bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of Ho:YAG laser irradiation on intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Sato Masato , Ishihara Miya , Kikuchi Makoto , Mochida Joji
Published: October 2011

Background and Objective

Various types of laser have been reported for percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD). The aim of this study was to understand the effects on intervertebral disc cells following Ho:YAG laser irradiation, using a three‐dimensional culture model, and consider appropriate irradiation conditions.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Intervertebral discs from the lumbar spine were obtained from 36 female Japanese white rabbits and processed to obtain isolated cells in three‐dimensional cultures. Photoacoustic and photothermal effects were investigated by irradiating three‐dimensional cultures with Ho:YAG laser at 27 or 54 J. Residual cell counts after irradiation were estimated based on DNA content according to fluorometric assay. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were also investigated as a marker of damage to cell plasma membranes. Finally, proteoglycan synthesis was measured by rapid filtration assay of 35S incorporation, as an index of matrix synthesis.

Results

Residual cell count tended to be higher in the 27‐J group. Plasma membrane damage was higher and remained high longer after irradiation in the 54‐J group. Proteoglycan synthesis was higher in the 27‐J group than in the 54‐J group, with some conditions (e.g., 90 mJ/pulse condition) showing marked activation of proteoglycan synthesis maintained for a long time after irradiation.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional culture models of intervertebral disc cells are useful for clarifying relationships between cell reactions and photoacoustic and photothermal effects after laser irradiation. Total energy is closely related to optimization of irradiation conditions, which may allow optimization of cytoprotection and promotion of matrix synthesis in clinical practice. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:921‐926, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic pain after laser‐assisted‐Uvulo‐palatoplasty (LAUP) can instantaneously be mitigated by topical regimens
Authors: Li Lieber P.H. , Lee Shan S. , Chuang Ann Y.C. , Niddam David M. , Tung Tao H. , Chen Joshua K.C.
Published: October 2011

Background and Objectives

Kenalog application onto surgical wounds has been used to control dynamic pain following Laser‐Assisted‐Uvulo‐Palatoplasty (LAUP) with good results in our department. When the effect was sub‐optimal, insufficient ointment over the superior–lateral corner of wounds were always noted. Fulfilling the coating led to optimal results, and preliminary trials showed a good outcome of dynamic pain control as well by treating the corners only. The corners were thus named “sweet spots.” This study aimed to verify the efficacy of applying Kenalog on “sweet spots” instead of whole surgical wounds to mitigate dynamic pain due to LAUP.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This is an outcomes research. Fifty‐five subjects with primary snoring treated with LAUP were studied. By using Kenalog, local treatments were applied to sweet spots during the first postoperative week. A visual analogous scale was used to evaluate dynamic pain on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after LAUP.

Results

Once sweet spots were treated, there was instant alleviation of dynamic pain; the average improvement level was ≥80% (P < 0.001, power = 100%). The area of sweet spots, in contrast to the significant relief in dynamic pain, occupied only about 30% of denuded mucosa.

Conclusions

Dynamic pain after LAUP could immediately be mitigated by local treatments upon sweet spots using topical regimens. The large‐scale relief of dynamic pain in contrast to the small area of sweet spots implies a congregation of free nerve endings there. Our finding invites further studies to correlate the neuroanatomy of the soft palate and dynamic pain caused by LAUP. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:887‐891, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum cytokine profiles associated with early allograft dysfunction in patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Friedman Benjamin H. , Wolf Joshua H. , Wang Liqing , Putt Mary E. , Shaked Abraham , Christie Jason D. , Hancock Wayne W. , Olthoff Kim M.
Published: October 2011

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) occurring in the first week post-liver transplantation is associated with increased graft failure and mortality and is believed to be largely due to ischemia/reperfusion injury. We anticipated that the presence of EAD would be reflected by alterations in expression of serum proteins associated with an inflammatory response in the peri-operative period, and hypothesized that a specific pattern of expression might correlate with the development of EAD. The serum levels of 25 cytokines, chemokines, and immunoreceptors were measured by Luminex multiplex assays pre- and post-liver transplantation. Levels of each cytokine biomarker were compared in adult recipients with or without EAD at serial time points using samples collected pre-operatively and at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days post-transplant. EAD was defined according to standard criteria as maximum alanine transferase (ALT) or aspartate transferase (AST) levels on days 1–7 of >2000 U/ml, day 7 bilirubin level ≥10 mg/dl, or a day 7 international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.7. Multivariable analyses showed that patients experiencing EAD had lower pre-operative IL-6 and higher IL-2R levels. Patients with EAD also showed higher MCP-1 (CCL2), IL-8 (CXCL8), and RANTES (CCL5) chemokine levels in the early post-operative period, suggesting up-regulation of the NF-kB pathway, in addition to higher levels of chemokines and cytokines associated with T cell immunity, including MIG (CXCL9), IP-10 (CXCL10) and IL-2R. These findings identify several possible biomarkers and pathways associated with EAD, that may guide future validation studies and investigation of specific cellular and molecular mechanisms of graft dysfunction. Furthermore, if validated, our findings may contribute to perioperative prediction of the occurrence of EAD and ultimately lead to identification of potential interventional therapies. Liver Transpl 18:166–176, 2012. © 2011 AASLD.
Effect of Chain Stiffness on Nanoparticle Segregation in Polymer/Nanoparticle Blends Near a Substrate
Authors: Padmanabhan Venkat , Frischknecht Amalie L. , Mackay Michael E.
Published: October 2011

Nanoparticles in a flexible polymer melt film often segregate to the substrate due to attractive depletion interactions between the nanoparticles and the substrate. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the effect of chain stiffness on this segregation. The nanoparticles are modeled as spheres and the polymers as semi‐flexible bead‐spring chains. Both purely repulsive and attractive forces are considered, while assuming non‐selective interactions among all species. The nanoparticles are found to be well‐dispersed in the system having repulsive forces only and aggregate into clusters in the completely attractive system. For the repulsive system, adding chain stiffness substantially decreases the nanoparticles' segregation, and hence their concentration, at the substrate.

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Free Energy of Polymers Confined in Open and Closed Cavities
Authors: Cifra Peter , Bleha Tomáš
Published: October 2011

Distinct differences between the thermodynamics of open and closed cavities are observed in confinement free energy of macromolecules as a function of chain length and cavity radius and can be of special importance in the case of processes in spatially heterogeneous confinements encountered in various nano‐ and biostructures. In treatments of the confinement free energy, special attention is given to the equilibrium conditions (a full equilibrium for free exchange of macromolecules between cavity and bulk solution or a restricted equilibrium with number of chains in cavity constant) and associated polymer concentration changes. Increased chain stiffness brings about additional effects and complexity, for which the first results are presented here.

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Fatigue resistance of weld ends – Analysis of the notch stress using real geometry
Authors: Kaffenberger M. , Vormwald M.
Published: October 2011

Modern welded structures often contain weld start and end points which are the failure critical location. In particular, for special investigations into thin sheet structures, no approach for the determination of the fatigue life has been established thus far. In this research, the primary aim was to obtain the real geometry of weld ends with high precision using a three dimensional scanner to find a general approach using the notch stress concept. Going one step further, analyses have been performed regarding to unify the notch stress concept. The existing results of Olivier – who examined long welds with no start and end points – were re‐evaluated to unify the results of long regular welds with the local weld end under one scatter band.
Fatigue assessment of laserbeam welded PM steel components by the notch stress approach
Authors: Waterkotte R. , Baumgartner J. , Sonsino C. M.
Published: October 2011

The local fatigue strength of a laserbeam weld of a complex engine component, which joins a PM with a formed sheet component, was assessed by the notch stress concept with the fictitious reference radius of rref = 0.05 mm. First, simplified specimens, following the main geometric dimensions of the parts, were manufactured. On these specimens the fatigue strength was identified by tests and the notch stresses calculated by finite element analysis. Based on these results a design SN‐curve was derived to assess the fatigue strength of the engine component. The numerical assessment of the welded joint was verified by proof tests with the component. The assessment could be improved by considering statistical and stress gradient dependent size effects according to the concept of the highly stressed volume.
Fatigue behaviour of glasfiber‐thermosets; reasons and improvements
Authors: Schuermann H.
Published: October 2011

Mechanisms are presented which occur in unidirectional fiber reinforced plastics due to fiber fracture and subsequent crack evolution. The 3‐point‐bending test was chosen as test method and the analyses are predominantly carried out by microscopy. It is shown that the matrix system, the fiber‐matrix interface adhesion strength and the fiber volume fraction are of great importance for improving fatigue strength. The results can be transferred directly to high stressed bending structures such as leaf springs.
Genetic and epigenetic associations of circadian gene TIMELESS and breast cancer risk
Authors: Fu Alan , Leaderer Derek , Zheng Tongzhang , Hoffman Aaron E. , Stevens Richard G. , Zhu Yong
Published: October 2011

Results from recent molecular epidemiologic studies suggest that the core circadian genes play a role in breast tumorigenesis, possibly by influencing hormone regulation or other pathways relevant to cancer. In order to further evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a genetic and epigenetic association study of the circadian regulator TIMELESS in breast carcinogenesis. We detected significant associations between two tagging SNPs (rs2291738 and rs7302060) in the TIMELESS gene and breast cancer among 441 breast cancer cases and 479 cancer‐free controls, with apparent effect modification by ER/PR status. The presence of the C allele of rs7302060 was found to be associated with reduced breast cancer risk (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.54–0.99). In addition, both the G/G genotype of rs2291738 and the C/C genotype of rs7302060 were associated with reduced risk of breast cancer among ER‐ or PR‐positive breast cancer cases (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22–0.97 and OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17–0.78, respectively). We also observed a significant association between stage II, III, and IV breast cancers and TIMELESS promoter hypomethylation in peripheral blood lymphocytes (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.96) in 80 breast cancer cases and 80 age‐matched controls, which is corroborated by documented overexpression of TIMELESS in breast tumor tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue. Our findings support the hypothesized role of circadian genes in breast tumorigenesis, and identify a set of circadian biomarkers for breast cancer susceptibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The radio‐radial nerve transfer for elbow extension restoration in C5 to C7 nerve root injury
Authors: Flores Leandro Pretto
Published: October 2011

Extension of the elbow is required to oppose gravity; however, activation of the triceps brachii is frequently underestimated during the surgical planning for brachial plexus injuries. This report aims to describe a novel technique of distal nerve transfer designed for elbow extension reconstruction in patients sustaining a C5–C7 nerve root injury. We report a patient sustaining a brachial plexus injury with triceps palsy and preserved finger extension motion; after careful intraneural dissection of the radial nerve, a fascicle innervating the extensor digitorum communis muscle was sectioned, derouted and connected to a motor branch to the lateral head of the triceps. Eleven months after surgery, elbow extension strength scored MRC M4. No deficits on finger extension were observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Complete NMR spectral assignments of two lactucin‐type sesquiterpene lactone glycosides from Picris conyzoides
Authors: Michalska Klaudia , Szneler Edward , Kisiel Wanda
Published: October 2011

Complete 1H and 13C NMR signal assignments of two lactucin‐type sesquiterpene lactone glycosides, derivatives of 11β,13‐dihydrolactucin, isolated from roots of Picris conyzoides, were achieved by one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR experiments, allowing the correction of previously published data for cichorioside B and the structure elucidation of its new ester with 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropanoic acid. In addition, seven known sesquiterpene lactones and three phenolic compounds were isolated from the plant material. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of liquid isoprene rubber on dynamic mechanical properties of emulsionpolymerized styrene/butadiene rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Ren Wentan , Chen Hong , Ye Liqing , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2011

The effect of liquid isoprene rubber (LIR) on the dynamic mechanical properties of emulsion‐polymerized styrene/butadiene rubber (ESBR) vulcanizates was investigated by temperature sweep using dynamic mechanical analysis. The introduction of LIR led to ESBR vulcanizates having higher loss factor (tan δ) in the temperature range − 30 to 0 °C, and lower tan δ in the range 60 to 80 °C. A small amount of LIR‐403 (LIR with carboxyl groups) led to a significant change in tan δ: the addition of LIR‐403 (3 phr) led to a 7.5% increase in tan δ from − 30 to 0 °C, and a 24.9% decrease in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C. It was found that the introduction of LIR increased the bound rubber content in the ESBR compound. Equilibrium swelling experiments showed that the crosslink density of the vulcanizates increased after the introduction of LIR‐403 or LIR‐50 (general purpose LIR). The change in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C was related to polymer–filler interactions. The characteristic constant of filler–ESBR matrix interaction (m) was calculated. At a given filler volume fraction, the increase in m in the presence of LIR could be well related to the decrease in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C. The influence of LIR on filler network in the ESBR compound was also investigated by strain and temperature sweeps using a rubber processing analyzer. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential expression and modification of proteins during ontogenesis in Malus domestica
Authors: Cao Xin , Gao Yan , Wang Yi , Li Chun M. , Zhao Yong B. , Han Zhen H. , Zhang Xin Z.
Published: October 2011

Many morphological and physiological changes have been widely reported during ontogeny in higher plants. In order for the better understanding of the proteomic differences between ontogenetic phases, protein compositions between leaves of juvenile, adult vegetative and reproductive phases were compared in an apple (Malus domestica Borkh., Jonathan × Golden Delicious) seedling. Totally, 122 differentially expressed or modified protein spots were separated by DIGE. Of the 122 protein spots, 44, 17 and 29 were abundant in the leaf samples from the juvenile, adult vegetative and reproductive phases, respectively, two spots showed a lower level in the adult vegetative tissue, while the amount of protein increased in 21 spots during ontogeny and declined in nine spots. One hundred and fifteen spots were successfully picked and 95 spots were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐TOF high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Twenty‐three juvenile phase abundant or down‐regulated spots were photosynthesis‐associated proteins, implying a juvenile phase‐related photosynthesis enhancement. The expression of 10 enzymes and coenzymes involved in protein synthesis and catabolism was elevated in the adult reproductive phase or up‐regulated during ontogeny, contributing a phase change‐related activation in protein metabolism. Six proteins generated 30 differential gel spots via post‐translational modifications. The differential expression of NADP‐dependent D‐sorbitol‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was confirmed by Western blotting in six seedlings derived from two hybrid populations. The results of semi‐quantitative PCR indicate that some but not all of these proteomic changes were transcriptionally regulated.
Peptide arrays for kinome analysis: New opportunities and remaining challenges
Authors: Arsenault Ryan , Griebel Philip , Napper Scott
Published: October 2011

Phosphorylation is the predominant mechanism of post‐translational modification for regulation of protein function. With central roles in virtually every cellular process, and strong linkages with many diseases, there is a considerable interest in defining, and ultimately controlling, kinase activities. Investigations of human cellular phosphorylation events, which includes over 500 different kinases and tens of thousands of phosphorylation targets, represent a daunting challenge for proteomic researchers and cell biologists alike. As such, there is a priority to develop tools that enable the evaluation of cellular phosphorylation events in a high‐throughput, and biologically relevant, fashion. Towards this objective, two distinct, but functionally related, experimental approaches have emerged; phosphoproteome investigations, which focus on the sub‐population of proteins which undergo phosphorylation and kinome analysis, which considers the activities of the kinase enzymes mediating these phosphorylation events. Within kinome analysis, peptide arrays have demonstrated considerable potential as a cost‐effective, high‐throughput approach for defining phosphorylation‐mediated signal transduction activity. In particular, a number of recent advances in the application of peptide arrays for kinome analysis have enabled researchers to tackle increasingly complex biological problems in a wider range of species. In this review, recent advances in kinomic analysis utilizing peptides arrays including several of the biological questions studied by our group, as well as outstanding challenges still facing this technology, are discussed.
Nanoparticle arrangements in block copolymer particles with microphase‐separated structures
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi , Jinno Tatsuya , Koike Kazutaka , Higuchi Takeshi , Shimomura Masatsugu
Published: October 2011

In this study, metal‐polymer particles with microphase‐separated structures were prepared by self‐organized precipitation, where a good solvent is evaporated from a solution that also contains block copolymer, Au NPs, and a poor solvent. Control of the microphase‐separated structure in composite particles consisting of Au NPs and block copolymer was accomplished by changing the Au NP size, the mix ratio, and the copolymerization ratio of the block copolymer. The morphology of the inner structures was changed from a lamellar phase to a spherical phase by increasing the Au NP concentration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Protein Inactivation by Low‐temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Takai Eisuke , Kitano Katsuhisa , Kuwabara Junpei , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: October 2011

Plasma medicine is an attractive new research area, but fundamental information related to plasma modification of biomacromolecules in aqueous solution remains elusive. As described herein, we investigated the chemical effects of low‐temperature atmospheric pressure plasma on protein in aqueous solution using lysozyme as a model. Plasma treatment decreased enzymatic activity and changed the secondary structure that results from the increased molecular weight of lysozyme with chemical modification. These effects arise neither from UV light nor from plasma heat, suggesting that the reactive species generated by the plasma affect lysozyme. The information presented in this paper represents a crucial first step for elucidating chemical reactions induced by plasma on proteins for biomedical applications.

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Perfluorodecalin lavage of a longstanding lung atelectasis in a child with spinal muscle atrophy
Authors: Henrichsen Thore , Lindenskov Paal HH , Shaffer Thomas H , Loekke Ruth JV , Fugelseth Drude , Lindemann Rolf
Published: October 2011

Objective

Persistent lung atelectasis is difficult to treat and perfluorochemical (PFC) liquid may be an option for bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL).

Case report

A 4‐year‐old girl with spinal muscle atrophy was admitted in respiratory failure. On admission, the X‐ray confirmed the persistence of total right‐sided lung atelectasis, which had been present for 14 months. She was endotracheally intubated and ventilated from the day of admission. BAL with normal saline was performed twice without improvement. Following failed extubation and being dependent on continuous respiratory support, a trial of BAL using PFC liquid (Perfluorodecalin HP) was carried out. The PFC was delivered through the endotracheal tube on three consecutive days. A loading dose of 3 ml/kg was administered, followed by a varying dose in order to more effectively lavage the lungs. She tolerated the procedure well the first 2 days, although there were no clinical signs of improvement in the atelectasis. Intentionally, higher inflation pressures were applied after PFC instillation on day 3. Chest X‐ray then showed hazy infiltrates on her left lung and she required more ventilatory support. However, lung infiltrates cleared over the next 3 days. A tracheotomy was done 6 days after the last PFC instillation. She had a slow recovery and was successfully decanulated. Clinical improvement of lung function was seen including less need of BiPAP and oxygen. A chest CT scan showed then functional lung tissue appearing in the previous total atelectatic right lung.

Conclusion

Lavage with PFC can safely be performed with a therapeutic effect in a child with unilateral total lung atelectasis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:415–419. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dibenzylbutane‐ and Butyrolactone‐type Lignans as Apoptosis Inducers in Human Hepatoma HuH‐7 Cells
Authors: Mansoor Tayyab A. , Ramalho Rita M. , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Ferreira Maria‐José U.
Published: October 2011

Seven lignans, previously isolated from Pycnanthus angolensis or obtained by derivatization, namely the dibenzylbutane‐type lignans threo‐4,4’‐dihydroxy‐3‐methoxylignan (1), 4’‐hydroxy‐3,3’,4‐trimethoxylignan (2), (−)‐dihydroguaiaretic acid (3), 3,3’,4,4’‐tetramethoxylignan (4), 4,4’‐diacetyl‐3,3’‐dimethoxylignan (5), heliobuphthalmin (6) and the butyrolactone lignan hinokinin (7), were evaluted for their ability as apoptosis inducers in human hepatoma HuH‐7 cells. Cell viability assays, morphological evaluation of apoptosis and enzymatic analyses of caspase activity in HuH‐7 cells were carried out. Using the lactate dehydrogenase lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, it was demonstrated that the lignans (1–7) tested significantly reduced viability of HuH‐7 cells. Morphologic evaluation of HuH‐7 cells using Hoechst staining and fluorescence microscopy revealed that lignans 1–7 were strong inducers of apoptosis. In fact, HuH‐7 cells developed morphological changes of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and formation of apoptotic bodies. However, lignans 2 and 7 were the most promising compounds in this study, inducing 2.4‐ and 2.5‐fold increases in apoptotic cells as compared to controls. Caspase‐3‐like activity assays confirmed the morphologic data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge competition in halogenated hydrocarbons
Authors: Gross Kevin C. , Hadad Christopher M. , Seybold Paul G.
Published: October 2011

The distribution of electronic charge in a molecule plays a major role in determining the molecule's physical, chemical, and biological properties. For studies of charge distributions, halogenated hydrocarbons are especially informative prototype systems, because the overall charge distributions depend strongly on both the identities and relative positions of the halogen substituents. In this report, we examine how the placement and identities of the halogen substituents affect the natural population analysis, atoms in molecules, and Gasteiger partial atomic charge distributions in representative saturated (methanes and ethanes), unsaturated (ethylenes), and aromatic (benzenes) halogenated hydrocarbons, using density functional calculations. The results are interpreted in terms of the electronegativities and the charge capacities of the halogens. The relationships of these charge distributions to the electrostatic potential maps of the compounds are also explored. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Ducks and passerines nesting in northern mixed‐grass prairie treated with fire
Authors: Grant Todd A. , Shaffer Terry L. , Madden Elizabeth M. , Berkey Gordon B.
Published: October 2011

Prescribed fire is an important, ecology‐driven tool for restoration of grassland systems. However, prescribed fire remains controversial for some grassland managers because of reported reductions in bird use of recently burned grasslands. Few studies have evaluated effects of fire on grassland bird populations in the northern mixed‐grass prairie region. Fewer studies yet have examined the influence of fire on nest density or survival. In our review, we found no studies that simultaneously examined effects of fire on duck and passerine nesting. During 1998–2003, we examined effects of prescribed fire on the density of upland‐nesting ducks and passerines nesting in north‐central North Dakota, USA. Apparent nest densities of gadwall (Anas strepera), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), and all duck species combined, were influenced by fire history of study units, although the degree of influence was not compelling. Fire history was not related to nest densities of blue‐winged teal (A. discors), northern shoveler (A. clypeata), or northern pintail (A. acuta); however, apparent nest densities in relation to the number of postfire growing seasons exhibited a strikingly similar pattern among all duck species. When compared to ducks, fire history strongly influenced apparent nest densities of clay‐colored sparrow (Spizella pallida), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). For most species examined, apparent nest densities were lowest in recently burned units, increased during the second postfire growing season, and stabilized or, in some cases, decreased thereafter. Prescribed fire is critical for restoring the ecology of northern mixed‐grass prairies and our findings indicate that reductions in nest densities are limited mostly to the first growing season after fire. Our results support the premise that upland‐nesting ducks and several grassland passerine species are adapted to periodic fires occurring at a frequency similar to that of pre‐Euro‐American settlement of the region. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Probability density function approach for modelling multi-phase flow with ganglia in porous media
Authors: Tyagi Manav , Jenny Patrick
Published: October 2011

A probabilistic approach to model macroscopic behaviour of non-wetting-phase ganglia or blobs in multi-phase flow through porous media is proposed. The key idea is to consider a set of stochastic Markov processes that can mimic the microscopic multi-phase dynamics. These processes are characterized by equilibrium probability density functions (PDFs) and correlation times, which can be obtained from micro-scale simulation studies or experiments. A Lagrangian viewpoint is adopted, where stochastic particles represent infinitesimal fluid elements and evolve in the physical and probability space. Ganglion mobilization and trapping are modelled by a two-state jump process with transition probabilities given as functions of ganglion size. Coalescence and breakup of ganglia influence the ganglion size distribution, which is modelled by a Langevin type equation. The joint probability density function (JPDF) of the chosen stochastic variables is governed by a high-dimensional Chapman–Kolmogorov equation. This equation can be used to derive moment (e.g. saturation, mean mobility etc.) transport equations, which in general do not form a closed system. However, in some special cases, which arise in the limit of one time scale being smaller or larger than the others, a closed set of moment transport equations can be obtained. For slowly varying and quasi-uniform flows, the saturation transport equation appears in closed form with the mean mobility fully determined, if the equilibrium PDFs are known. Furthermore, it is shown how statistical parameters such as mobilization and trapping rates and equilibrium PDFs can be obtained from the birth–death type approach, in which ganglia breakup and coalescence are explicitly considered. A two-equation transport model (one equation for the total saturation and one for the trapped saturation) is obtained in the limit of very fast coalescence and breakup processes. This model is employed to mimic hysteresis in relative permeability–saturation curves; a well known phenomenon observed in the successive processes of imbibition and drainage. For the general case, the JPDF-equation is solved using the stochastic particle method, which was proposed in our previous paper (Tyagi et al. J. Comput. Phys. 227, 2008, 6696–6714). Several one- and two-dimensional numerical simulation results are presented to show the influence of correlation times on the averaged macroscopic flow behaviour.
Ion-acoustic vortex formation in a non-uniform two-electron-temperature magnetoplasma with sheared ion flow
Authors: BATOOL NAZIA , NAEEM ISMAT , MIRZA ARSHAD M. , MASOOD W.
Published: October 2011

We have investigated some linear as well as nonlinear properties of ion-acoustic wave (IAW) propagation in a non-uniform two-electron-temperature magnetoplasma in the presence of ion-sheared flows. In the linear limit, new dispersion relation has been derived and analyzed in some interesting limiting cases. It is shown that ion-sheared flow can drive the IAW unstable under a certain limit.Whereas, in the nonlinear case, dipolar and vortex street type solutions can appear. It is observed that by choosing some typical parameters of Earth's auroral region, the scalelength of the nonlinear structures are significantly modified. The present investigation might be very useful to explain various types of nonlinear structure formation which has been observed in space environments where two-electron-temperature plasma exist.
Marine megavertebrates of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: relative abundance and distribution
Authors: Leeney Ruth H. , Witt Matthew J. , Broderick Annette C. , Buchanan John , Jarvis Daniel S. , Richardson Peter B. , Godley Brendan J.
Published: October 2011

We document patterns of distribution and relative abundance of marine megavertebrate fauna around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from a combination of aerial and boat-based surveying. Between January 2006 and November 2007, 20 aerial surveys were undertaken, comprising over 40 hours of on-effort flying time. In April to October of these years, 27 effort-corrected ferry surveys were also conducted from a passenger ferry travelling between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Opportunistic sightings were also logged by the crew members of the ferry and another vessel travelling regularly along the same route on 155 days. Ten megavertebrate species were sighted: basking sharksCetorhinus maximus, sunfishMola mola, common dolphinsDelphinus delphis, harbour porpoisePhocoena phocoena, grey sealsHalichoerus grypus, Risso's dolphinsGrampus griseus, bottlenose dolphinsTursiops truncatus, minke whalesBalaenoptera acutorostrata, long-finned pilot whalesGlobicephala melasand killer whaleOrcinus orca. During aerial surveys, 206 sighting events of seven species were made, compared with 145 sighting events of eight species during ferry surveys and 293 sighting events of 10 species from opportunistic ship-board data collection efforts. Seasonal and spatial patterns in species occurrence were evident. Basking sharks were the most commonly-sighted species in the region and were relatively abundant throughout the estimated 5 km-wide strip of coastal waters covered by the aerial surveys, during spring and summer. Ferry surveys and opportunistic vessel-based sightings data confirmed that the distribution of surface-feeding aggregations of this species was largely around the coasts. Despite the limited scope of this study, it has provided valuable baseline data, and possible insights into the marine biodiversity of the region.
Effects of animal size and nutritional status on the RNA/DNA ratio in different tissues of the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis
Authors: Yeung Jamius W.Y. , Leung Kenneth M.Y.
Published: October 2011

This study aimed to examine the responses of RNA/DNA ratio in Perna viridis under different nutritional status via both field and laboratory studies, and hence evaluate the usefulness of this ratio as a rapid growth biomarker in the mussels. First, the effects of size (small: 30–40 mm; medium: 40–50 mm; large: >50 mm) and tissue type (adductor muscle, foot, gill and hepatopancreas) on the RNA/DNA ratio were investigated in P. viridis collected from three different sites with different degrees of eutrophication in Hong Kong waters. Across all sizes, the mussels collected from a fairly ‘eutrophic’ mariculture zone had significantly higher RNA/DNA ratios in their gills than those from the other two relatively clean sites. The RNA/DNA ratio in small mussels was generally higher than in medium and large individuals, though such a size effect significantly interacted with tissue type and site. Second, we conducted a 10-day comparative laboratory study to elucidate the influence of starvation and feeding on the RNA/DNA ratio in the mussels. We observed that both hepatopancreas and foot muscle generally exhibited significant and rapid response to such a short-term starvation or food addition. The present results confirmed that the RNA/DNA ratio in P. viridis is a sensitive biomarker to gauge their growth and general health condition in accordance with food availability and/or eutrophication condition.
Cannabis, schizophrenia and other non-affective psychoses: 35 years of follow-up of a population-based cohort
Authors: Manrique-Garcia E. , Zammit S. , Dalman C. , Hemmingsson T. , Andreasson S. , Allebeck P.
Published: October 2011

Background

There is now strong evidence that cannabis use increases the risk of psychoses including schizophrenia, but the relationship between cannabis and different psychotic disorders, as well as the mechanisms, are poorly known. We aimed to assess types of psychotic outcomes after use of cannabis in adolescence and variation in risk over time.

Method

A cohort of 50 087 military conscripts with data on cannabis use in late adolescence was followed up during 35 years with regard to in-patient care for psychotic diagnoses.

Results

Odds ratios for psychotic outcomes among frequent cannabis users compared with non-users were 3.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3–5.8] for schizophrenia, 2.2 (95% CI 1.0–4.7) for brief psychosis and 2.0 (95% CI 0.8–4.7) for other non-affective psychoses. Risk of schizophrenia declined over the decades in moderate users but much less so in frequent users. The presence of a brief psychosis did not increase risk of later schizophrenia more in cannabis users compared with non-users.

Conclusions

Our results confirm an increased risk of schizophrenia in a long-term perspective, although the risk declined over time in moderate users.
Mood and anxiety disorders and their association with non-medical prescription opioid use and prescription opioid-use disorder: longitudinal evidence from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Martins S. S. , Fenton M. C. , Keyes K. M. , Blanco C. , Zhu H. , Storr C. L.
Published: October 2011

Background

Non-medical use of prescription opioids represents a national public health concern of growing importance. Mood and anxiety disorders are highly associated with non-medical prescription opioid use. The authors examined longitudinal associations between non-medical prescription opioid use and opioid disorder due to non-medical opioid use and mood/anxiety disorders in a national sample, examining evidence for precipitation, self-medication and general shared vulnerability as pathways between disorders.

Method

Data were drawn from face-to-face surveys of 34 653 adult participants in waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Logistic regression models explored the temporal sequence and evidence for the hypothesized pathways.

Results

Baseline lifetime non-medical prescription opioid use was associated with incidence of any mood disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, any anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD in wave 2, adjusted for baseline demographics, other substance use, and co-morbid mood/anxiety disorders). Lifetime opioid disorder was not associated with any incident mood/anxiety disorders. All baseline lifetime mood disorders and GAD were associated with incident non-medical prescription opioid use at follow-up, adjusted for demographics, co-morbid mood/anxiety disorders, and other substance use. Baseline lifetime mood disorders, MDD, dysthymia and panic disorder were associated with incident opioid disorder due to non-medical prescription opioid use at follow-up, adjusted for the same covariates.

Conclusions

These results suggest that precipitation, self-medication as well as shared vulnerability are all viable pathways between non-medical prescription opioid use and opioid disorder due to non-medical opioid use and mood/anxiety disorders.
A Kantian conception of global justice
Authors: VARDEN HELGA
Published: October 2011

I start this article by addressing Kant's question why rightful interactions require both domestic public authorities (or states) and a global public authority? Of central importance are two issues: first, the identification of problems insoluble without public authorities, and second, why a domestic public monopoly on coercion can be rightfully established and maintained by coercive means while a global public monopoly on coercion cannot be established once and for all. In the second part of the article, I address the nature of the institutional structure of individual states and of the global authority. Crucial here, I argue, is Kant's distinction between private and public right. Private right concerns rightful relations between individual legal subjects, where public right concerns legal subjects’ claims on their public institutions. I propose that the distinction between private and public right should be central to liberal critiques of current legal and political developments in the global sphere.
Willingness to pay for a cardiovascular prevention program in highly educated adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobs Nele , Drost Ruben , Ament Andre , Evers Silvia , Claes Neree
Published: October 2011

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine adults’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for CardioVascular Disease (CVD) intervention programs of different intensities.

Methods:Three hundred fourteen participants were randomized to two study conditions: (i) CVD risk assessment/communication; (ii) CVD risk assessment/communication + a behavior change program. The behavior change program was aimed at increasing physical activity, reducing saturated fat intake and smoking cessation. It consisted of a tailored Web site and individual coaching with a self-selected dose. At post-assessment, WTP and perceived autonomy support items were included. The intervention dose was registered throughout the trial and post-hoc intervention dose groups were created. Pearson Chi-Square tests, Student'st-tests, one-way analyses of variance were used to examine WTP-differences between the study conditions and intervention dose groups.

Results:Twenty-four months after baseline, 61 and 135 participants of the control and intervention condition, respectively, completed the questionnaires. No WTP difference was found between the study conditions. However, participants that selected a higher intervention dose were willing to pay significantly more for their program (p< .05).

Conclusions:In general, people want to pay the same amount of money for a CVD prevention program, irrespective of the inclusion of a behavior change program. However, there seems to be an association between the self-selected dose of the latter program and the WTP.
Relationship between HBV cccDNA expression in the human ovary and vertical transmission of HBV
Authors: YU M. M. , GU X. J , XIA Y. , WANG G. J. , KAN N. Y. , JIANG H. X. , WU K. H. , JI Y. , JU L. L.
Published: October 2011

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the ovary and vertical transmission of HBV. HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were assayed in the ovaries of 33 pregnant women who were positive for HBV DNA. The HBVM (HBV markers, including HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb) level and the HBV DNA content in peripheral blood of infants were measured. The overall positive rate of HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA in samples was 51·52% (17/33). The intrauterine infection rate of the infants was 12·12% (4/33). When HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were both positive, the intrauterine infection rate of infants was significantly higher than when they were both negative (P<0·05). Levels of HBV cccDNA and the rate of positive samples were significantly higher in mothers with infants with intrauterine infection than in those without (P<0·01 andP<0·05, respectively). HBV can infect the human ovary and may transmit to the filial generation via the ovum.
Study of tides and sea levels at Deception and Livingston islands, Antarctica
Authors: Vidal Juan , Berrocoso Manuel , Fernández-Ros Alberto
Published: October 2011

During the 2007–08 Spanish Antarctic campaign, two moorings of bottom pressure sensors were carried out over a ten week period. This paper presents the results of the tidal analysis from sea level records obtained at Deception and Livingston islands (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). The main objective of this paper is to present a detailed study of the tidal characteristics at these two islands, for which statistical and harmonic analysis techniques are applied to the tidal records. A geodetic network was used to reference the pressure sensors. Geometric levelling, with an accuracy of 1 mm, allowed us to link the tidal marks with geodetic vertices located on Livingston and Deception islands. The amplitudes and phase lags obtained by harmonic analysis are compared to the harmonic constants of several coastal stations and co-tidal and co-range charts. Results show an evident influence of tides in the sea level signal, with a clear mixed semi-diurnal behaviour and a daily inequality between high and low waters. Measurements of salinity and temperature were made using electronic sensors. Results from this study showed that salinity and temperature were strongly influenced by tides. Seawater temperature varied in a manner that was consistent with the time series of residual bottom pressure.
Evaluation of Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) cyclone forecasts using infrared satellite imagery
Authors: Nigro Melissa A. , Cassano John J. , Knuth Shelley L.
Published: October 2011

The Antarctic coast is an area of high cyclonic activity. Specifically, the regions of Terra Nova Bay, in the western Ross Sea, and Byrd Glacier, in the western Ross Ice Shelf, are prone to cyclone development. The United States, New Zealand, and Italian Antarctic programmes conduct extensive research activities in the region of the western Ross Sea. Due to the harsh weather conditions associated with the cyclonic systems that occur in this region and the abundant research activities in the area, it is important to be able to accurately predict the timing, location and strength of cyclones in this sector of Antarctica. This study evaluates the ability of the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (from 2006–09) to accurately forecast cyclones in the region of the western Ross Sea by comparing the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System forecasts to cyclones identified in infrared satellite imagery. The results indicate that the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System is able to accurately predict the presence of cyclones about 40% of the time (at a minimum) and the presence of no cyclones about 70% of the time.
Global goods and local usages: the small world of the Indian sewing machine, 1875–1952
Authors: Arnold David
Published: October 2011

Sewing machines, one of the first mechanical consumer goods to be mass produced and sold worldwide, provide an important case study for the understanding of global history in terms of the global diffusion of goods. However, as the case of colonial India demonstrates, it is what happens to such goods on their arrival in the recipient society – their emergent social history and growing indigeneity – that then demands analytical consideration. By tracing the changing nature of India’s sewing culture and sewing-machine use, linking it to occupational shifts, racial identities, and gender roles, to changing marketing techniques and advertising strategies, this article shows how closely the relative success of the sewing machine was bound up with local artisanal practices, commercial agency, and the transformative forces present in Indian society. It further indicates how Indian production of sewing machines by the 1950s built on several decades of acculturation and local experience of their sale and use.