bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosage compensation and sex-chromatin in non-mammals
Authors: Cock A. G.
Published: September 2009

1. Inactivation of one X chromosome in somatic cells of female mammals is a form of dosage compensation of sex-linked genes, but the mechanism is entirely different from that operating inDrosophila. The latter is designated as dosage compensationsensu strictu.

2. There is no dosage compensation of barred,sex-linked dilutionorslow-featheringin domestic fowls, ofalmondorfadedin pigeons, or ofcinnamonin canaries. Among Lepidoptera the same is true ofsex-linked melanisminLymantria monachaand of a locus controlling haemolymph colour inChoritoneuraspp. There is no positive evidence that dosage compensation occurs outside Drosophila and mammals.

3. Sex-chromatin in female birds (heterogametic) has been reported by several authors; the genetical evidence is against the possibility that this represents (as in mammals) an inactivated X chromosome. Sex-chromatin in the heterogametic sex also occurs in some (not all) Lepidoptera and Heteroptera; in Heteroptera it usually represents a heteropyknotic Y chromosome.

4. Some complications in Muller's theory of dosage compensationsensu strictuare discussed. Not all ‘compensatory modifiers’ are necessarily sex-linked.

5. The problem of dosage compensation in species with impaternate males is discussed;fusedinHabrobraconis not compensated.
Grammatical analysis of DNA sequences provides a rationale for the regulatory control of an entire chromosome
Authors: Ohno Susumu
Published: September 2009

Regardless of their origins, functions, and base compositions, all DNAs are scriptures written following the same grammatical rule. At the level of syllables, two, CG and TA are seldom used, while three, TG, CT and CA are utilized with abundance. Accordingly, at the level of three-letter words, two complementary base trimers, CTG and CAG, invariably enjoy frequent usage. Inasmuch as two of the three frequently used syllables, TG and CA are complementary to each other, while two seldom used syllables, CG and TA, are both palindromes, two complementary strands of DNA are inherently symmetrical with each other. Consequently, palindromic sequences as favourite targets of DNA-binding proteins occur at unsuspectedly high frequencies, if they contain TG and CA or CTG and CAG. Nevertheless, there are grammatical rules operating among these high frequency palindromes as well; e.g. the palindromic tetramer TGCA occurs nearly two times more often than its reciprocal; CATG. Thus, DNA-binding proteins are provided with a wealth of abundant targets whose densities are influenced by a regional difference in GC/AT ratios to variable degrees. One palindromic heptamer CAGNCTG is an ideal target of one DNA-binding protein engaged in chromosome packaging and in generation of banding patterns. This heptamer occurs once every 1000 bases in moderately GC-rich sequences, while its incidence is reduced to once every 3000 bases in extremely AT-rich sequences. The above must be the very reason that a solitary human X-chromosome DNA coated with mouse DNA-binding proteins in mouse-man somatic hybrids still maintains the original banding pattern and that the inactive X remains inactive, while the active X remains active.
Non-Profit Privatization of the Management of Nigerian Public Schools: A Legal and Policy Analysis
Authors: Adeniran Akingbolahan
Published: September 2009

The objective of this article is to analyse critically a government proposal to privatize the management of federally-run secondary schools in Nigeria. Although they have performed relatively well over the years, recent problems have led to a decline in academic standards in these schools. The article examines the potential merits and demerits of the proposed public-private partnership with a view to assessing whether the partnership can add value to the current public model. Although the analysis falls short of endorsing the proposed reform, the article recommends its phased implementation subject to the application of specific legal and practical considerations. It argues that there are enforceable limits to changes in secondary education policy and that the government has an obligation progressively to implement free and compulsory secondary education. It also highlights a number of practical matters meant to ensure that the best interests of any affected children will be taken into account.
Nigeria's Land Use Act: An Anti-Thesis to Environmental Justice
Authors: Ako Rhuks T
Published: September 2009

Nigeria's Land Use Act, promulgated in 1978, is perhaps the most controversial legislation in the country. The Act, originally promulgated as a decree and annexed to the country's constitution, was ostensibly made to nationalize landholding in the country. However, the peculiar impact of the Act on the inhabitants of the Niger Delta region that hosts upstream activities of the oil industry has led to assertions that the Act was made specifically to deprive those inhabitants of the right to participate actively in the oil industry. This article examines the impact of the Act on the right of inhabitants to access justice. It argues that the Act obstructs their rights to environmental justice and is a fundamental cause of the violent conflicts that pervade the region.
Turbulent flow and heat transfer in eccentric annulus
Authors: NIKITIN NIKOLAY , WANG HENGLIANG , CHERNYSHENKO SERGEI
Published: September 2009

A detailed statistical analysis of turbulent flow and heat transfer in eccentric annular duct was performed via direct numerical simulations (DNS) with particular emphasis on the needs of turbulence closure models. A large number of flow characteristics such as components of the Reynolds stress tensor, temperature–velocity correlations and some others were obtained for the first time for such kind of a flow. The results of the paper will serve as a benchmark test case for turbulence modelling, specifically for models intended to be used for flows with partly turbulent regimes.
On some consequences of the canonical transformation in the Hamiltonian theory of water waves
Authors: JANSSEN PETER A. E. M.
Published: September 2009

We discuss some consequences of the canonical transformation in the Hamiltonian theory of water waves (Zakharov, J. Appl. Mech. Tech. Phys., vol. 9, 1968, pp. 190–194). Using Krasitskii's canonical transformation we derive general expressions for the second-order wavenumber and frequency spectrum and the skewness and the kurtosis of the sea surface. For deep-water waves, the second-order wavenumber spectrum and the skewness play an important role in understanding the so-called sea-state bias as seen by a radar altimeter. According to the present approach but in contrast with results obtained by Barrick & Weber (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 7, 1977, pp. 11–21), in deep water second-order effects on the wavenumber spectrum are relatively small. However, in shallow water in which waves are more nonlinear, the second-order effects are relatively large and help to explain the formation of the observed second harmonics and infra-gravity waves in the coastal zone. The second-order effects on the directional-frequency spectrum are as a rule more important; in particular it is shown how the Stokes-frequency correction affects the shape of the frequency spectrum, and it is also discussed why in the context of the second-order theory the mean-square slope cannot be estimated from time series. The kurtosis of the wave field is a relevant parameter in the detection of extreme sea states. Here, it is argued that in contrast perhaps to one's intuition, the kurtosis decreases while the waves approach the coast. This is related to the generation of the wave-induced current and the associated change in mean sea level.
Experimental study of flow separation in laminar falling liquid films
Authors: DIETZE GEORG F. , AL-SIBAI F. , KNEER R.
Published: September 2009

In a previous publication, Dietze, Leefken & Kneer (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 595, 2008, p. 435) showed that flow separation takes place in the capillary wave region of falling liquid films. That investigation focused on the mechanistic explanation of the phenomenon mainly on the basis of numerical data. The present publication for the first time provides clear experimental evidence of the phenomenon obtained by way of highly resolving velocity measurements in a specifically designed optical test set-up. Characteristically, the refractive index of the working fluid was matched to that of the glass test section to provide optimal access to the cross-section of the film for the employed optical velocimetry techniques, namely, laser doppler velocimetry (LDV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV). Using LDV, time traces of the streamwise velocity component were recorded in high spatial (0.025 mm) and temporal resolutions (0.4 ms) showing negative velocity values in the capillary wave region. In addition, simultaneous film thickness measurements were performed using a Confocal Chromatic Imaging (CCI) technique enabling the correlation of velocity data and wave dynamics. Further, using PIV the spatio-temporal evolution of the velocity field in the cross-section of the film was measured with high spatial (0.02 mm) and temporal (0.5 ms) resolutions yielding insight into the topology of the flow. Most importantly these results clearly show the existence of a separation eddy in the capillary wave region. Due to the high temporal resolution of the PIV measurements, enabled by the use of a high-speed camera with a repetition rate of up to 4500 Hz, the effect of wave dynamics on the velocity field in all regions of the wavy film was elucidated. All experiments were performed using a dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)–water solution and focused on laminar vertically falling liquid films with externally excited monochromatic surface waves. Systematic variations of both the Reynolds number (Re= 8.6–15.0) and the excitation frequency (f= 16–24 Hz) were performed. Results show that an increase in the wavelength of large wave humps, produced either by an increase in the Reynolds number or a decrease in the excitation frequency, leads to an increase in the size of the capillary separation eddy (CSE). Thereby, the CSE is shown to grow larger than the local film thickness, assuming an open shape with streamlines ending at the free surface.
Time-dependent response of a heterogeneous elastic plate floating on shallow water of variable depth
Authors: STUROVA IZOLDA V.
Published: September 2009

The problem of unsteady behaviour of a floating thin plate is solved. The simultaneous motion of the plate and the fluid is considered within the framework of linear shallow-water theory. It is assumed that the bottom is not uniform in depth under the heterogeneous plate represented by an infinitely extended strip of finite width. The elastic deflection of the plate is expressed by a superposition of modal functions of a homogeneous beam with free edge conditions. The time-dependent unknown amplitudes are determined from the solution of a linear set of ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. The eigenvalues of this set are determined numerically. Proposed method is used for the solution of three unsteady problems: the scattering of localized surface wave by an elastic plate, decay of the initial deformation of the plate in the fluid at rest and the action of a periodic load on a plate. Numerical calculations are performed for the ice sheet with the variable thickness and various bottom topographies.
Nutrient transport and acquisition by diatom chains in a moving fluid
Authors: MUSIELAK MAGDALENA M. , KARP-BOSS LEE , JUMARS PETER A. , FAUCI LISA J.
Published: September 2009

The role of fluid motion in delivery of nutrients to phytoplankton cells is a fundamental question in biological and chemical oceanography. In the study of mass transfer to phytoplankton, diatoms are of particular interest. They are non-motile, are often the most abundant components in aggregates and often form chains, so they are the ones expected to benefit most from enhancement of nutrient flux due to dissipating turbulence. Experimental data to test the contribution of advection to nutrient acquisition by phytoplankton are scarce, mainly because of the inability to visualize, record and thus imitate fluid motions in the vicinities of cells in natural flows. Laboratory experiments have most often used steady Couette flows to simulate the effects of turbulence on plankton. However, steady flow, producing spatially uniform shear, fails to capture the diffusion of momentum and vorticity, the essence of turbulence. Thus, numerical modelling plays an important role in the study of effects of fluid motion on diffusive and advective nutrient fluxes. In this paper we use the immersed boundary method to model the interaction of rigid and flexible diatom chains with the surrounding fluid and nutrients. We examine this interaction in two nutrient regimes, a uniform background concentration of nutrients, such as might be typical of an early spring bloom, and a contrasting scenario in which nutrients are supplied as small, randomly distributed pulses, as is more likely for oligotrophic seas and summer conditions in coastal and boreal seas. We also vary the length and flexibility of chains, as whether chains are straight or bent, rigid or flexible will affect their behaviour in the flow and hence their nutrient fluxes. The results of numerical experiments suggest that stiff chains consume more nutrients than solitary cells. Stiff chains also experience larger nutrient fluxes compared to flexible chains, and the nutrient uptake per cell increases with increasing stiffness of the chain, suggesting a major advantage of silica frustules in diatoms.
Susceptibility to praziquantel of male and female cercariae of praziquantel-resistant and susceptible isolates of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Liang Y.-S. , Wang W. , Dai J.-R. , Li H.-J. , Tao Y.-H. , Zhang J.-F. , Li W. , Zhu Y.-C. , Coles G.C. , Doenhoff M.J.
Published: September 2009

Praziquantel (PZQ) is now widely used for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern about the resistance of Schistosoma to PZQ. The mechanisms of PZQ action against Schistosoma and resistance of Schistosoma to PZQ are poorly understood. Here, we report differential susceptibilities to PZQ between male and female cercariae in the PZQ-susceptible and PZQ-resistant isolates of Schistosoma mansoni, using tail loss as a measurement of PZQ action. The miracidia were collected by hatching eggs collected from faeces of infected mice. Single-sex cercaria lines were made by infecting a single Biomphalaria glabrata snail with a single miracidium. The sex of each single-sex cercaria line was identified by a direct W1-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Single-sex cercariae of two isolates were exposed to four different concentrations of PZQ, respectively. The tail shedding of cercariae was observed under a dissecting microscope for five time points up to 100 min after adding PZQ. The results showed that male cercariae have higher tail-shedding rates than that of female cercariae when PZQ-susceptible isolates of S. mansoni are exposed to the same concentration of PZQ. But this phenomenon was not observed in the PZQ-resistant isolates. This sexual differential resistance phenomenon of S. mansoni suggests that resistance to PZQ is induced by decreasing the PZQ susceptibility of male worms. The experiment described here may also be useful for developing tests to detect PZQ resistance in the field.
Sex ratio and morphological polymorphism in an isolated, endemicTeladorsagia circumcinctapopulation
Authors: Craig B.H. , Pilkington J.G. , Pemberton J.M.
Published: September 2009

Teladorsagia circumcinctais a polygamous nematode that exhibits morphological polymorphism. Sex ratio is typically female biased and the male nematodes occur in association with the genetically similar, minor morphotypesTeladorsagia davtianiandTeladorsagia trifurcata. In experimental infections, sex ratio (proportion male) and the proportion of minor male morphs observed have been shown to be influenced by both host and nematode-related factors. As similar investigations from natural systems are rare, this study examined whether sex ratio and minor male morph frequency were associated with host age and sex and nematode infra-population size in the isolated Soay sheep population on St Kilda. Count data forTeladorsagiawere analysed for sheep of all age classes and both sexes from the winters of three consecutive population crashes (1999, 2002 and 2005). Generally, the intensity ofTeladorsagianematodes increased with host age until the age of 2 years before decreasing. In 2005, abundance of nematodes was generally higher than in the previous crashes, nematode sex ratio was negatively associated with host age and tended to be negatively associated with nematode intensity. Within the male nematode subpopulation,T. circumcinctaalways predominated, followed byT. davtianiand thenT. trifurcata, with little variation in the relative proportions between hosts. The presence of each minor morph was primarily associated with the intensity of maleT. circumcinctaand, in those hosts where all three male morphs were detected, intensity of each minor morph was most associated with intensity ofTeladorsagiafemales. Therefore, in a year when the nematode was generally more abundant, sex ratio appeared to be influenced by both host and nematode-related factors, whereas in all years examined, the frequency of morphological polymorphism was primarily density dependent.
Diversity of metazoan parasites of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) as indicators of pollution in a subtropical African river system
Authors: Madanire-Moyo G. , Barson M.
Published: September 2009

The relationship between parasite species diversity and organic pollution in the upper Manyame catchment, Zimbabwe, was investigated between October 2006 and January 2007. The parasite assemblage comprised 13 species in total. Species richness in the unpolluted sites was high; in the moderately polluted sites, it was low, while in the polluted sites, only one parasite species was encountered. Component community diversity, as measured by the Shannon index (H′), decreased with increase in organic pollution. The distribution and occurrence of ectoparasites (Dolops ranarum, Lamproglena clariae, Chonopeltis sp. and Macrogyrodactylus sp.) and one endoparasite (Lytocestus sp.) were limited to the unpolluted sites, demonstrating their sensitivity to organic pollution. The prevalence of the nematodes Paracamallanus cyathopharynx, Procamallanus laevionchus and Contracaecum spp. larvae decreased along the pollution gradient, showing their high sensitivity to organic pollution. The platyhelminths Diplostomum sp. and Polyonchobothrium clarias were the most tolerant and occurred at both polluted and unpolluted sites. Proteocephalus sp. and Caryophyllaeus sp. were limited to the polluted sites, probably as a result of high abundance of oligochaetes and copepods, their intermediate hosts that thrive in sewage-enriched sediments, at the downstream sites. The observed results assume that the decrease in parasite diversity can be related to increased organic pollution. Some parasites requiring complex life histories were absent along with pollution-related disappearance of their vector hosts. Further studies should address the identification of parasite life stages that are more sensitive to pollutants.
Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis in the elderly: comparative diagnostic findings
Authors: Kato T , Kimura Y , Sawabe M , Masuda Y , Kitamura K
Published: September 2009

Background:

Patients suspected of having cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis are diagnosed using investigations such as fine needle aspiration cytology and the polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, these investigations are intended for primary tuberculosis infection. The majority of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis cases in the elderly are thought to be caused by reactivation.

Objective:

The aims of this study were (1) to examine the efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology, polymerase chain reaction and blood tests in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis caused by reactivation, and (2) to clarify any differences when compared with primarily infected cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis cases.

Materials and methods:

Thirty-three elderly patients with neck lumps underwent excisional biopsy from 2003 to 2008. The efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology was examined by comparing the results of excisional biopsy with those of fine needle aspiration cytology performed at the initial medical examination for cases of suspected tuberculous disease. Furthermore, the leucocyte count and C-reactive protein concentration were compared for cases of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis versus cases of malignant lymphoma.

Results:

Although nine cases were diagnosed with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis using excisional biopsy, only one of these had been suspected based on fine needle aspiration cytology results. Three cases with tuberculous lymphadenitis were suspected of having malignant lymphoma on initial examination. There was no significant difference in the leucocyte count and C-reactive protein concentration, comparing cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis versus malignant lymphoma.

Conclusion:

Unlike the primary infection often seen in endemic areas, the diagnosis of early stage tuberculous lymphadenitis of the swelling type caused by reactivation in elderly people is difficult to confirm unless excisional biopsy is performed. In elderly patients with neck lumps, cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Post-tonsillectomy pseudoaneurysm: an underestimated entity?
Authors: Windfuhr J P , Sesterhenn A M , Schloendorff G , Kremer B
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To identify patients undergoing arteriography to verify vascular complications of tonsillectomy, with an emphasis on pseudoaneurysm.

Patients and methods:

We undertook a retrospective analysis of the case records of 8837 patients who had undergone tonsillectomy between 1988 and 2004 at our institution, together with a review of expert reports written for professional boards and civil courts as well as personal experiences or communication. We also conducted a literature review using the PubMed database.

Results:

We identified seven cases with vascular abnormalities. In addition, we identified three cases of pseudoaneurysm formation, involving two children and one adult patient, with bleeding 21, 36 and 58 days after tonsillectomy. Successful management included embolisation (two patients) and revision surgery (one patient).

Conclusion:

Post-tonsillectomy pseudoaneurysm formation is extremely rare and unrestricted by age. Correct diagnosis depends largely on a high index of clinical suspicion. Delayed and repeated episodes of gushing haemorrhage with spontaneous cessation appear to be a significant clinical marker. Immediate arteriography, with simultaneous embolisation, is highly recommended. The lingual artery is the most commonly involved vessel.
Magnetic resonance imaging of branchial cleft abnormalities: illustrated cases and literature review
Authors: Black C J , O'Hara J T , Berry J , Robson A K
Published: September 2009

Objective:

We report two cases of branchial cleft abnormalities investigated using magnetic resonance imaging.

Background:

There appears to be no clear imaging technique that is universally recommended for imaging branchial cleft abnormalities. Options include fistulography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.

Method:

Case reports and literature review.

Case reports:

Two cases, although not unusual in themselves, are described to illustrate the use of magnetic resonance imaging to define the anatomy and to assist surgical planning.

Conclusion:

Magnetic resonance imaging is able to accurately depict the extent and course of branchial cleft abnormalities, and in the current cases could have been relied upon to determine the necessary surgical procedure. Branchial cleft abnormalities are sufficiently rare for magnetic resonance imaging to be recommended as the first-line imaging modality.
The dangers of kite flying: pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery following blunt trauma
Authors: Hettige R , Snelling J , Bleach N
Published: September 2009

Objective: Pseudoaneurysms of the facial artery are an extremely rare development after blunt trauma. This paper aims to demonstrate the challenges faced during the diagnosis and subsequent management of this unusual cause of neck swelling.

Method: We report the presentation, examination, investigation, management and potential complications of a case of facial artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to blunt arterial trauma, sustained from the string of a flying kite. We also review some of the relevant literature on this subject.

Conclusions: Although a traumatic pseudoaneurysm is a rare occurrence in the facial region, the inclusion of this lesion in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions caused by blunt trauma is important if the serious consequences of haemorrhage or thromboembolic disease are to be avoided. Prompt access to radiological imaging, and multi-disciplinary team input, are essential for effective diagnosis and management.
The Third-party Model: Enhancing Volunteering through Governments, Corporations and Educational Institutes
Authors: HASKI-LEVENTHAL DEBBIE , MEIJS LUCAS C. P. M. , HUSTINX LESLEY
Published: September 2009

Volunteering is perceived as important for creating social capital and civil society, and therefore has become a fundamental part of social policies across most Western countries. In this article, we examine the involvement of governments, corporations and educational institutes in encouraging volunteering, and pinpoint their role in developing volunteering circles. Based on essential concepts presented here (volunteerability and recruitability), we develop the third-party model, and show how third parties get involved. We identify new ways in which these parties can enhance volunteering, and discuss their impact on volunteerability and recruitability. The potential negative impacts of volunteerism and ways in which these can be ameliorated are also acknowledged. Finally, issues that arise due to such involvement are also discussed, thereby offering an important contribution to social policy research in the area of volunteerism.
The Provision of Income Protection and Activation Services for the Unemployed in ‘Active’ Welfare States. An International Comparison
Authors: VAN BERKEL RIK
Published: September 2009

This article discusses reforms of the design of the organisational arena for policy implementation and service provision in European welfare states, focusing on the policy areas of income protection and activation. First, it discusses and compares recent reform programmes in four countries: the UK, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. The comparison shows that these reforms share some common characteristics: the establishment of one-stop agencies, decentralisation, the introduction of quasi-markets for the provision of activation services, a reduction of the role and influence of social partners and the use of new public management instruments in managing public agencies. Secondly, the article argues that these reforms are not merely reflecting new ways of thinking about organising the public sector and providing public services, but should also be interpreted as responses to policy administration and implementation problems arising in the process of making welfare states more activating.
Schools, schooling and children's support of their ageing parents in rural Nepal
Authors: BRAUNER-OTTO SARAH R.
Published: September 2009

Intergenerational transfers play an important role in individuals' lives across the lifecourse. This paper reviews theories on intergenerational transfers and social change to inform our understanding of how changes in the educational context that arise from the spread of mass education influence children's support of their parents. By examining multiple aspects of the educational context in rural Nepal, including husbands' and wives' education and exposure to schools, this paper provides new information on the mechanisms through which changes in social context influence children's support of their parents. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between schooling, exposure to schools, and the likelihood of couples giving to their parents. It was found that schooling and exposure to schools have independent and opposite effects on the support of older parents. Higher levels of schooling for husbands were associated with a higher likelihood of having given support to husbands' parents. On the other hand, increased exposure to schools for husbands and wives was associated with a lower likelihood of having given to wives' parents. The findings provide evidence that multiple motivations for intergenerational support exist simultaneously and are related to social context through different mechanisms.
Old age in the Dark Ages: the status of old age during the early Middle Ages
Authors: GILLEARD CHRIS
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews the position of old age in the societies of post-Roman Europe, from the fifth to the 10th centuries. Drawing on both primary and secondary literary and material sources of the period, I suggest that living beyond the age of 60 years was an uncommon experience throughout the early Middle Ages. Not only was achieving old age a minority experience, it seems to have been particularly concentrated among the senior clergy. This, together with the growing importance of the Christian Church as the institution that stabilised post-Roman society, the decline of urban living and its attendant culture of leisure and literacy, and the transformation of kinship into a symbolic ‘family under God’ contributed to a more favourable status for old age, or at least one that was particularly favourable for older men. This was based not so much upon the accumulation with age of wealth and privilege, but upon the moral worth of old age as a stage of life. The early Middle Ages, the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, was in this respect a relatively distinctive period in the history of old age. With all around instability and the future uncertain and often threatening, survival into old age was a rare but frequently revered attainment.
Ontological modeling at a domain interface: bridging clinical and biomolecular knowledge
Authors: Colombo Gianluca , Merico Daniele , Nagy Zoltán , De Paoli Flavio , Antoniotti Marco , Mauri Giancarlo
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we discuss the challenges posed by the NEUROWEB project, as a case study of ontological modeling at a knowledge interface between neurovascular medicine and genomics. The aim of the project is the development of a support system for association studies. We identify the notion of clinical phenotypes, that is, the pathological condition of a patient, as the central construct of the knowledge model. Clinical phenotypes are assessed through the diagnostic activity, performed by clinical experts operating within communities of practice; the different communities operate according to specific procedures, but they also conform to the minimal requirements of international guidelines, displayed by the adoption of a common standard for the patient classification. We develop a central model for the clinical phenotypes, able to reconcile the different methodologies into a common classificatory system. To bridge neurovascular medicine and genomics, we identify the general theory of biological function as the common ground between the two disciplines; therefore, we decompose the clinical phenotypes into elementary phenotypes with a homogeneous physiological background, and we connect them to the biological processes, acting as the elementary units of the genomic world.
Sharing architecture knowledge through models: quality and cost
Authors: Liang Peng , Jansen Anton , Avgeriou Paris
Published: September 2009

In the field of software architecture, there has been a paradigm shift from describing structural information, such as components and connectors, to documenting architectural knowledge (AK), such as design decisions and rationale. To this end, a series of industrial and academic domain models have been proposed for defining the concepts and their relationships in the field of AK. To a large extent the merit of this new paradigm is to share and reuse AK across organizations, especially in geographically distributed settings. However, the employment of different AK domain models by different parties makes effective AK sharing challenging, as it needs to be mapped from one domain model to another. In this paper, we investigate two different approaches for sharing AK, based on either direct or indirect mapping between different AK domain models. We compare the cost and quality of these two approaches, with respect to the processing of large amounts of AK instances. To predict the quality and costs of this processing in advance, a prediction model is proposed and validated with a concrete AK sharing case. Based on the comparison results, stakeholders involved with AK sharing can select an appropriate approach by trading off quality and cost in their own context.
Semantic templates for case-based reasoning systems
Authors: Recio-García Juan Antonio , Díaz-Agudo Belén , González-Calero Pedro Antonio
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we present an approach to solve the drawbacks of manual composition of software components. Our approach is applied within the jcolibriframework for building case-based reasoning (CBR) applications. We propose a system design process based on reusingtemplatesobtained from previously designed CBR systems. Templates store the control flow of the CBR applications and include semantic annotations conceptualizing its behavior and expertise. We use CBR ontology to formalize syntactical, semantical and pragmatical aspects of the reusable components of the framework. The ontology vocabulary facilitates an annotation process of the components and allows to reason about their composition, facilitating the semi-automatic configuration of complex systems from their composing pieces.
The role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) as a prognostic marker in older people: the impact of reduced renal function
Authors: Axelsson Thiane Gama , Lindholm Bengt
Published: September 2009

The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is released in response to volume expansion and/or increased tension on left ventricular myocytes. NT-pro-BNP is a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker both in patients with dyspnoea of unknown aetiology, and for risk assessment of patients with established heart failure. However, impaired kidney function – a common condition in older people as well as a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease is associated with elevated circulating levels of NT-pro-BNP. Therefore, it is important to know the kidney function when interpreting an elevated NT-pro-BNP measurement obtained in older people in order to diagnose or stage congestive heart failure.
Inference for econometric modeling in antidumping, countervailing duty and safeguard investigations
Authors: FETZER JAMES J.
Published: September 2009

This paper examines how to make inferences from econometric models prepared for antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard investigations. Analysis of these models has typically entailed drawing inferences from point estimates that are significantly different from zero at a fixed level of confidence. This paper suggests a more flexible approach of drawing inferences using confidence intervals at various significance levels and reporting p-values for the relevant test of injury. Use of confidence intervals and p-values to identify insights and data patterns would have more impact on USITC trade remedy determinations than definitive conclusions about injury based on whether estimates are statistically significant.
Consumer demand for local produce at extended season farmers' markets: guiding farmer marketing strategies
Authors: Conner David S. , Montri Adam D. , Montri Dru N. , Hamm Michael W.
Published: September 2009

Locally grown food is gaining popularity and increasing its prevalence holds potential for broad social, economic and environmental benefits. Season extension technologies such as hoop houses offer a solution to limited growing seasons, a major constraint in many areas, enhancing efforts to supply locally grown food. This paper discusses research conducted at three Michigan farmers' markets, locations where Michigan farmers utilizing hoop houses currently sell their produce. The research measures consumers' willingness to buy local produce at extended season markets using a set of four complementary methods: dot poster surveys, written surveys, focus groups and experimental auctions. Building upon prior research on attributes that create value for local foods (spatial proximity, food quality and relationships between farmers and consumers), our results inform farmers' choice of marketing mix. We find consumers willing to pay a premium for large quantities of locally grown produce, with many placing highest value on products grown in Michigan. We conclude that extended season farmers' markets supplied by hoop house grown produce create an opportunity for farm viability and further development of the market for locally grown food.
Protocol for indicator scoring in the soil management assessment framework (SMAF)
Authors: Wienhold B.J. , Karlen D.L. , Andrews S.S. , Stott D.E.
Published: September 2009

Assessment tools are needed to evaluate agronomic management effects on critical soil functions such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and water partitioning. These tools need to be flexible in terms of selection of soil functions to be assessed and indicators to be measured to ensure that assessments are appropriate for the management goals. The soil management assessment framework (SMAF) is being developed to meet this need. The SMAF uses soil physical, chemical and biological indicator data to assess management effects on soil function using a three-step process for (1) indicator selection, (2) indicator interpretation and (3) integration into an index. While SMAF is functional in its present format, it is intended to be malleable so that user needs can be met. Development of additional indicator interpretation scoring curves is one way that this framework can be expanded. Scoring curve development is a multi-step process of identifying an indicator, determining the nature of the relationship of the indicator to a soil function, programming an algorithm and/or logic statements describing that relationship and validating the resulting scoring curve. This paper describes the steps involved in developing an SMAF scoring curve. Scoring curves for interpreting water-filled pore space (WFPS) and Mehlich extractable potassium (K) were developed using the described protocol. This protocol will assist users of the SMAF in understanding how the existing scoring curves were developed and others interested in developing scoring curves for indicators that are not in the current version.
Purchasing foods produced on organic, small and local farms: A mixed method analysis of New England consumers
Authors: Berlin L. , Lockeretz W. , Bell R.
Published: September 2009

Research focused on consumer behavior and attitudes toward organic, small-scale and locally produced foods can help organic producers understand consumer values, and in turn develop production and marketing approaches that match these values. This research on New England area food shoppers included focus groups, individual interviews, and a mail survey, all of which helped us to identify relationships between organic food buying and consumers' views of the food system. Comments made in focus groups and individual interviews revealed a frequent blending of the concepts of local, small-scale and organic, and their associated benefits. Subsequent mail surveys identified similar tendencies, although respondents made some distinctions among the reasons why they bought food from the three farm categories. When there were differences, respondents tended to attribute greater importance to reasons to buy from local farms, as compared to organic or small farms. The six questions for which the differences across farm categories had the lowest P-values were related to the environment, rural economy, rural landscape, farmers, product freshness and product taste. However, freshness, taste, nutritional quality and safety were some of the most compelling reasons that were attributed to all three farm categories. The challenge for the small, local and organic producer will be to continue to hold the consumer's attention as the general perception of organic farming shifts to a more industrialized model.
A new windstorm proxy from lake sediments: A comparison of geological and meteorological data from western Germany for the period 1965–2001
Authors: Pfahl Stephan , Sirocko Frank , Seelos Klemens , Dietrich Stephan , Walter Andreas , Wernli Heini
Published: September 2009

The feasibility of detecting windstorm layers in lake sediments is explored by comparing quartz grain size data from a freeze core obtained from the Schalkenmehrener Maar (Eifel region, western Germany) to recent meteorological wind data. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is appropriate for such a calibration study because the morphological settings of the lake allow the conservation of windstorm layers (in particular, there is no fluvial sediment inflow) and long‐term wind measurements are available from nearby stations. The age model for the uppermost 30 cm of the sediment core is based on measurements of 137Cs and 210Pb concentrations. An ultra‐high‐resolution grain size analysis is performed digitally on thin sections and reveals distinct 1‐mm‐thick layers with increased quartz grain content and sharp Gaussian grain size distributions, which are shifted to larger grain sizes compared to the normal lake sediment. In order to compare the occurrence of these layers with meteorological wind data, a windstorm index is developed, combining data from meteorological stations in the Eifel region and reanalyses from the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather forecast. A statistical evaluation of matches between the windstorm index and the core's silt fraction data indicates that the sediment layers very likely coincide with the major windstorm events in the Eifel region during the last decades (six historical storm are identified). This pilot study identifies the main requirements and proposes a novel methodological approach for using sediment data from lakes with similar settings as the Schalkenmehrener Maar as a new proxy to reconstruct the windstorm record of the geological past.
Aging of black carbon in outflow from anthropogenic sources using a mixing state resolved model: 2. Aerosol optical properties and cloud condensation nuclei activities
Authors: Oshima N. , Koike M. , Zhang Y. , Kondo Y.
Published: September 2009

The Model of Aerosol Dynamics, Reaction, Ionization, and Dissolution with resolution of a mixing state of black carbon (BC) (referred to as MADRID‐BC hereinafter) has recently been developed to accurately simulate the time evolution of the entire BC mixing state. In this study, we apply MADRID‐BC to evaluate the influence of changes in BC mixing state on aerosol optical properties and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activities in air parcels horizontally transported out from an urban area in Japan within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) over the ocean. The evaluation shows that the coatings on BC particles enhance light absorption at a wavelength of 550 nm by 38% in air leaving the source region and by 59% after transport over the ocean for half a day. When the model treats aerosols using the conventional size‐resolved sectional representation that does not resolve BC mixing states, the simulated absorption coefficients and single scattering albedos are greater by 35–44% and smaller by 7–13%, respectively, than those from a simulation that resolves the BC mixing state. These results indicate that it is essential to take into account BC‐free particles in atmospheric models for accurate prediction of aerosol optical properties, because the conventional representation cannot separately treat BC‐containing and BC‐free particles in each size section. The evaluation also shows that BC‐containing particles having 55% and 83% of the BC mass can act as CCN at a supersaturation of 0.05% when they leave the source region and after transport for half a day, respectively. These results suggest the importance of the uplifting of BC particles from the PBL near source regions for their efficient long‐range transport in the free troposphere. Results from comparisons with aerosol optical measurements conducted during various campaigns, such as the Asian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE Asia) and the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), suggest that MADRID‐BC simulations can capture general features of aerosol optical properties in outflow from anthropogenic sources.
C/NOFS observations of plasma density and electric field irregularities at post‐midnight local times
Authors: Burke W. J. , de La Beaujardière O. , Gentile L. C. , Hunton D. E. , Pfaff R. F. , Roddy P. A. , Su Y.‐J. , Wilson G. R.
Published: September 2009

We report on plasma densities and electric fields measured by the C/NOFS satellite between 10 and 20 June 2008. Midway through the interval, geomagnetic conditions changed from quiescent to disturbed as a high speed stream (HSS) in the solar wind passed Earth. During the HSS passage C/NOFS encountered post‐midnight irregularities that ranged from strong equatorial plasma bubbles to longitudinally broad depletions. At the leading edge of the HSS the interplanetary magnetic field rapidly intensified and rotated causing auroral electrojet currents to rise and fall within a few hours. As the electrojet relaxed, C/NOFS witnessed a rapid transition from a weakly to a strongly disturbed equatorial ionosphere that lasted ∼10 hours. Eastward polarization electric fields intensified within locally depleted flux tubes. We discuss relative contributions of gravity‐driven currents, overshielding electric fields and disturbance dynamos as drivers of post‐midnight depletions.
Estimating movement of reflectors in the water column using seismic oceanography
Authors: Klaeschen D. , Hobbs R. W. , Krahmann G. , Papenberg C. , Vsemirnova E.
Published: September 2009

The observation of spatial and temporal dynamics of the ocean is fundamental to understand global and regional aspects of water mixing. Physical oceanography has traditionally observed ocean structures with in situ measurements, often limited in temporal and/or spatial resolution. In exploration seismology a set of techniques has been developed over the last decades to image and characterize the physical properties of sub‐seafloor structures by inversion methods at high horizontal resolution. The two different fields have made contact in seismic oceanography where the well developed methods of marine reflection seismology have been applied to the dynamic ocean. However, one aspect, so far ignored in seismic oceanography, is the dynamical, temporally varying nature of water structures. Here we show that it is possible to estimate temporal variations of reflectors in water structures as an inversion parameter. The new dynamic property reflector movement velocity gives an additional parameter to characterize ocean water dynamics.