bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denitrifier Community Dynamics in Soil Aggregates under Permanent Grassland and Arable Cropping Systems
Authors: Miller M. N. , Zebarth B. J. , Dandie C. E. , Burton D. L. , Goyer C. , Trevors J. T.
Published: September 2009

A better understanding of the spatial distribution of denitrifiers and their activity may lead to an improved understanding of the denitrification process in soil. This study determined the spatial distribution of the total bacterial community (16S rRNA), components of the denitrifier community (cnorBP; Pseudomonas mandelii and related species; nosZ), and denitrification activity across a range of soil aggregate size fractions (4–8, 1–2, and 0.25–0.5 mm) under permanent grassland (PG) and arable cropping (AC) systems. Aggregate size fraction had no significant effect on the abundance of the nosZ or cnorBP gene‐bearing bacteria in soil from the AC system. The highest abundance of denitrifier bacteria was measured in the smallest size fraction in the PG system. Respiration did not differ among aggregate size fractions within the PG system; however, respiration was higher for the PG system than the AC system for all aggregate size fractions. For the AC system, higher respiration was measured in the 0.25‐ to 0.5‐mm aggregate fraction than the 4‐ to 8‐mm aggregate fraction. Denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) was higher in the largest size fraction of the PG system than the AC system; however, DEA did not differ among aggregate size fractions within each management system. Cumulative denitrification during a 72‐h incubation was significantly higher in the largest aggregate size fractions under both management systems. The results indicate that the differences among the aggregate size fractions were small in magnitude and that the spatial location of the denitrification activity and the abundance of the denitrifier bacteria were uncoupled across aggregate size fractions in the contrasting management systems.
Measurement of Low Matric Potentials with Porous Matrix Sensors and Water‐Filled Tensiometers
Authors: Whalley W. R. , Lock G. , Jenkins M. , Peloe T. , Burek K. , Balendonck J. , Take W.A. , Tuzel İ.H. , Tuzel Y.
Published: September 2009

Water‐filled tensiometers are widely used to measure the matric potential of soil water. It is often assumed that, because these give a direct reading, they are accurate. With a series of laboratory tests with model laboratory systems of increasing complexity we show that the output of water‐filled tensiometers can, particularly in drying soils, be in serious error. Specifically, we demonstrated that water‐filled tensiometers can indicate a steady matric potential, typically between −60 and −90 kPa, when the soil is much drier. We demonstrate the use of water‐filled tensiometers that can measure matric potentials smaller than −100 kPa in the laboratory and in the field. The physics of the failure of water‐filled tensiometers is discussed. When the matric potential was greater than −60 kPa, in laboratory and field tests water‐filled and porous matrix sensors were in good agreement. In the field environment the porous matrix sensor was useful because it allowed early detection of the failure of water‐filled tensiometers. In dry soils (matric potential < −60 kPa) the porous matrix sensor was more reliable and accurate than the water‐filled tensiometer.
Root Water Uptake and Root Nitrogen Mass of Winter Wheat and Their Simulations
Authors: Shi Jianchu , Zuo Qiang
Published: September 2009

In this study, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown in nutrient solution (Exp. 1) and soil columns (Exp. 2) under controlled environmental conditions to investigate the relationship between root water uptake (RWU) and root N mass (RNM). In Exp. 1, 15 treatments were designed to examine the influence of NO3 concentrations (0.007–0.42 kg m−3) and illumination conditions (free water surface evaporation rates of 0.25–0.47 cm d−1) on root N content (RNC) and RWU. Measurements included transpiration, dry weight, N content, and root length. In Exp. 2, RNC and RWU of wheat were measured at two NO3 levels (0.011 and 0.105 kg m−3) and low and high (80% field water capacity) soil water contents. The distributions of soil water content, NO3 concentration, RNM density, root length density, and soil temperature were observed. Results showed that the potential transpiration was proportional to RNM of wheat (R2 = 0.99), and the maximum RWU rate, Smax, which changed from 0 to 0.023 m3 m−3 d−1, was also linearly related to the RNM density (R2 = 0.78). The ratio between potential transpiration and RNM, namely the potential RWU coefficient per unit RNM, was independent of environmental NO3 level and wheat maturity, but changed linearly with the free water surface evaporation rate (R2 = 0.88). The relationship between RWU and RNM was applied to simulate the distributions of soil water content, soil NO3 concentration, and RNM density in Exp. 2. The simulated results compared well with the measured data, and the maximum RMSEs were 0.0085 m3 m−3, 0.0283 kg m−3, and 0.0009 kg m−3, respectively.
Significance of Root‐Attached Soil and Soil Preparation for Microbial Biomass Phosphorus Measurement
Authors: Blackwell M.S.A. , Williams J.K. , Snars K.E. , Brookes P.C. , de la Fuente-Martinez N. , Michallon L. , Murray P.J. , Haygarth P.M.
Published: September 2009

The preparation of soil for measurement of properties such as microbial biomass P involves the removal of plant roots. Any soil attached to the roots (root‐attached soil) is also removed. In a very poorly drained silty clay loam under grassland we found that the root‐attached soil contained more than twice the quantity of bicarbonate extractable P than the bulk soil. Discarding this root‐attached soil could potentially result in underestimation of bicarbonate extractable P. We also showed that preferential inclusion of deeper soil due to variability of root density with depth is likely to result in underestimation of soil bicarbonate extractable P in fumigated and unfumigated soil samples. Additionally we investigated a conventional and alternative (rapid) soil preparation technique that might affect the accuracy of measurement of soil bicarbonate extractable P as part of a microbial biomass P measurement. Preparation technique made no significant difference to the quantity of P recovered.
The Widowhood Effect: A Comparison of Jews and Catholics
Authors: Abel Ernest L. , Kruger Michael L.
Published: September 2009

Using mortality data derived from tombstones in two Midwestern cemeteries, we compared the “widowhood effect” (decreased survival following the death of a spouse) among Jews and Catholics. Jewish men and women were both more likely to die sooner after the death of their spouses compared to Catholic men and women. Life table survival analysis indicated that the median number of years of survival following widowhood for Catholic and Jewish men were 7.7 years and 5.0 years, respectively ( p < .01). For Catholic and Jewish women, it was 11.0 and 9.5 years, respectively ( p < .01) Interpretations were offered in terms of Bowlby's attachment theory.
Capitalism, Communism and Colonialism? Revisiting "Transitology" as the Ideology of Informal Empire
Authors: Haskell John D , Mamlyuk Boris N.
Published: September 2009

In the context of international law, “transitology" is often used to describe the literature surrounding the former Soviet Union (fSU) and the subsequent reform attempts by Western and Eastern/Central European market reformers. While it is often acknowledged there have been other “waves" of transition, this literature typically asserts that the situation in the fSU is somehow distinct in human history, and thus, to a large extent, unmixable with other past “transition" histories. Likewise, the story of the Soviet Union's dissolution, and the subsequent reforms in its aftermath, largely avoid the radar of critical colonial discourses. In short, there is almost no effort to link the fSU to the 19th century colonial project of Western European states, in particular the story of informal empire. This article seeks to re-frame the post-communist transition debate in terms of the broader international challenges of decolonization, “neo-colonialism," and informal empire building in the West, the former Soviet Union, as well as between the two in the post Soviet space.
A Dependency in Development Indicator for NGOs and International Organizations
Authors: Lempert David H.
Published: September 2009

The article offers an easy-to-use indicator for measuring whether NGOs, international organizations, and government policies and projects meet the criteria for sustained poverty reduction that reverses legacies of colonialism and that promotes self-reliant (mostly "self sufficient") autonomous development following principles that have been established by various international treaties and that are recognized by experts in the field. Use of this indicator reveals that most of the major actors in the field of development are actually providing relief rather than development and are creating dependency by treating symptoms rather than long-term solutions. The indicator points to the specific areas where they need to improve in order to fulfill sustainability criteria including tests of whether aid distorts financial markets and business competition, erodes appropriate government functions, and reverses colonial institutions and ideologies that interfere with sustainable consumption within a resource base. The article also offers a sample test of the indicator using United Nations Volunteers (UNV) as a case study.
Physical self-concept, trait depression and readiness for physical activity of obese patients
Authors: Boros Szilvia , Halmy László
Published: September 2009

Physical self-concept, trait depression and readiness for physical activity of obese patients

Study aim: To assess the physical self-concept, trait depression and readiness for physical activity in relation to the degree of obesity.

Material and methods: Obese (Grade I and II; n = 59) and morbidly obese (Grade III; n = 42) patients aged 30 - 66 years, as well as 83 non-obese college students aged 30 ± 7.3 years were studied. Physical self-concept, trait depression and readiness for physical activity were determined apart from anthropometric measurements including body fat content.

Results: Physical self-concept was inversely associated with the degree of obesity. Morbidly obese (Grade III) who were more satisfied with their body were also more ready for physical activity (r = 0.394; p<0.01). Trait depression and physical self-concept were negatively correlated in both groups.

Conclusion: Body satisfaction may play an important role in the protection against depression and enhance the readiness for physical activity of obese patients.
Linguistic Determinants of the Intelligibility of Swedish Words among Danes
Authors: Kürschner Sebastian , Gooskens Charlotte , van Bezooijen Renée
Published: September 2009

In the present investigation we aim to determine to which degree various linguistic factors contribute to the intelligibility of Swedish words among Danes. We correlated the results of an experiment on word intelligibility with eleven linguistic factors and carried out logistic regression analyses. In the experiment, the intelligibility of 384 frequent Swedish words was tested among Danish listeners via the Internet. The choice of eleven linguistic factors was motivated by their contribution to intelligibility in earlier studies. The highest correlation was found in the negative correlation between word intelligibility and phonetic distances. Also word length, different syllable numbers, foreign sounds, neighbourhood density, word frequency, orthography, and the absence of the prosodic phenomenon of ‘stød’ in Swedish contribute significantly to intelligibility. Although the results thus show that linguistic factors contribute to the intelligibility of single words, the amount of explained variance was not very large (R2 (Cox and Snell)=.16, R2 (Nagelkerke)=.21) when compared with earlier studies which were based on aggregate intelligibility. Partly, the lower scores result from the logistic regression model used. It was necessary to use logistic regression in our study because the intelligibility scores were coded in a binary variable. Additionally, we attribute the lower correlation to the higher number of idiosyncrasies of single words compared with the aggregate intelligibility and linguistic distance used in earlier studies. Based on observations in the actual data from the intelligibility experiment, we suggest further steps to be taken to improve the predictability of word intelligibility.
Recognising Groups among Dialects
Authors: Prokić Jelena , Nerbonne John
Published: September 2009

In this paper we apply various clustering algorithms to the dialect pronunciation data. At the same time we propose several evaluation techniques that should be used in order to deal with the instability of the clustering techniques. The results have shown that three hierarchical clustering algorithms are not suitable for the data we are working with. The rest of the tested algorithms have successfully detected two-way split of the data into the Eastern and Western dialects. At the aggregate level that we used in this research, no further division of sites can be asserted with high confidence.
Comparison of Component Models in Analysing the Distribution of Dialectal Features
Authors: Leino Antti , Hyvönen Saara
Published: September 2009

Component models such as factor analysis can be used to analyse spatial distributions of a large number of different features – for instance the isogloss data in a dialect atlas, or the distributions of ethnological or archaeological phenomena – with the goal of finding dialects or similar cultural aggregates. However, there are several such methods, and it is not obvious how their differences affect their usability for computational dialectology. We attempt to tackle this question by comparing five such methods using two different dialectological data sets. There are some fundamental differences between these methods, and some of these have implications that affect the dialectological interpretation of the results.
Factor Analysis of Vowel Pronunciation in Swedish Dialects
Authors: Leinonen Therese
Published: September 2009

In this study 91 local Swedish dialects were analysed based on vowel pronunciation. Acoustic measurements of vowel quality were made for 18 vowels of 1,014 speakers by means of principal component analysis of vowel spectra. Two principal components were extracted explaining more than [Formula: see text] of the total variance in the vowel spectra. Plotting vowels in the PC1-PC2 plane showed a solution with strong resemblance to vowels in a formant plane. Per location averages of all speakers were calculated and factor analysis was run with the 91 locations as data cases and the two acoustic component of the 18 words as variables. Nine factors were extracted corresponding to distinct geographic distribution patterns. The factor scores of the analysis revealed co-occurrence of a number of linguistic features.
Corpus-based Dialectometry: Aggregate Morphosyntactic Variability in British English Dialects
Authors: Szmrecsanyi Benedikt
Published: September 2009

The research reported in this paper departs from most previous work in dialectometry in several ways. Empirically, it draws on frequency vectors derived from naturalistic corpus data and not on discrete atlas classifications. Linguistically, it is concerned with morphosyntactic (as opposed to lexical or pronunciational) variability. Methodologically, it marries the careful analysis of dialect phenomena in authentic, naturalistic texts to aggregational-dialectometrical techniques. Two research questions guide the investigation: First, on methodological grounds, is corpus-based dialectometry viable at all? Second, to what extent is morphosyntactic variation in non-standard British dialects patterned geographically? By way of validation, findings will be matched against previous work on the dialect geography of Great Britain.
Eu-Doped BaTiO3 Powder and Film from Sol-Gel Process with Polyvinylpyrrolidone Additive
Authors: García-Hernández Margarita , García-Murillo Antonieta , Carrillo-Romo Felipe de J. , Jaramillo-Vigueras David , Chadeyron Geneviève , De la Rosa Elder , Boyer Damien
Published: September 2009

Transparent BaTiO3:Eu3+ films were prepared via a sol-gel method and dip-coating technique, using barium acetate, titanium butoxide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as modifier viscosity. BaTiO3:Eu3+ films ~500 nm thick, crystallized after thermal treatment at 700 ºC. The powders revealed spherical and rod shape morphology. The optical quality of films showed a predominant band at 615 nm under 250 nm excitation. A preliminary luminescent test provided the properties of the Eu3+ doped BaTiO3.
Photo-Induced Phase Transitions to Liquid Crystal Phases: Influence of the Chain Length from C8E4 to C14E4
Authors: Petri Marcel , Busse Gerhard , Quevedo Wilson , Techert Simone
Published: September 2009

Photo-induced phase transitions are characterized by the transformation from phase A to phase B through the absorption of photons. We have investigated the mechanism of the photo-induced phase transitions of four different ternary systems CiE4/alkane (i) with n = 8, 10, 12, 14; cyclohexane/H2O. We were interested in understanding the effect of chain length increase on the dynamics of transformation from the microemulsion phase to the liquid crystal phase. Applying light pump (pulse)/x-ray probe (pulse) techniques, we could demonstrate that entropy and diffusion control are the driving forces for the kind of phase transition investigated.
Medicinal Chemistry of Annonaceous Acetogenins: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Analogues
Authors: Kojima Naoto , Tanaka Tetsuaki
Published: September 2009

Most Annonaceous acetogenins are characterized by between one and three THF ring(s) with one or two flanking hydroxyl group(s) in the center of a C32/34 fatty acid, and the terminal carboxylic acid is combined with a 2-propanol unit to form an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone. While many studies have addressed the properties and synthesis of natural acetogenins due to their attractive biological activities and unique structural features, a number of analogues have also been described. This review covers the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of acetogenin analogues.
Adding Chemical Cross-Links to a Physical Hydrogel
Authors: Paradossi Gaio , Finelli Ivana , Cerroni Barbara , Chiessi Ester
Published: September 2009

Synergistic hydrogels are often encountered in polysaccharide mixtures widely used in food and biopharma products. The xanthan and konjac glucomannan pair provides one of the most studied synergistic hydrogels. Recently we showed that the junction zones stabilizing the 3D structure of this gel are present as macromolecular complexes in solution formed by the partially depolymerised polysaccharidic chains. The non-covalent interactions stabilizing the structure of the polysaccharidic complex cause the melting of the ordered structure of the complex in the solution and of the hydrogels. Introduction of chemical cross-links in the 3D structure of the synergistic hydrogel removes this behaviour, adding new features to the swelling and to the viscoelastic properties of the cured hydrogel. The use of epichlorohydrin as low molecular weight cross-linker does not impact unfavourably on the viability of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.
FIRE SAFETY ASPECTS OF REFUGE FLOORS IN SUPERTALL BUILDINGS WITH COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Authors: Chow Cheuk Lun , Chow Wan Ki
Published: September 2009

High-rise buildings in many big cities in the Far East, including Hong Kong, call for refuge floors as a matter of both practicality and compliance with regulations. Even though many countries’ fire codes are not clear in spelling out the necessity for refuge floors, it is accepted within construction that such floors are essential in resisting fire, allowing users a means of escape and allowing emergency services a means of access to stricken buildings. This paper discusses the reasons behind providing refuge floors, while also considering related fire safety provisions, such as their enclosure behind fire‐resistant construction or the protection of their openings behind a water curtain. Our discussion takes a tall building with balconies as a test example of refuge floors, running a hazard assessment based on Computational Fluid Dynamics assuming a fire of the broadly accepted level of 2 MW. The paper concludes that the design of the building's façade finally determines whether or not a refuge floor and associated fire safety provisions, such as a water curtain, can be waived. As the flat modelled used to store a high amount of combustibles up to 1135 MJm−2, the breaking of large area of glass window could lead to a major conflagration. The consequences of a scenario with a fire of 25 MW are also discussed. Santrauka Daugelio Tolimųjų Rytų didžiųjų miestų aukštuminiuose pastatuose, taip pat ir Honkongo, reikalingi saugos aukštai, paisant praktiškumo ir atitikimo reikalavimus. Netgi jei daugelio šalių gaisrinės saugos normos aiškiai nereglamentuoja būtinybės įrengti saugos aukštų, konstrukciniu požiūriu tokie aukštai yra būtini gaisrinei saugai, užtikrinant pastato naudotojams evakuacijos galimybę ir avarinėms tarnyboms patekimą į pastatą. Straipsnyje aptariamos saugos aukštų įrengimo priežastys, taip pat įvertinamos susijusios tokios gaisrinės saugos priemonės, kaip atsparių ugniai konstrukcijų įrengimas arba angų apsauga vandens užuolaida. Nagrinėjamas aukštuminis pastatas su balkonais, kaip eksperimentinis saugos aukštų pavyzdys, įvertinant pavojų. Tai daroma naudojant skysčių dinamikos modeliavimą ir plačiai pripažintą 2 MW galios gaisrą. Straipsnyje daromos išvados, kad pastato fasado projektiniai sprendiniai daro įtaką, ar saugos aukštai ir susijusios tokios gaisrinės saugos priemonės, kaip vandens užuolaida, gali būti nenumatomi. Jei pastate numatoma saugoti daug degiųjų medžiagų viršijant 1135 MJm–2 gaisro apkrovą, didelio ploto langų išdužimas gali veikti visuminį užsidegimą. Aptariami ir 25 MW galios gaisro scenarijaus padariniai.
SIMPLE FIRE MODEL FOR COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF CRITICAL CONDITIONS DURING COMBUSTION OF CHOSEN POLYMER MATERIALS
Authors: Konecki Marek , Półka Marzena
Published: September 2009

The time taken to evacuate space inside a building (required time for evacuation) must be shorter than the time for the environment in that space to become life threatening (available safe egress time ‐ ASET). That time is the time, when certain tenability limits of smoke filling, toxicity and thermal influence of the building environment are exceeded. As a consequence of lost visibility in smoke, people loose their orientation, and consequently evacuation is slowed down or becomes impossible. In such conditions inhaling of an excessive volume of toxins may lead to loss of consciousness or death. In the paper are discussed the influences of visibility through a smoke layer (or smoke obscuration) and concentration of toxic products of combustion on ASET, in well ventilated fires. Apart from the visibility range, also CO and CO2 concentrations have been chosen for the analysis. The given simple formulas show the dependency of rate of combustion and yields of smoke and toxic species on visibility reduction rate and increasing of concentration of toxic products evolved during combustion of selected materials. Epoxy materials were used for the analysis: pure Epoxy material 561 and epoxy with the following admixtures: MoO3, Roflam P and Melamine, as well as 2 types of polyurethane form. Santrauka Laikas, reikalingas žmonėms evakuotis iš pastato (evakuacijos laikas), turi būti trumpesnis už laiką, per kurį konkreti pastato erdvė tampa pavojinga gyvybei (leistinas saugios evakuacijos laikas – angl. ASET). Šis laikas apibrėžia priimtinų dūmų plitimo, toksiškumo ir šiluminio poveikio pastato erdvei ribų viršijimą. Dėl dūmų žmonės praranda orientaciją, todėl evakuacija užsitęsia arba tampa neįmanoma. Dėl tokiomis aplinkos sąlygomis įkvepiamo didelio toksinų kiekio galima prarasti sąmonę ar net mirti. Straipsnyje apžvelgiama matomumo per dūmų sluoksnį ir toksiškų produktų koncentracijos įtaka evakuacijos laikui (ASET), kai degančioje patalpoje gaisro metu užtikrinama gera oro ventiliacija. Greta matomumo buvo tiriama CO ir CO2 koncentracijos įtaka evakuacijos laikui. Pateiktos formulės rodo degimo intensyvumo ir dūmų bei toksiškų priedų išsiskyrimo įtaką matomumo mažėjimui ir toksinių produktų koncentracijos didėjimui įvertinant konkrečios medžiagos degimą. Tyrimams naudotos šios medžiagos: epoksidinė medžiaga 561 be priemaišų, epoksidinė medžiaga su MoO3 , Roflam P ir Melamine priedais, dvi poliuretano detalės.
Human Factors: Industrial Incidents
Authors: Aleksander Adam K.
Published: September 2009

This article presents an overview of forensic engineering practice in product liability and industrial accident litigation, with an emphasis on human factors (HFs) and ergonomics issues. The discussion links safety engineering, human factors engineering and regulatory safety programs and briefly reviews litigation concepts such as product defects and foreseeable use. Three cases are used to illustrate home appliance, recreation vehicle, and construction equipment accidents, with HF elements, including risk perception, foreseeable behavior, and induced human error through defective design.
Occupational cancer in Italy: Evaluating the extent of compensated cases in the period 1994–2006
Authors: Scarselli Alberto , Scano Patrizia , Marinaccio Alessandro , Iavicoli Sergio
Published: September 2009

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze occupational cancer claims compensated in the industrial sector in Italy between 1994 and 2006.

Methods

A descriptive analysis of compensated occupational cancers based on the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL) data was performed. Summary statistics were compiled by sex and age of worker, cancer type, workplace agent and economic sector. The temporal trend in the period 1994–2006 was investigated for the most frequently compensated cancers (mesothelioma and lung cancer from asbestos; nasal cavities cancer from wood and leather dust).

Results

Between 1994 and 2006, 6,243 cancer claims were compensated by INAIL due to occupational exposure in the industrial sector. Most (5,288, or 85%) of these compensated claims occurred in the period 2000–2006, when the annual mean of the most compensated cancers increased approximately four times compared to the period 1994–1999.

Conclusions

There is an increasing trend in compensation for work‐related cancers in Italy in recent years, even if occupational cancers are still widely underreported. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:859–867, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex contributions of Ets2 to craniofacial and thymus phenotypes of trisomic “Down syndrome” mice
Authors: Hill Cheryl A. , Sussan Thomas E. , Reeves Roger H. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: September 2009

Ts65Dn mice have segmental trisomy for orthologs of about half of the genes on human chromosome 21, including Ets2. These mice develop anomalies of the cranial skeleton and thymus that parallel those in Down syndrome. Overexpression of the Ets2 transcription factor gene was posited to be sufficient to produce these craniofacial and thymus deficits in transgenic mice that constitutively overexpress a processed Ets2 transcript under a promiscuous promoter [Sumarsono et al. (1996); Nature 379:534–537; Wolvetang et al. (2003); Hum Mol Genet 12:247–255]. Evaluation of trisomic mice with varying copy numbers of a properly regulated Ets2 gene indicated increased dosage of Ets2 was not sufficient to produce effects on thymus and most of the cranial anomalies seen in Ts65Dn mice. However, mesoderm‐derived cranial skeletal elements are significantly more affected in Ts65Dn, Ets2+/− mice compared to Ts65Dn littermates suggesting a differential interaction of Ets2‐related processes with mesoderm‐derived and neural crest‐derived formative tissues. Our results support the growing evidence for interactions among multiple genes contributing to developmental perturbations resulting in variation in complex Down syndrome phenotypes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Floating–Harbor syndrome and intramedullary spinal cord ganglioglioma: Case report and observations from the literature
Authors: Nelson Rachel A. , McNamara Michelle , Ellis William , Stein‐Wexler Rebecca , Moghaddam Billur , Zwerdling Theodore
Published: September 2009

We report on a 5‐year‐old male with expressive language delay, developmental delay, short stature, and facial anomalies consistent with Floating–Harbor syndrome (FHS). In addition, he developed an intramedullary ganglioglioma. This is the first reported case of a tumor associated with FHS, and may represent an as yet undefined genetic link between spinal cord tumors and FHS, adding this syndrome to the growing list of disorders with a predisposition for tumor development. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
4.3‐Mb triplication of 4q32.1–q32.2: Report of a family through two generations
Authors: Wang Jia‐Chi , Fisker Thomas , Dang Linda , Teshima Ikuko , Nowaczyk Małgorzata J.M.
Published: September 2009

Duplications of 4q31‐qter have been rarely documented; moreover, triplications at this chromosomal region have never been described. Here we report a family through two generations (mother and three sons) with triplication of 4q32.1–q32.2. Their characteristic features include: macrocephaly, a long midface, hypoplastic zygoma, wide nasal bridge, short nose, downslanting and small palpebral fissures, and small, low‐set and squared‐off ears. Among the three sons, two had Hirschsprung disease, and one had constipation at birth. The phenotype of triplication of 4q32.1–q32.2 appeared to be distinct from duplications of 4q31‐qter. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic research on stored tissue samples from minors: A systematic review of the ethical literature
Authors: Hens Kristien , Nys Herman , Cassiman Jean‐Jacques , Dierickx Kris
Published: September 2009

The potential benefits of biobank research are well known. Also, the ethical implications of genetic research on stored tissue samples are well discussed in existing literature. The inclusion of tissue samples from minors may have significant scientific value. However, this inclusion raises specific ethical questions. We have performed a systematic search of the literature and found 21 theoretical and empirical articles dealing with the issue. After review, we distilled five clusters of themes: consent, risks, benefits, return of results, and ownership. We have described the different components of these themes, as they occurred in the literature and have provided a discourse on the topic. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of polypropylene‐grafted gelatin
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Gautam Neena , Khanna N. Deepika
Published: September 2009

Modification of polypropylene (PP) has been successfully carried out by graft copolymerization of gelatin, by chemical method using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as radical initiator. PP was preirradiated by gamma rays at a constant dose rate of 3.40 kGy/h before grafting to introduce hydroperoxide groups. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of different reaction parameters. Maximum percentage of grafting of gelatin (115%) was obtained at BPO concentration = 4.132 × 10−2 mol/L in 120 min at 70°C using 30 mL of water. Characterization of PP‐g‐gelatin was carried out through FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling studies were carried out in pure, binary, ternary, and quaternary solvent systems comprising distilled water, ethanol, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in different ratios. Maximum swelling of PP‐g‐gelatin (both composite and true graft) was observed in pure solvents that is, DMSO followed by DMF, ethanol, and water and was higher than that observed in the mixed solvent system. Water retention studies of unmodified PP, that is, pristine PP and PP‐g‐gelatin (both composite and true graft) were investigated at different time periods, temperatures and pH. Maximum % water retention for PP‐g‐gelatin (composite; 170%) was observed in 8 h at 50°C in neutral medium (pH = 7). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Use of an audience response system during peer teaching among physical therapy students in human gross anatomy: Perceptions of peer teachers and students
Authors: Wait Kevin R. , Cloud Beth A. , Forster Lindsey A. , Jones Tiffany M. , Nokleby Jessica J. , Wolfe Cortney R. , Youdas James W.
Published: September 2009

An audience response system (ARS) has become popular among educators in medicine and the health professions because of the system's ability to engage listeners during a lecture presentation. No one has described the usefulness of ARS technology during planned nonlecture peer teaching sessions in gross anatomy instruction for health professionals. The unique feature of each peer teaching session was a nongraded 12–15 item ARS quiz assembled by six second‐year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students and purposely placed at the beginning of the review session for those first‐year DPT students in attendance. This study used a ten‐item questionnaire and a five‐point Likert scale in addition to three open ended questions to survey perceptions of both first‐year and second‐year DPT students about the usefulness of ARS technology implemented during weekly interactive peer teaching sessions during a semester course in Anatomy for Physical Therapists. First‐year students overwhelmingly acknowledged the ARS system permitted each student to self‐assess his/her preparedness for a quiz or examination and compare his/her performance with that of classmates. Peer teachers recognized an ARS quiz provided them an opportunity to: (1) estimate first‐year students' level of understanding of anatomical concepts; and (2) effectively prepare first‐year students for their weekly quizzes and future examinations. On the basis of the mutual benefits derived by both students/tutees and teachers/tutors, physical therapist educators may wish to consider using ARS technology to enhance teaching methods for a class in gross human anatomy. Anat Sci Educ 2: 286–293, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
Surgical Clinical Correlates in Anatomy: Design and implementation of a first‐year medical school program
Authors: Haubert Lisa M. , Jones Kenneth , Moffatt‐Bruce Susan D.
Published: September 2009

Medical students state the need for a clinically oriented anatomy class so to maximize their learning experience. We hypothesize that the first‐year medical students, who take the Surgical Clinical Correlates in Anatomy program, will perform better than their peers in their anatomy course, their surgical clerkships and ultimately choose surgical residencies. We designed and recently implemented this program for first‐year medical students. It consisted of General Surgical Knowledge, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) sessions. Each session had defined learning objectives and interactive cadaveric operations performed by faculty members and students. The program was elective and had 25 participants randomly chosen. An evaluative questionnaire was completed before and after the program. Comparative analysis of the questionnaires, first‐year anatomy examination results, clinical surgical rotation scores, and residency match results will be completed. The positive opinions of surgeons increased for all medical students from the pre‐evaluation to the post‐evaluation, and there was a greater increase in positive opinions for our participants. Our participants also had the highest average overall for all combined anatomy examinations. A need exists among medical students to develop a clinically correlated anatomy program that will maximize their learning experience, improve their performance and allow them to make moreinformed career choices. The recent implementation of this Surgical Clinical Correlates in Anatomy program fulfills this need. Anat Sci Educ 2: 265‒272, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
The destruction of cometary grains and changes in the luminosity of comets
Authors: Gronkowski P.
Published: September 2009

One explanation of the sudden changes in the brightness of comets is proposed based on the author's earlier suggestions involving the fragmentation of cometary grains. Within the inner coma, a core‐mantle model of the structure of grains is assumed. The proposed mechanism is a combination of electrostatic stress and thermodynamical fragmentation of the cometary grains water‐ice mantle. It has been shown that the vapour pressure of volatile inclusions placed in the waterice mantle of grains can increase sufficiently to cause their fragmentation. It takes place before grains can completely sublime into the vacuum away. Numerical calculations have been carried out for a large range of values of probable physical characteristics of cometary material. The proposed approach yields increases in cometary brightness consistent with observations of typical cometary outbursts. It is concluded that this approach can provide an explanation of the sudden change in activity of comets for a wide range of heliocentric distances (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of local thermodynamics and of stellar mass ratio on accretion disc stability in close binaries
Authors: Lanzafame G.
Published: September 2009

Inflow kinematics at the inner Lagrangian point L1, gas compressibility, and physical turbulent viscosity play a fundamental role on accretion disc dynamics and structure in a close binary (CB). Physical viscosity supports the accretion disc development inside the primary gravitational potential well, developing the gas radial transport, converting mechanical energy into heat. The Stellar‐Mass‐Ratio (SMR) between the compact primary and the secondary star (M1/M2) is also effective, not only in the location of the inner Lagrangian point, but also in the angular kinematics of the mass transfer and in the geometry ofthe gravitational potential wells. In this work we pay attention in particular to the role ofthe SMR, evaluating boundaries, separating theoretical domains in compressibility‐viscosity graphs where physical conditions allow a well‐bound disc development, as a function ofmass transfer kinematic conditions. In such domains, the lower is the gas compressibility (the higher the polytropic index γ), the higher is the physical viscosity (α) requested. In this work, we show how the boundaries of such domains vary as a function of M1/M2. Conclusions as far as dwarf novae outbursts are concerned, induced by mass transfer rate variations, are also reported. The smaller M1/M2, the shorter the duration of the active‐to‐quiet and vice‐versa transitional phases. Time‐scales are of the order of outburst duration of SU Uma, OY Car, Z Cha and SS Cyg‐like objects. Moreover, conclusions as far as active‐quiet‐active phenomena in a CB, according to viscous‐thermal instabilities, in accordance to such domains, are also reported (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The symbiotic system CH Cygni: An analysis of the shocked nebulae at different epochs
Authors: Contini M. , Angeloni R. , Rafanelli P.
Published: September 2009

We analyse the line and continuum spectra of the symbiotic system CH Cygni. We adopt the colliding‐wind model to explain the symbiotic system at different phases. Peculiar observed features such as flickering, radio variation, X‐ray emission, as well as the distribution of the nebulae and shells throughout the system are investigated by modelling the spectra at different epochs. The models account consistently for shock and photoionization and are constrained by absolute fluxes. We find that the reverse shock between the stars leads to the broad lines observed during the active phases, as well as to radio and hard X‐ray emission, while the expanding shock is invoked to explain the data particularly during the transition phases (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Galactic Sun's motion in the cold dark matter, MOdified Newtonian Dynamics and modified gravity scenarios
Authors: Iorio L.
Published: September 2009

We numerically integrate the equations of motion of the Sun in Galactocentric Cartesian rectangular coordinates for –4.5 Gyr ≤ t ≤ 0 in Newtonian mechanics with two different models for the Cold Dark Matter (CDM) halo, in MOdified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) and in MOdified Gravity (MOG) without resorting to CDM. The initial conditions used come from the latest kinematical determination of the 3D Sun's motion in the Milky Way (MW) by assuming for the rotation speed of the Local Standard of Rest (LSR) the recent value Θ0 = 268 km s–1 and the IAU recommended value Θ0 = 220 km s–1; the Sun is assumed located at 8.5 kpc from the Galactic Center (GC). For Θ0 = 268 km s–1 the birth of the Sun, 4.5 Gyr ago, would have occurred at large Galactocentric distances (12–27 kpc depending on the model used), while for Θ0 = 220 km s–1 it would have occurred at about 8.8–9.3 kpc for almost all the models used. The integrated trajectories are far from being circular, especially for Θ0 = 268 km s–1, and differ each other with the CDM models yielding the widest spatial extensions for the Sun's orbital path (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Shear‐driven magnetic buoyancy oscillations
Authors: Vermersch V. , Brandenburg A.
Published: September 2009

The effects of uniform horizontal shear on a stably stratified layer of gas is studied. The system is initially destabilized by a magnetically buoyant flux tube pointing in the cross‐stream direction. The shear amplifies the initial field to Lundquist numbers of about 200–400, but then its value drops to about 100–300, depending on the value of the sub‐adiabatic gradient. The larger values correspond to cases where the stratification is strongly stable and nearly isothermal. At the end of the runs the magnetic field is nearly axisymmetric, i.e. uniform in the streamwise direction. In view of Cowling's theorem the sustainment of the field remains a puzzle and may be due to subtle numerical effects that have not yet been identified in detail. In the final state the strength of the magnetic field decreases with height in such a way that the field is expected to be unstable. Low amplitude oscillations are seen in the vertical velocity even at late times, suggesting that they might be persistent (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Programmed motion in the presence of homogeneity
Authors: Bozis G. , Anisiu M.‐C.
Published: September 2009

In the framework of the inverse problem of dynamics, we face the following question with reference to the motion of one material point: Given a region Torb of the xy plane, described by the inequality g (x, y) ≤ c0, are there potentials V = V (x, y) which can produce monoparametric families of orbits f (x, y) = c (also to be found) lying exclusively in the region Torb? As the relevant PDEs are nonlinear, an answer to this question (generally affirmative, but not with assurance) can be given by the procedure of the determination of certain constants specifying the pertinent functions. In this paper we ease the mathematics involved by making certain simplifying assumptions referring to the homogeneity of both the function g (x, y) (describing the boundary of Torb) and of the slope function γ(x, y) = fy/fx (representing the required family f (x, y) = c). We develop the method to treat the so formulated problem and we show that, even under these restrictive assumptions, an affirmative answer is guaranteed provided that two algebraic equations have in common at least one solution (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The open cluster Berkeley 53
Authors: Maciejewski G. , Mihov B. , Georgiev Ts.
Published: September 2009

We present a photometric study of the neglected open cluster Berkeley 53. We derived its fundamental parameters, such as the age, the interstellar reddening, and the distance from the Sun, based on BV photometry combined with near‐infrared JHKS data. The structure and the mass function of the cluster were also studied and the total number of members and the total mass were estimated. The cluster was found to be a rich and massive stellar system, located in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way, 3.1 ± 0.1 kpc from the Sun. Its age exceeds 1 Gy but it seems tobe very young in the context of its dynamical evolution. The analysis of the two‐color diagrams and color‐magnitude diagrams indicates that the cluster is significantly reddened. However, both methods resulted in different values of E (B – V), i.e. 1.21 ± 0.04 and 1.52 ± 0.01, respectively. This discrepancy suggests the presence of an abnormal interstellar extinction law toward the cluster (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Star formation in the LMC: Comparative CCD observations of young stellar populations in two giant molecular clouds
Authors: Ruppert J. , Zinnecker H.
Published: September 2009

This work deals with a CCD imaging study at optical and near‐infrared wavelength oftwo giant molecular clouds (plus a control field) in the southern region of the Large Magellanic Cloud, one ofwhich shows multiple signs of star formation, whereas the other does not. The observational data from VLT FORS2 (R band) and NTT SOFI (Ks band) have been analyzed to derive luminosity functions and color‐magnitude diagrams. The young stellar content of these two giant molecular clouds is compared and confirmed to be different, in the sense that the apparently “starless” cloud has so far formed only low‐luminosity, low‐mass stars (fainter than mKs ∽ 16.5 mag, not seen by 2MASS), while the other cloud has formed both faint low‐mass and luminous high‐mass stars. The surface density excess oflow‐luminosity stars (∽2 per square arcmin) in the “starless” cloud with respect to the control field is about 20% whereas the excess is about a factor of 3 in the known star‐forming cloud. The difference may be explained theoretically by the gravo‐turbulent evolution of giant molecular clouds, one being younger and less centrally concentrated than the other (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Developmental insights into experience‐based decision making
Authors: Rakow Tim , B. Rahim Saleema
Published: September 2009

In three experiments involving children and adults (N = 324), option payoffs for sure versus risky choices were either described or experienced via observation of 20 outcomes. Choices revealed a description‐experience gap for payoffs with rare events, implying greater impact of small probabilities (≤.2) for described than for experienced choices. The size of this effect was independent of participant age. Therefore, the role of cognitive limitations in the description‐experience distinction remains unclear, as the age groups would have differed in cognitive capacity. Age‐related differences in ‘sampling style’ in decisions from experience were observed. Pre‐choice data acquisition changed markedly with age: From frequent alternation between options towards separate systematic exploration of options with increasing age. A fourth experiment, that manipulated sampling style, failed to demonstrate its link to other age‐related features of choice (e.g. risk preferences). Our studies illustrate the value of developmental research for testing theoretical claims and revealing novel phenomena in decision research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.