepared in dichloromethane at room temperature. The 2:1 (M/L) molar ratio compounds have a general formula of [Sn2ClxPh8-xL] (x=2, 4, 6, 8; L=ptm, pte and pth). A 1:1 complex was also obtained by reacting SnClPh3 with pth. The organotin derivatives were characterised by multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) and infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), microanalysis and melting point. In the triphenyltin derivatives, 1, 5, 9 and 10 the tin atoms show a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal configuration where the ligand is monodentate towards the metal atom. In the compounds 2–4, 6–8 and 11–13, the tin atoms each exhibit a distorted octahedral configuration. Chelation is formed between the tin nucleus and the coordinating sulphur and nitrogen atoms. The correlation between the 1J(13C-119Sn) and C-Sn-C bond angle indicates formation of 5-coordinate compounds.
A new start for the society journal of DGLM and SALC
Authors: Friedeburg Christoph v.
Published: March 2012

No abstract available
Application of Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) model to polythiophene composite thin films
Authors: Deshmukh Dhananjay P. , Shirbhate Praful D. , Yawale Sangita S. , Yawale Shrikrishna P.
Published: March 2012

Synthesis of polymer composites poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and polythiophene (PTh) was done by chemical oxidative method using FeCl3oxidant in methanol. Thin films with PTh-PVAc polymer composite were prepared for 5.5, 10.4, 14.9, 18.9 and 22.5 wt% of iodine as a dopant. Direct current (DC) conductivity as a function of temperature (313–363 K) was measured by the two probe method. Characterization of the sample was done via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry (TG)/differential thermal analysis (DTA). The maximum value for DC electrical conductivity was found for 10.4 wt% (σ=9.78×10-10S cm-1). The decrease in conductivity for greater iodine concentrations may be due to reduced segmental motion. The temperature dependence conductivity shows percolative behavior and a clear cross over from Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) to Arrhenius behavior. Ionic conduction decreased with increase in the concentration of iodine, which shows ionic charge transport. XRD of the samples showed an amorphous nature. FTIR spectra showed absorption in the range 550–3600 cm-1, which indicates various bands involved in the PTh-PVAc polymer composite with iodine doping. From TG/DTA studies, it was observed that all the samples with a different wt% of iodine showed degradation in a range 75–81% when heated up to 888 K.
Head models and dynamic causal modeling of subcortical activity using magnetoencephalographic/electroencephalographic data
Authors: Attal Yohan , Maess Burkhard , Friederici Angela , David Olivier
Published: March 2012

Cognitive functions involve not only cortical but also subcortical structures. Subcortical sources, however, contribute very little to magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals because they are far from external sensors and their neural architectonic organization often makes them electromagnetically silent. Estimating the activity of deep sources from MEG and EEG (M/EEG) data is thus a challenging issue. Here, we review the influence of geometric parameters (location/orientation) on M/EEG signals produced by the main deep brain structures (amygdalo-hippocampal complex, thalamus and some basal ganglia). We then discuss several methods that have been utilized to solve the issues and localize or quantify the M/EEG contribution from deep neural currents. These methods rely on realis­tic forward models of subcortical regions or on introducing strong dynamical priors on inverse solutions that are based on biologically plausible neural models, such as those used in dynamic causal modeling (DCM) for M/EEG.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and prion diseases
Authors: Xu Kun , Zhu Xiu-Ping
Published: March 2012

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an important cellular organelle in eukaryotic cells, becomes dysfunctional following exposure to harmful stimuli. These stimuli can cause the ER stress response, which induces cell apoptosis due to changes in ER protein levels such as glucose-regulated protein. Current studies indicate that ER stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., prion diseases. The pathogenic agent known as the misfolded prion protein may cause an imbalance in ER homeostasis and commit the neuron to a pathway of apoptosis; however, the specific mechanisms are still under intensive investigation. This review summarizes current research investigating the relationship between ER stress and prion diseases. These findings will aid in the development of novel strategies for diagnosis and therapies for prion and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Opposing Roles of Synaptic and Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor Signaling in Cocultured Striatal and Cortical Neurons
Authors: Kaufman Alexandra M. , Milnerwood Austen J. , Sepers Marja D. , Coquinco Ainsley , She Kevin , Wang Liang , Lee Hwan , Craig Ann Marie , Cynader Max , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: March 2012

The NMDAR plays a unique and vital role in subcellular signaling. Calcium influx initiates signaling cascades important for both synaptic plasticity and survival; however, overactivation of the receptor leads to toxicity and cell death. This dichotomy is partially explained by the subcellular location of the receptor. NMDARs located at the synapse stimulate cell survival pathways, while extrasynaptic receptors signal for cell death. Thus far, this interplay between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs has been studied exclusively in cortical (CTX) and hippocampal neurons. It was unknown whether other cell types, such as GABAergic medium-sized spiny projection neurons of the striatum (MSNs), which bear the brunt of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease, follow the same pattern. Here we report synaptic versus extrasynaptic NMDAR signaling in striatal MSNs and resultant activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), in rat primary corticostriatal cocultures. Similarly to CTX, we found in striatal MSNs that synaptic NMDARs activate CREB, whereas extrasynaptic NMDARs dominantly oppose CREB activation. However, MSNs are much less susceptible to NMDA-mediated toxicity than CTX cells and show differences in subcellular GluN2B distribution. Blocking NMDARs with memantine (30 μm) or GluN2B-containing receptors with ifenprodil (3 μm) prevents CREB shutoff effectively in CTX and MSNs, and also rescues both neuronal types from NMDA-mediated toxicity. This work may provide cell and NMDAR subtype-specific targets for treatment of diseases with putative NMDAR involvement, including neurodegenerative disorders and ischemia.
Repetitive Convulsant-Induced Seizures Reduce the Number But Not Precision of Hippocampal Place Cells
Authors: Lin Hai , Hangya Balázs , Fox Steven E. , Muller Robert U.
Published: March 2012

Repetitive one-per-day seizures induced in otherwise normal rats by the volatile convulsant flurothyl decrease the accuracy of locating a hidden goal without changing the mean location of goal selection. We now show that an 8-d series of such seizures degrades the spatial signal carried by the firing of hippocampal pyramidal cells and specifically reduces the information conveyed by the place cell subset of pyramidal cells. This degradation and a concomitant slowing of the hippocampal theta rhythm occur over time courses parallel to the development of the behavioral deficit and plausibly account for the impairment. The details of how pyramidal cell discharge weakens are, however, unexpected. Rather than a reduction in the precision of location-specific firing distributed evenly over all place cells, the number of place cells decreases with seizure number, although the remaining place cells remain quite intact. Thus, with serial seizures there is a cell-specific conversion of robust place cells to sporadically firing (<0.1 spike/s) “low-rate” cells as opposed to gradual loss of place cell resolution. This transformation occurs in the absence of significant changes in the discharge rate of hippocampal interneurons, suggesting that the decline in the number of place cells is not a simple matter of increased inhibitory tone. The cumulative transformation of place cells to low-rate cells by repetitive seizures may reflect a homeostatic, negative-feedback process.
N-Glycosylation of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1a Regulates Its Trafficking and Acidosis-Induced Spine Remodeling
Authors: Jing Lan , Chu Xiang-Ping , Jiang Yu-Qing , Collier Daniel M. , Wang Bin , Jiang Qian , Snyder Peter M. , Zha Xiang-Ming
Published: March 2012

Acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) is a potential therapeutic target for multiple neurological diseases. We studied here ASIC1a glycosylation and trafficking, two poorly understood processes pivotal in determining the functional outcome of an ion channel. We found that most ASIC1a in the mouse brain was fully glycosylated. Inhibiting glycosylation with tunicamycin reduced ASIC1a surface trafficking, dendritic targeting, and acid-activated current density.N-glycosylation of the two glycosylation sites, Asn393 and Asn366, has differential effects on ASIC1a biogenesis. Maturation of Asn393 increased ASIC1a surface and dendritic trafficking, pH sensitivity, and current density. In contrast, glycosylation of Asn366 was dispensable for ASIC1a function and may be a rate-limiting step in ASIC1a biogenesis. In addition, we revealed that acidosis reduced the density and length of dendritic spines in a time- and ASIC1a-dependent manner. ASIC1a N366Q, which showed increased glycosylation and dendritic targeting, potentiated acidosis-induced spine loss. Conversely, ASIC1a N393Q, which had diminished dendritic targeting and inhibited ASIC1a current dominant-negatively, had the opposite effect. These data tieN-glycosylation of ASIC1a with its trafficking. More importantly, by revealing a site-specific effect of acidosis on dendritic spines, our findings suggest that these processes have an important role in regulating synaptic plasticity and determining long-term consequences in diseases that generate acidosis.
Early-Effect like Behavior in Space Charge Regions of Organic Bulk-Heterojunction Photodiodes
Authors: Guvenc Ali Bilge , Ozkan Cengiz , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: March 2012

The space charge region width of the Schottky barrier that forms on the interface between aluminum and organic semiconductor polymer of bulk-heterojunction organic photodiodes has been investigated according to reverse voltage bias over the device and the capacitance-voltage characteristics. Here, we investigated the space charge region widths according to incident light power. Comparison of the mathematical models and experimental data measured under different light power indicate that effect of light on the space charge region of photodiodes is similar to the effect of base-emitter voltage on the space charge region of base-emitter junction in bipolar junction transistors.
Nanomechanical Properties of Teflon Amorphous Fluoropolymer -MWCNT Bilayer Films
Authors: Schoeppner R. L. , Qiu A. , Stauffer D. D. , Major R. C. , Skinner J. L. , Zifer T. , O’Bryan G. , Vance A. , Gerberich W. W. , Bahr D. F. , Moody N. R.
Published: March 2012

Teflon amorphous fluoropolymer (TAF) multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) suspensions have the potential for creating conductive coatings on insulating films for numerous applications. However, there are few studies on polymer MWCNT suspension properties and even fewer that use Teflon. To define mechanical and electrical property relationships, bilayer films of TAF-MWCNT were created with differing concentrations of MWCNTs. Nanoindentation revealed that addition of 8 wt% MWCNTs to TAF increased the elastic modulus by about 25% and hardness by about 15%. Conducting indentation showed 8 wt% MWCNT films exhibit uniform stable conductance once indentation depth exceeds several hundred nanometers. Films with lower concentrations of CNTs were insulating. The two techniques provide a unique description of structure property relationships in this suspension film system.