bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De-Domestication: Ethics at the Intersection of Landscape Restoration and Animal Welfare
Authors: Gamborg Christian , Gremmen Bart , Christiansen Stine B. , Sandøe Peter
Published: January 2010

De-domestication is the deliberate establishment of a population of domesticated animals or plants in the wild. In time, the population should be able to reproduce, becoming self-sustainable and incorporating ‘wild’ animals. Often de-domestication is part of a larger nature restoration scheme, aimed at creating landscapes anew, or re-creating former habitats. De-domestication is taken up in this paper because it both engages and raises questions about the major norms governing animals and nature. The debate here concerns whether animals undergoing de-domestication should be looked upon as wild or non-wild and the effect this has on questions about how they should be treated. It also concerns the value of nature, and the kind and degree of nature management considered appropriate. The paper first describes actual de-domestication practices and considers the character of human duties to animals in process of de-domestication. Secondly, the paper explores the implications of de-domestication for nature management, focusing on notions of naturalness and wildness. Finally, because the current division of ethical topics, with its dependence upon whether animals and nature are domesticated, hampers rather than helps, a new perspective is offered on the issues raised by de-domestication. More ‘thinking outside the box’ with regard to animals and nature is recommended.
Gaucher's Disease - A Case of Huge Hepatosplenomegaly Clinically Confused with Kala Azar: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Islam Md Sirazul , Sarwar-e-Alam ABM , Ahmad Faruq
Published: January 2010

Key words: Hepatosplenomegaly; kala azar; Gaucher's diseaseDOI: 10.3329/bjpath.v24i2.4115Bangladesh J Pathol 24(2): 25-33
Temperature and Frequency Dependent Permeability of Spinel Type Li-Cd Ferrite
Authors: Akhter S , Paul DP , Hoque S Manjura , Hakim MA
Published: January 2010

A series of Li-Cd ferrite samples of composition Li0.5-x/2CdxBi0.02Fe2.48-x/2O4 for x = 0.0 to 0.7 were prepared by conventional double sintering ceramic technique. From temperature dependent permeability, μ′ at T=TC indicates that the samples have high homogeneity according to Globus et al. The Curie temperature, TC is found to decrease with increasing Cd content. The sample with x=0.7 shows anomalous temperature dependent magnetic ordering. Initial permeability, μ′ and magnetic loss factor, tanδ have been investigated up to 13 MHz frequency range. Frequency dependent permeability increase except x = 0.7 with Cd content and also increase with sintering temperature. The magnetic loss factor is minimum at frequency around 1 MHz and rises sharply beyond that frequency. Key words: Lithium ferrite, Curie temperature, Initial permeability, Loss factor. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i2.4099 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 2, 159-166, 2009
Effects of Temperature on the Structural and Optical Preperties of AgGaSe2 Thin Films
Authors: Bhuiyan MRA , Saha DK , Hasan SM Firoz
Published: January 2010

In this study, AgGaSe2 (AGS) thin films were formed onto cleaned glass substrates by using the stacked elemental layer (SEL) deposition technique in vacuum. The films were prepared at the post-deposition annealing temperature from 100 to 350°C for 15 min duration. The atomic composition of the films was measured by energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) method. The films ascertain the compositional uniformity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been employed to study the structure of the films. The structures of the films are found to be polycrystalline in nature. The lattice parameters, grain size, strain and dislocation densities of the films were calculated. Optical characteristics of the films were ascertained by spectrophotometer in the photon wavelength ranging between 300 and 2500 nm. The transmittance was found to increase with the increase of annealing temperature. The transmittance falls steeply with decreasing wavelength. It revealed that AGS films have considerable absorption throughout the wavelength region from 400 to 800 nm. The optical band gap energy has been evaluated. Two possible direct allowed and direct forbidden transitions have been observed for all the AGS films in visible region. The former varied from 1.67 to 1.75 eV and the later from 2.05 to 2.08 eV, depending on the post-deposition annealing temperature of the films. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i2.4101 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 2, 179-188, 2009
Effects of Co-Doped Bimetallic Impurities on the Growth and Nucleation Kinetics of Potassium Acid Phthalate (KAP)
Authors: Begum SA , Podder J
Published: January 2010

Single crystals of pure potassium acid phthalate (KAP) and nickel-magnesium (Ni-Mg), cobalt-magnesium (Co2+-Mg2+) and lithium-magnesium (Li1+-Mg2+) co-doped potassium acid phthalate crystals were grown by an isothermal evaporation method. Good quality and optically transparent single crystals of pure and bimetallic doped KAP were grown. Enhancement of the metastable zonewidth was achieved by the addition of co-doped novel bimetallic impurities in KAP solution. The induction period and various critical nucleation parameters such as radius of critical nucleus, number of molecules in the critical nuclei and the critical free energy change were calculated based on the classical theory for homogeneous nucleation. The induction period decreases exponentially with supersaturation ratio and hence the nucleation rate increases with the increase of supersaturation ratio for all systems. Subsequent incorporation of these bimetallic co-doped impurities into the crystal would allow the growth rate to achieve its maximum value. The induction period is found to increase with the incorporation of Ni2+, Co2+and Li1+ ions doped along with Mg2+ ions in KAP. It is anticipated that these larger cations play a vital role in the growth mechanism and it favors to reduce the formation of secondary nucleation by positioning the doped metal ions into the interstitial sites. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i2.4102 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 2, 189-197, 2009
Characterizations of Principal n-Ideals in Terms of Relatively Normal Nearlattices
Authors: Raihan MS
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we have characterized the principal n-ideals of relatively normal nearlattices which are generalizations of several results on relatively normal nearlattices. We have also shown that for a central element n, the set of principal n-ideals is relatively normal if and only if any two incomparable prime n-ideals of S are co-maximal. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i2.4103 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 2, 199-208, 2009
Isolation and Structure Determination of Banana Pseudostem Based Uro-Lignin
Authors: Hye Md Abdul
Published: January 2010

Lignin was isolated from wet Banana pseudostem with 2% NaOH solution by boiling. The isolated lignin was treated with urea and called uro-lignin. IR, Mass and NMR spectra of urolignin were taken to determine its molecular structure. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i2.4106 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 2, 227-229, 2009
Variation of flower opening and closing times in F1 and F2 hybrids of daylily (Hemerocallis fulva; Hemerocallidaceae) and nightlily (H. citrina)
Authors: Nitta Kozue , Yasumoto Akiko A. , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: January 2010

In flowering plants, pollination success is strongly dependent on the timing of when flowers start to bloom and when they start to close. To elucidate the genetic mechanism influencing the timing of flower opening and closing, we obtained F1 and F2 hybrids of Hemerocallis fulva (a diurnally blooming species, pollinated by swallowtail butterflies) and H. citrina (a nocturnally blooming species, pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths) and observed their flowering behavior from blooming to closing with the use of digital cameras. For flower opening times, F1 hybrids were highly variable, and F2 hybrids showed a bimodal distribution of flower opening times with peaks in both the morning and evening. The ratio of morning flowering and evening flowering among F2 hybrids did not deviate from 1:1. For the start to close time, both F1 and F2 hybrids were similar in showing the major peak in the evening. The ratio of evening closing and morning closing among F2 hybrids did not deviate from 3:1. These results suggest that the time of flower opening and the start of closing are regulated by different major genes.
Leaf fossils of Banksia (Proteaceae) from New Zealand: An Australian abroad
Authors: Carpenter Raymond J. , Jordan Gregory J. , Lee Daphne E. , Hill Robert S.
Published: January 2010

Fossils can shed new light on plant biogeography and phylogeny. Pinnately lobed leaves from the Oligo‐Miocene Newvale lignite mine, South Island, New Zealand are the first extra‐Australian leaf fossils of the charismatic genus Banksia (Proteaceae), and they are assigned to a new species, B. novae‐zelandiae. Comparison with extant taxa shows that the fossils are best regarded as an extinct stem relative of Banksia because their available features are either plesiomorphic for the genus (notably, the stomata are superficially placed, not sunken in balloon‐like pits as in many extant species) or lack evidence of synapomorphies that would enable them to be placed in the crown group. Banksia novae‐zelandiae does, however, exhibit two cuticular features that are unique or highly derived for Banksia. These are rugulate subsidiary cell ornamentation and the presence of complex papillae that extensively cover the abaxial leaf surface. The fossils add to the widespread records of the pinnately lobed leaf form in Banksia in Australia beginning in the late Paleocene. This form is now limited to species confined to sclerophyllous heathlands of Mediterranean climate in southwestern Australia. Banksia novae‐zelandiae could be part of a lineage that had a long history in New Zealand, perhaps dating to the early Paleogene.
Relationships between Sequelae of Injury, Participation, and Quality of Life in Survivors of Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Tuchner Maya , Meiner Zeev , Parush Shula , Hartman-Maeir Adina
Published: January 2010

This study described participation, health-related quality of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of terrorist attacks and examined the relationships among these outcomes. Participants were 35 survivors of terrorist attacks, an average of 2 years after the injury, with a mean age of 32.1 (± 13.8) years. Most of the participants suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Forty percent to 60% of the sample reported restrictions in participation in the areas of employment, leisure, and homemaking. The patterns of time use indicated a relatively small amount of time devoted to work and more to rest. Survivors who resumed their participation in work and leisure reported high percentages of perceived competence and enjoyment from these occupations. The survivors scored below the norm on the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales, indicating low health-related quality of life. A significant moderate correlation in the expected direction was found between the Participation Index total score and the SF-36 total score ( r = −.560, p < .01). PTSD was found in 39% of the survivors. No significant difference was found between the group with PTSD versus the group without PTSD on the Participation Index total score ( Z = −.481, p = .650); however, subjects without PTSD achieved significantly higher mean scores on the SF-36 total score than those with PTSD ( Z = −2.85, p = .003). Further research is required to examine the possible qualitative effect of PTSD on participation in work, leisure, and home management.
Wireless "Questions-Bank" System to Enhance M-Learning in School Education
Authors: Abou El-Seoud Samir , El-Sofany Hosam Farouk , Al-Halabi Yahia
Published: January 2010

Abstract: Through wireless devices and wireless applications, M-learning supports an integrated access to Web content and services in education anytime and anywhere. This paper describes the analysis, design, and implementation of "Wireless Questions-Bank System", that allows the students to take web-based quizzes, web-based free exercises, web-based exams (midterm, and final), to download course reviews, to download previous exams and their model answers, to access the system through the Mobile and take quick quizzes and exercises. The system facilitates generation of automatic, balanced, and different exam sheets, that containing different types of questions, covering the entire curriculum, and displaying gradually from easiness to difficulty. The exam sheet produced by the system, takes into account the different levels of the students from excellent, good, to fair, and avoids any mistakes of language and non-clear terminologies
Competition between Two Species of Mites.: II. Factors Influencing Intensity
Authors: Foott W. H.
Published: January 2010

Production of webbing, greater fecundity, faster rate of development, and greater ability to thrive on foliage injured by feeding enabled populations of T. telarius to suppress those of P. ulmi on peach foliage in a greenhouse and insectary. However, these inhibitory factors were non-operative in an orchard environment in southwestern Ontario.

The tendency of the two species to populate different levels of a host plant, and of P. ulmi to utilize the upper surfaces of leaves more than T. telarius, each decreased the intensity of competition. The suppression of P. ulmi in an insectary or greenhouse was delayed but not prevented by the above factors.
Parametric study of the interface behavior between two immiscible liquids flowing through a porous medium
Authors: Mariotti Alejandro David , Brandaleze Elena , Buscaglia Gustavo C.
Published: January 2010

When two immiscible liquids that coexist inside a porous medium are drained through an opening, a complex flow takes place in which the interface between the liquids moves, tilts and bends. The interface profiles depend on the physical properties of the liquids and on the velocity at which they are extracted. If the drainage flow rate, the liquids volume fraction in the drainage flow and the physical properties of the liquids are known, the interface angle in the immediate vicinity of the outlet ($\theta$) can be determined. In this work, we define four nondimensional parameters that rule the fluid dynamical problem and, by means of a numerical parametric analysis, an equation to predict $\theta$ is developed. The equation is verified through several numerical assessments in which the parameters are modified simultaneously and arbitrarily. In addition, the qualitative influence of each nondimensional parameter on the interface shape is reported.Received: 14 October 2009, Accepted: 28 December 2009; Edited by: A. C. Martí; DOI: 10.4279/PIP.010007
Numerical investigation of gas mixing in gas‐solid fluidized beds
Authors: Li Tingwen , Zhang Yongmin , Grace John R. , Bi Xiaotao
Published: January 2010

Gas mixing in a tall narrow fluidized bed operated in the slugging fluidization regime is simulated with the aid of computational fluid dynamics. In the first part, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the influence of various parameters on the gas mixing. Among the parameters studied, the specularity coefficient for the partial‐slip solid‐phase wall boundary condition had the most significant effect on gas mixing. It was found that the solid‐phase wall boundary condition needs to be specified with great care when gas mixing is modeled, with free slip, partial slip and no‐slip wall boundary conditions giving substantial differences in the extent of gas back mixing. Axial and radial tracer concentration profiles for different operating conditions are generally in good agreement with experimental data from the literature. Detailed analyses of tracer back mixing are carried out in the second part. Two parameters, the tracer backflow fraction and overall gas backflow fraction, in addition to axial profiles of cross‐sectional averaged tracer concentrations, are evaluated for different flow conditions. Qualitative trends are consistent with reported experimental findings. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Chromosome 8p11.2 translocations: Prevalence, FISH analysis for FGFR1 and MYST3, and clinicopathologic correlates in a consecutive cohort of 13 cases from a single institution
Authors: Patnaik Mrinal M. , Gangat Naseema , Knudson Ryan A. , Keefe Jeannette G. , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Ketterling Rhett P. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: January 2010

Chromosome 8p11.2 translocations result in diverse oncogenic fusion genes involving FGFR1 or MYST3. Among 24,262 unique patient cytogenetic studies performed at the Mayo Clinic, 8p11.2 translocations were identified in 14 cases (∼0.06%). FISH analysis was performed in 13 patients (12 had myeloid neoplasms) and revealed abnormalities of MYST3 (n = 4) or FGFR1 (n = 4) in eight patients. MYST3 abnormalities were associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), M4 in three and M6 in one. Three of the four FGFR1‐rearranged cases were associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms but none, including the two with sole 8p11.2, displayed the typical phenotype for stem cell leukemia/lymphoma (SCLL) and only one had eosinophilia; the fourth case had AML‐M4. FISH did not reveal FGFR1 involvement in the one patient with SCLL. We conclude that neither the SCLL phenotype nor blood eosinophilia is a consistent feature of FGFR1‐associated 8p11.2 translocations; conversely, FISH might not always reveal FGFR1 involvement in typical SCLL. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teaching current tests on surge arresters to undergraduate students using MATLAB–SIMULINK
Authors: Vahidi B. , Arabshahi M. M.
Published: January 2010

Surge arresters constitute an indispensable aid to insulation coordination in power systems and they are the primary protection against different types of overvoltages (lightning or switching). They are generally connected in parallel with the equipment to be protected to divert the surge currents. The paper presents an approach to teaching high‐voltage laboratory using specially designed exercises that can be done using MATLAB R2007. This paper presents a MATLAB‐based technology to simulate residual voltage test, long duration withstand test, and operating duty test on arresters. Evaluation of the simulation with more than 30 students is very positive in terms of their developing confidence in and understanding of this simulation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 391–399, 2012
The role of spirituality in the mediation process
Authors: Jones Debra A.
Published: January 2010

This article shares the findings of a study that explored aspects of a spiritually integrated mediation process. Specifically, the study sought to describe what makes mediation spiritual in nature, and how spirituality may affect or influence the mediation process. Semistructured phenomenological interviews were conducted with sixteen mediators who self‐identified as integrating spirituality in their work, and five observers of these mediators. The study relates experiences in which mediators have integrated spirituality in mediation, with suggested implications for practice.
Evaluation of special and traditional dementia care in nursing homes: results from a cross‐sectional study in Germany
Authors: Weyerer Siegfried , Schäufele Martina , Hendlmeier Ingrid
Published: January 2010

Objective

Two‐thirds of all residents in nursing homes in Germany suffer from some type of dementia. We investigated whether or not dementia patients receiving special (segregated or partially segregated) care exhibited a better quality of life than their counterparts residing in traditional nursing homes.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study in 28 special dementia care facilities in the city of Hamburg (admission criterion: mobile dementia patients with behaviour problems) 594 residents were compared to a group of nursing home residents with dementia (n = 573) in 11 randomly selected nursing homes who were receiving traditional integrative care. Primary features such as cognitive and functional impairment, and behaviour problems were assessed by qualified nursing staff.

Results

Controlling for confounding variables, for dementia patients in special care units as compared to a reference group in traditional integrative care, the level of volunteer caregiver involvement was higher and there was more social contact to staff, fewer physical restraints, more involvement in home activities, and more frequent use of psychiatrists. There was no significant difference between the two care settings with regard to overall use of psychotropic drugs, however, residents in special dementia care used antipsychotics significantly less often and antidepressants more often.

Conclusions

Significant differences for a number of indicators of the quality of life point in favour of special dementia care. Future evaluation studies ought to examine not only the general efficacy of types of care designed especially for dementia patients but also the efficacy of the respective individual components (i.e. caregiver ratio). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broad spectrum assessment of psychopathology and adaptive functioning with the Older Adult Behavior Checklist: a validation and diagnostic discrimination study
Authors: Brigidi Bartholomew D. , Achenbach Thomas M. , Dumenci Levent , Newhouse Paul A.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Self‐administered by spouses and other collateral informants, the nationally normed Older Adult Behavior Checklist (OABCL) provides standardized data on diverse aspects of older adult psychopathology and adaptive functioning. We tested the validity of the Older Adult Behavior Checklist (OABCL) scale scores in terms of associations with diagnoses of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) and mood disorders (MD) and with nine measures of psychopathology, cognitive performance, and adaptive functioning.

Method

Informants completed OABCLs for 727 60–97‐year‐olds recruited from a memory disorders clinic, geriatric psychiatry clinic, and community‐dwelling seniors. OABCL scale scores were tested for associations with DAT and MD diagnoses, as well as with scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Clock Drawing Test, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Clinical Dementia Rating, Dementia Severity Rating Scale, Trail Making Test Part A, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Results

OABCL scales had medium to large correlations with the nine other indices of functioning and significantly augmented MMSE discrimination between patients with DAT versus MD. OABCL scales also discriminated significantly between patients diagnosed with DAT versus MD and both these groups versus nonclinical subjects.

Conclusions

Multiple OABCL scales had medium to large associations with diverse indices of functioning based on other kinds of data. The nationally normed OABCL provides new ways to integrate informant and self‐report data to improve assessment of older adults. Specifically, the OABCL can provide discrimination between those who qualify for diagnoses of DAT versus MD versus neither diagnosis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural system interactions underlying human transitive inference
Authors: Moses Sandra N. , Brown Tanya M. , Ryan Jennifer D. , McIntosh Anthony Randal
Published: January 2010

Human problem solving relies on multiple strategies supported by dynamic neural network interactions. The transitive inference (TI) problem solving task can be accomplished by the extraction of relations among stimuli or by responding to reinforcement histories of items using associative learning. Relational and associative strategies are assumed to rely on the hippocampus and caudate nucleus, respectively; which compete to control behavior. However, we found that increased recruitment of both systems in TI is correlated with greater accuracy and awareness, and reduced associative responding to single items. Contrary to prior assumptions, the hippocampus and caudate interact cooperatively to facilitate successful TI. We suggest that the dynamics of the relationship between the hippocampus and caudate depends critically upon task demands. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenosine modulates the excitability of layer II stellate neurons in entorhinal cortex through A1 receptors
Authors: Li Yang , Fan Shuangyi , Yan Jie , Li Bo , Chen Fang , Xia Jianxia , Yu Zhengping , Hu Zhian
Published: January 2010

Stellate neurons in layer II entorhinal cortex (EC) provide the main output from the EC to the hippocampus. It is believed that adenosine plays a crucial role in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the CNS, however, the function of adenosine in the EC is still elusive. Here, the data reported showed that adenosine hyperpolarized stellate neurons in a concentration‐dependent manner, accompanied by a decrease in firing frequency. This effect corresponded to the inhibition of the hyperpolarization‐activated, cation nonselective (HCN) channels. Surprisingly, the adenosine‐induced inhibition was blocked by 3 μM 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective A1receptor antagonists, but not by 10 μM 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine (DMPX), a selective A2receptor antagonists, indicating that activation of adenosine A1receptors were responsible for the direct inhibition. In addition, adenosine reduced the frequency but not the amplitude of miniature EPSCs and IPSCs, suggesting that the global depression of glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission is mediated by a decrease in glutamate and GABA release, respectively. Again the presynaptic site of action was mediated by adenosine A1receptors. Furthermore, inhibition of spontaneous glutamate and GABA release by adenosine A1receptor activation was mediated by voltage‐dependent Ca2+channels and extracellular Ca2+. Therefore, these findings revealed direct and indirect mechanisms by which activation of adenosine A1receptors on the cell bodies of stellate neurons and on the presynaptic terminals could regulate the excitability of these neurons. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ULBP2 and RAET1E NKG2D ligands are independent predictors of poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: McGilvray Roger W. , Eagle Robert A. , Rolland Phil , Jafferji Insiya , Trowsdale John , Durrant Lindy G.
Published: January 2010

The human activating immune receptor, NKG2D, binds to a diverse array of cellular ligands of the MIC and unique long 16 (UL16)‐binding protein (ULBP)/retinoic acid early transcript (RAET) family. NKG2D is thought to participate in anticancer immune responses. By using tissue microarrays representing over 300 patients with defined clinicopathological factors, we present the first comprehensive screen of the expression of all NKG2D ligands in primary ovarian cancers. NKG2D ligands were expressed by the majority of tumors; however, the level of expression varied considerably. By categorizing each tumor as having negative, low or high expression, it was shown that high expression of several NKG2D ligands is inversely correlated with disease survival. Patients whose tumors had high expression of RAET1E (p = 0.037), ULBP1 (p = 0.036) and ULBP3 (p = 0.004) surviving a median of 11, 14 and 11 months, respectively, compared with disease‐specific survival of 29, 30 and 25 months in patients whose tumors showed no expression of these ligands. These results contrast with previous findings showing that high level NKG2D ligand expression is associated with good prognosis in colorectal cancer and suggest a fundamental difference in the involvement of NKG2D‐mediated immunity in these two types of cancer. By using multivariate analysis, the factors retaining independent prognostic significance were International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians stage (p < 0.001), presence of residual disease (p = 0.003), ULBP2 (p = 0.042) and RAET1E (p = 0.030).
Consumer perceptions of online shopping environments: A gestalt approach
Authors: Demangeot Catherine , Broderick Amanda J.
Published: January 2010

Although Web pages and sites consist of a multitude of individual cues, this paper argues that marketers need a gestalt approach to understand how consumers perceive online shopping environments. Following a systematic review of the literature on categorizations of online shopping environments, this paper develops and tests a gestalt model of consumer perceptions of online shopping environments. The model shows that consumers perceive online shopping environments in terms of their sense‐making and exploratory potential. It encompasses perceptions at the level of both individual pages and the experience consisting of the navigation through a succession of pages accessed during one visit. It also accounts for the informational needs all shoppers possess, reflected in the central role of information in online shopping environments. The model confirms the importance of the three main categories investigated in the literature (ease of understanding, informativeness, and involving qualities), but provides a theoretically grounded explanation of how consumers perceive online shopping environments holistically. It can form a basis from which to envisage organismic and behavioral responses. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Online visual merchandising (VMD) cues and consumer pleasure and arousal: Purchasing versus browsing situation
Authors: Ha Young , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of various online visual merchandising (VMD) cues—high and low task relevant cues—on consumer pleasure and arousal under different situational involvement (browsing vs. purchasing). A random sample of 1634 female college students participated in an experiment in the context of online apparel shopping. The results of the study revealed a significant effect for high task relevant cues on pleasure and arousal under high situational involvement (purchasing situation). In addition, a significant effect for low task relevant cues on pleasure and arousal under low situational involvement (browsing situation) was found. Pleasure and arousal induced by various online VMD cues were positively related to consumer satisfaction, purchase intention, and approach behavior. The findings of the study emphasize a significant role of VMD cues on apparel Web sites, influencing pleasure and arousal, which in turn increase consumer satisfaction, purchase intention, and approach behavior. The study also provides an important implication for online apparel retailers developing Web sites that may attract both online browsers and purchasers. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New organosoluble and thermally stable poly(amide‐imide)s with benzoxazole or benzothiazole pendent groups: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Toiserkani Hojjat , Sheibani Hassan , Saidi Kazem
Published: January 2010

Two new benzoxazole or benzothiazole‐containing diimide‐dicarboxylic acid monomers, such as 2‐[3,5‐bis(N‐trimellitimidoyl)phenyl]benzoxazole (2o) or 2‐[3,5‐bis(N‐trimellitimidoyl)phenyl]benzothiazole (2s) were synthesized from the condensation reaction between 3,5‐diaminobenzoic acid and 2‐aminophenol or 2‐aminothiophenol in polyphosphoric acid (PPA) with subsequent reaction of trimellitic anhydride in the presence of glacial acetic acid, respectively, and two new series of modified aromatic poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared. This preparation was done with pendent benzoxazole or benzothiazole units from the newly synthesized diimide‐dicarboxylic acid and various aromatic diamines by triphenyl phosphite‐activated polycondensation. In addition, the corresponding unsubstituted poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared under identical experimental conditions for comparative purposes. Characterization of polymers was accomplished by inherent viscosity measurements, FT‐IR, UV–visible, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities between 0.39 and 0.81 dl g−1. The solubilities of modified poly(amide‐imide)s in common organic solvents as well as their thermal stability were enhanced compared to those of the corresponding unmodified poly(amide‐imide)s. The glass transition temperature, 10% weight loss temperature, and char yields at 800°C were, respectively, 7–26°C, 17–46°C and 2–5% higher than those of the unmodified polymers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiologic mapping of Florida childhood cancer clusters
Authors: Amin Raid , Bohnert Alexander , Holmes Laurens , Rajasekaran Ayyappan , Assanasen Chatchawin
Published: January 2010

Background

Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease‐related mortality for children. Whereas, improvement in care has dramatically increased survival, the risk factors remain to be fully understood. The increasing incidence of childhood cancer in Florida may be associated with possible cancer clusters. We aimed, in this study, to identify and confirm possible childhood cancer clusters and their subtypes in the state of Florida.

Methods

We conducted purely spatial and space–time analyzes to assess any evidence of childhood malignancy clusters in the state of Florida using SaTScan™. Data from the Florida Association of Pediatric Tumor Programs (FAPTP) for the period 2000–2007 were used in this analysis.

Results

In the purely spatial analysis, the relative risks (RR) of overall childhood cancer persisted after controlling for confounding factors in south Florida (SF) (RR = 1.36, P = 0.001) and northeastern Florida (NEF) (RR = 1.30, P = 0.01). Likewise, in the space–time analysis, there was a statistically significant increase in cancer rates in SF (RR = 1.52, P = 0.001) between 2006 and 2007. The purely spatial analysis of the cancer subtypes indicated a statistically significant increase in the rate of leukemia and brain/CNS cancers in both SF and NEF, P < 0.05. The space–time analysis indicated a statistically significant sizable increase in brain/CNS tumors (RR = 2.25, P = 0.02) for 2006–2007.

Conclusions

There is evidence of spatial and space–time childhood cancer clustering in SF and NEF. This evidence is suggestive of the presence of possible predisposing factors in these cluster regions. Therefore, further study is needed to investigate these potential risk factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:511–518. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and increased risk of feeding desaturation and growth delay in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Wang Li‐Ying , Luo Hong‐Ji , Hsieh Wu‐Shiun , Hsu Chyong‐Hsin , Hsu Hui‐Chin , Chen Pei‐Shan , Chiu Nan‐Chang , Lee Wang‐Tso , Jeng Suh‐Fang
Published: January 2010

Oral feeding has been reported to compromise breathing among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) during hospitalization or shortly after discharge. However, limited information was available concerning whether preterm infants with BPD remain vulnerable to feeding and growth insufficiency after a longer term of follow‐up. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the effect of severity of BPD on pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) during feeding and growth in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants during infancy. Seventy‐two preterm infants with VLBW and 15 term infants were prospectively examined their growth and SpO2 during feeding at 2, 4, and 6 months of corrected age. The severity of BPD was graded in VLBW infants according to the American National Institutes of Health consensus definition. In comparison to VLBW infants with mild BPD and term infants, VLBW infants with severe BPD showed significantly lower mean levels of SpO2 during feeding at 2–6 months corrected age (P < 0.05). Those with severe BPD further exhibited higher rates of growth delay (weight < 10th percentile) throughout the study period. Among VLBW infants, severe BPD had an adverse relation with subsequent weight measures after adjustment for medical and demographic confounding variables (β = −904 g, P = 0.03). The consensus BPD definition is useful to identify those preterm infants who are at greater risk of feeding desaturation and growth delay during infancy and close monitoring of SpO2 during feeding should be advised. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:165–173. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Goetz Danielle M. , Burns Cartland , Segura Bradley J. , Weiner Daniel J.
Published: January 2010

Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is unusual, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). To our knowledge, cases of CDH in CF patients and the combined effects on lung function have not been previously described. Here we report two cases of late presenting CDH in CF patients and describe effects on lung function. Late presentation of CDH in CF patients can cause gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms and requires a high index of suspicion as well as proper interpretation of imaging. In patients with CF and CDH, lung function abnormalities could include obstructive, restrictive defects, or combined defects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:403–405. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human tissue transglutaminase is inhibited by pharmacologic and chemical acetylation
Authors: Lai Thung S. , Davies Christopher , Greenberg Charles S.
Published: January 2010

Human tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. TGM2 promotes formation of soluble and insoluble high molecular weight aggregates by catalyzing a covalent linkage between peptide‐bound Q residues in polyQ proteins and a peptide‐bound Lys residue. Therapeutic approaches to modulate the activity of TGM2 are needed to proceed with studies to test the efficacy of TGM2 inhibition in disease processes. We investigated whether acetylation of Lys‐residues by sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (SNA) or aspirin (ASA) would alter the crosslinking activity of TGM2. Acetylation by either SNA and/or ASA resulted in a loss of >90% of crosslinking activity. The Lys residues that were critical for inhibition were identified by mass spectrometry as Lys444, Lys468, and Lys663. Hence, acetylation of Lys‐residues may modulate the enzymatic function of TGM2in vivoand offer a novel approach to treatment of TGM2 mediated disorders.
The solution structure of the Mg2+ form of soybean calmodulin isoform 4 reveals unique features of plant calmodulins in resting cells
Authors: Huang Hao , Ishida Hiroaki , Vogel Hans J.
Published: January 2010

Soybean calmodulin isoform 4 (sCaM4) is a plant calcium‐binding protein, regulating cellular responses to the second messenger Ca2+. We have found that the metal ion free (apo‐) form of sCaM4 possesses a half unfolded structure, with the N‐terminal domain unfolded and the C‐terminal domain folded. This result was unexpected as the apo‐forms of both soybean calmodulin isoform 1 (sCaM1) and mammalian CaM (mCaM) are fully folded. Because of the fact that free Mg2+ ions are always present at high concentrations in cells (0.5–2 mM), we suggest that Mg2+ should be bound to sCaM4 in nonactivated cells. CD studies revealed that in the presence of Mg2+ the initially unfolded N‐terminal domain of sCaM4 folds into an α‐helix‐rich structure, similar to the Ca2+ form. We have used the NMR backbone residual dipolar coupling restraints 1DNH, 1DCαHα, and 1DC′Cα to determine the solution structure of the N‐terminal domain of Mg2+‐sCaM4 (Mg2+‐sCaM4‐NT). Compared with the known structure of Ca2+‐sCaM4, the structure of the Mg2+‐sCaM4‐NT does not fully open the hydrophobic pocket, which was further confirmed by the use of the fluorescent probe ANS. Tryptophan fluorescence experiments were used to study the interactions between Mg2+‐sCaM4 and CaM‐binding peptides derived from smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase and plant glutamate decarboxylase. These results suggest that Mg2+‐sCaM4 does not bind to Ca2+‐CaM target peptides and therefore is functionally similar to apo‐mCaM. The Mg2+‐ and apo‐structures of the sCaM4‐NT provide unique insights into the structure and function of some plant calmodulins in resting cells.
Prediction of structures of zinc‐binding proteins through explicit modeling of metal coordination geometry
Authors: Wang Chu , Vernon Robert , Lange Oliver , Tyka Michael , Baker David
Published: January 2010

Metal ions play an essential role in stabilizing protein structures and contributing to protein function. Ions such as zinc have well‐defined coordination geometries, but it has not been easy to take advantage of this knowledge in protein structure prediction efforts. Here, we present a computational method to predict structures of zinc‐binding proteins given knowledge of the positions of zinc‐coordinating residues in the amino acid sequence. The method takes advantage of the “atom‐tree” representation of molecular systems and modular architecture of the Rosetta3 software suite to incorporate explicit metal ion coordination geometry into previously developed de novo prediction and loop modeling protocols. Zinc cofactors are tethered to their interacting residues based on coordination geometries observed in natural zinc‐binding proteins. The incorporation of explicit zinc atoms and their coordination geometry in both de novo structure prediction and loop modeling significantly improves sampling near the native conformation. The method can be readily extended to predict protein structures bound to other metal and/or small chemical cofactors with well‐defined coordination or ligation geometry.
Inhibition of p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) increases radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Min , Siedow Michael , Saia Gregory , Chakravarti Arnab
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND

p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the p21‐activated kinase (PAK) family. We investigated the role of PAK6 in radiation‐induced cell death in human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

We used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy to stably knock down PAK6 in PC3 and DU145 cells. Radiation sensitivities were compared in PAK6 stably knockdown cells versus the scrambled shRNA‐expressing control cells.

RESULTS

PAK6 mRNA and protein levels in PC3 and DU145 cells were upregulated upon exposure to 6 Gy of radiation. After irradiation, an increased percentage of apoptotic cells and cleaved caspase‐3 levels were demonstrated in combination with a decrease in cell viability and a reduction in clonogenic survival in PAK6‐knockdown cells. In addition, transfection with PAK6 shRNA blocked cells in a more radiosensitive G2‐M phase and increased levels of DNA double‐strand breaks. We further explored the potential mechanisms by which PAK6 mediates resistance to radiation‐induced apoptosis. Inhibition of PAK6 caused a decrease in Ser112 phosphorylation of BAD, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family, which led to enhanced binding of BAD to Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL and release of cytochrome c culminating into caspase activation and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PAK6 inhibition and irradiation resulted in significantly decreased survival of prostate cancer cells. The underlying mechanisms by which targeting PAK6 may improve radiation response seem to be multifaceted, and involve alterations in cell cycle distribution and impaired DNA double‐strand break repair as well as relieved BAD phosphorylation. Prostate 70: 807–816, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of the major metabolites of quinocetone in swine urine using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shen Jianzhong , Yang Chunyan , Wu Congming , Feng Peisheng , Wang Zhanhui , Li Yan , Li Yanshen , Zhang Suxia
Published: January 2010

Quinocetone (QCT), 3‐methyl‐2‐cinnamoylquinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxide, is a quinoxaline‐N,N‐dioxide used in veterinary medicine as a feed additive. QCT is broadly used in China to promote animal growth, but few studies have been performed to reveal the metabolism of QCT in animals until now. In the present study, the metabolites of QCT in swine urine were investigated using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS). Multiple scans of metabolites in MS and MS/MS modes and accurate mass measurements were performed simultaneously through data‐dependent acquisition. Most measured mass errors were less than ±5 mDa for both protonated molecules and product ions using external mass calibration. The structures of metabolites and their product ions were easily and reliably characterized based on the accurate MS2 spectra and known structure of QCT. As expected, extensive metabolism was observed in swine urine. Thirty‐one metabolites were identified in swine urine, most of which were reported for the first time. The results reveal that the N‐O group reduction at position 1 and the hydroxylation reaction occurring at the methyl group, the side chain or on the benzene ring are the main metabolic pathways of quinocetone in swine urine. There was abundant production of 1‐desoxyquinocetone and hydroxylation metabolites of 1‐desoxyquinocetone. The proposed metabolic pathway of quinocetone in vivo can be expected to play a key role in food safety evaluations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference condition approach to restoration planning
Authors: Nestler John M. , Theiling Charles H. , Lubinski Kenneth S. , Smith David L.
Published: January 2010

Ecosystem restoration planning requires quantitative rigor to evaluate alternatives, define end states, report progress and perform environmental benefits analysis (EBA). Unfortunately, existing planning frameworks are, at best, semi‐quantitative. In this paper, we: (1) describe a quantitative restoration planning approach based on a comprehensive, but simple mathematical framework that can be used to effectively apply knowledge and evaluate alternatives, (2) use the approach to derive a simple but precisely defined lexicon based on the reference condition concept and allied terms and (3) illustrate the approach with an example from the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) using hydrologic indicators. The approach supports the development of a scaleable restoration strategy that, in theory, can be expanded to ecosystem characteristics such as hydraulics, geomorphology, habitat and biodiversity. We identify three reference condition types, best achievable condition (ABAC), measured magnitude (MMiwhich can be determined at one or many times and places) and desired future condition (ADFC) that, when used with the mathematical framework, provide a complete system of accounts useful for goal‐oriented system‐level management and restoration. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.