bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warm Nordic Seas delayed glacial inception in Scandinavia
Authors: Born A. , Kageyama M. , Nisancioglu K. H.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. We simulate the last glacial inception, 115 000 years ago, with a three dimensional thermomechanical ice sheet model of the Northern Hemisphere, forced by a comprehensive coupled climate model. High oceanic heat transport into the Nordic Seas prevents large scale ice growth over Scandinavia. Glacial inception in the region starts on the highest mountains in the south when sea surface temperatures in the Nordic Seas are reduced by at least 3 °C. Ice growth in Northern Scandinavia requires a cooling by at least 4 °C. This is in good agreement with marine proxy data from the Nordic Seas and North Atlantic as well as available terrestrial data. This study thus provides a physical understanding and revised timing of the first glacier advance over Scandinavia.
Dynamics of ~100-kyr glacial cycles during the early Miocene
Authors: Liebrand D. , Lourens L. J. , Hodell D. A. , de Boer B. , van de Wal R. S. W.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Here, we present high-resolution stable isotope records from ODP Site 1264 in the South-Eastern Atlantic Ocean, which resolve the latest Oligocene to early Miocene (23.7–18.9 Ma) climate changes. Using an inverse modelling technique, we decomposed the oxygen isotope record into temperature and ice volume and found that the Antarctic ice sheet expanded during distinct episodes (e.g., Mi zones) of low short-term (~100-kyr) eccentricity forcing, which occur two to four long-term (400-kyr) eccentricity cycles apart. We argue that a~non-linear mechanism, such as the merging of (several) large East Antarctic ice sheets, caused the build-up of a larger ice sheet. During the termination phases of these larger ice sheets, on the contrary, we find a more linear response of ice-sheet variability to orbital forcing and climate became highly sensitive to the ~100-kyr eccentricity cycle. At the Oligocene-Miocene transition the model output indicates a decrease in Northern Hemisphere temperatures such that a small ice cap could develop on Greenland. This Supports the hypothesis of a threshold response for the development of Northern Hemisphere land ice to decreasing pCO2.
Real-time earthquake monitoring for tsunami warning in the Indian Ocean and beyond
Authors: Hanka W. , Saul J. , Weber B. , Becker J. , Harjadi P. ,   Fauzi,   GITEWS Seismology Group
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The Mw = 9.3 Sumatra earthquake of 26 December 2004 generated a tsunami that affected the entire Indian Ocean region and caused approximately 230 000 fatalities. In the response to this tragedy the German government funded the German Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System (GITEWS) Project. The task of the GEOFON group of GFZ Potsdam was to develop and implement the seismological component. In this paper we describe the concept of the GITEWS earthquake monitoring system and report on its present status. The major challenge for earthquake monitoring within a tsunami warning system is to deliver rapid information about location, depth, size and possibly other source parameters. This is particularly true for coast lines adjacent to the potential source areas such as the Sunda trench where these parameters are required within a few minutes after the event in order to be able to warn the population before the potential tsunami hits the neighbouring coastal areas. Therefore, the key for a seismic monitoring system with short warning times adequate for Indonesia is a dense real-time seismic network across Indonesia with densifications close to the Sunda trench. A substantial number of supplementary stations in other Indian Ocean rim countries are added to strengthen the teleseismic monitoring capabilities. The installation of the new GITEWS seismic network – consisting of 31 combined broadband and strong motion stations – out of these 21 stations in Indonesia – is almost completed. The real-time data collection is using a private VSAT communication system with hubs in Jakarta and Vienna. In addition, all available seismic real-time data from the other seismic networks in Indonesia and other Indian Ocean rim countries are acquired also directly by VSAT or by Internet at the Indonesian Tsunami Warning Centre in Jakarta and the resulting "virtual" network of more than 230 stations can jointly be used for seismic data processing. The seismological processing software as part of the GITEWS tsunami control centre is an enhanced version of the widely used SeisComP software and the well established GEOFON earthquake information system operated at GFZ in Potsdam (http://geofon.gfz-potsdam.de/db/eqinfo.php). This recently developed software package (SeisComP3) is reliable, fast and can provide fully automatic earthquake location and magnitude estimates. It uses innovative visualization tools, offers the possibility for manual correction and re-calculation, flexible configuration, support for distributed processing and data and parameter exchange with external monitoring systems. SeisComP3 is not only used for tsunami warning in Indonesia but also in most other Tsunami Warning Centres in the Indian Ocean and Euro-Med regions and in many seismic services worldwide.
The UNESCO-IOC framework – establishing an international early warning infrastructure in the Indian Ocean region
Authors: Lauterjung J. , Koltermann P. , Wolf U. , Sopaheluwakan J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake with a magnitude of 9.3, and the subsequent destructive tsunami which caused more than 225 000 fatalities in the region of the Indian Ocean, happened on 26 December 2004. Less than one month later, the United Nations (UN) World Conference on Disaster Reduction took place in Kobe, Japan to commemorate the 1995 Kobe earthquake. The importance of preparedness and awareness on regional, national and community levels with respect to natural disasters was discussed during this meeting, and resulted in the approval of the Hyogo Declaration on Disaster Reduction. Based on this declaration the UN mandated the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization), taking note of its over 40 years of successful coordination of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System (PTWC), to take on the international coordination of national early-warning efforts for the Indian Ocean and to guide the process of setting up a Regional Tsunami Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean.
Non-diffusive, non-local transport in fluids and plasmas
Authors: del-Castillo-Negrete D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A review of non-diffusive transport in fluids and plasmas is presented. In the fluid context, non-diffusive chaotic transport by Rossby waves in zonal flows is studied following a Lagrangian approach. In the plasma physics context the problem of interest is test particle transport in pressure-gradient-driven plasma turbulence. In both systems the probability density function (PDF) of particle displacements is strongly non-Gaussian and the statistical moments exhibit super-diffusive anomalous scaling. Fractional diffusion models are proposed and tested in the quantitative description of the non-diffusive Lagrangian statistics of the fluid and plasma problems. Also, fractional diffusion operators are used to construct non-local transport models exhibiting up-hill transport, multivalued flux-gradient relations, fast pulse propagation phenomena, and "tunneling" of perturbations across transport barriers.
Reply to the Comment of Leclercq et al. on "100-year mass changes in the Swiss Alps linked to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation"
Authors: Huss M. , Hock R. , Bauder A. , Funk M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. In their comment, Leclercq et al. argue that Huss et al. (2010) overestimate the effect of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on the 100-year mass balance variations in the Swiss Alps because time series of conventional balances instead of reference-surface balances were used. Applying the same model as in Huss et al. we calculate time series of reference-surface mass balance, and show that the difference between conventional and reference-surface mass balance is significantly smaller than stated in the comment. Both series exhibit very similar multidecadal variations. The opposing effects of retreat and surface lowering on mass balance partly cancel each other.
Longest time series of glacier mass changes in the Himalaya based on stereo imagery
Authors: Bolch T. , Pieczonka T. , Benn D. I.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Mass loss of Himalayan glaciers has wide-ranging consequences such as declining water resources, sea level rise and an increasing risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The assessment of the regional and global impact of glacier changes in the Himalaya is, however, hampered by a lack of mass balance data for most of the range. Multi-temporal digital terrain models (DTMs) allow glacier mass balance to be calculated since the availability of stereo imagery. Here we present the longest time series of mass changes in the Himalaya and show the high value of early stereo spy imagery such as Corona (years 1962 and 1970) aerial images and recent high resolution satellite data (Cartosat-1) to calculate a time series of glacier changes south of Mt. Everest, Nepal. We reveal that the glaciers are significantly losing mass with an increasing rate since at least ~1970, despite thick debris cover. The specific mass loss is 0.32 ± 0.08 m w.e. a−1, however, not higher than the global average. The spatial patterns of surface lowering can be explained by variations in debris-cover thickness, glacier velocity, and ice melt due to exposed ice cliffs and ponds.
The relativistic Doppler effect: when a zero‐frequency shift or a red shift exists for sources approaching the observer
Authors: Wang C.
Published: December 2010

It is shown without making use of Lorentz transformation that there exists a phenomenon of relativistic zero‐frequency shift in Doppler effect for a plane wave in free space, observed in two inertial frames of relative motion, and the zero shift takes place at a maximum aberration of light. When it is applied to analysis of a moving point light source, two unconventional physical implications result: (1) a light source, when it is approaching (moving closer to) the observer, may cause a red shift; (2) a zero‐frequency‐shift observation does not necessarily mean that the light source is not moving closer, and in contrast, the light source may be moving closer to the observer at a high speed. This fundamental result of special relativity may provide an alternative way to experimentally examine the principle of relativity, and might have a significant application in astrophysics.
Did Günter Nimtz discover tachyons?
Authors: Kapuścik E. , Orlicki R.
Published: December 2010

It is argued that in the famous G. Nimtz experiment tachyons were produced and annihilated. We base our considerations on the new version of Special Relativity elaborated recently by one of the authors.
Effect of abnormal screening mammogram on quality of life
Authors: van der Steeg A F W , Keyzer-Dekker C M G , De Vries J , Roukema J A
Published: December 2010

Background

Screening for breast cancer reduces breast cancer-related mortality. Advantages of screening are explained clearly, but its disadvantages are underrepresented in consent folders.

Methods

In September 2002 a prospective, longitudinal study started concerning quality of life (QoL) in women with breast disease. Between September 2002 and January 2007, 385 women with an abnormal screening mammogram were included. Of these, 152 women were diagnosed with breast cancer (BC group) and 233 had a false-positive result (FP group). Questionnaires concerning anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) and QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument 100) were completed before diagnosis, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months later.

Results

The BC group was significantly older (60·2 versus 57·3 years; P < 0·001); significantly more histological biopsies were needed in the FP group (P < 0·001). Almost 60 per cent of the FP group revisited the outpatient clinic in the first year. Trait anxiety had a profound influence on QoL. Women in the FP group with a high score on trait anxiety had lowest QoL on all measurements (P < 0·001). They also reported more feelings of anxiety compared with women in the FP group with a lower trait anxiety score, and women in the BC group with a low trait anxiety score (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Women with a false-positive diagnosis of screen-detected breast cancer had a low QoL and feelings of anxiety, especially when they scored high on trait anxiety. This effect lasted for at least 1 year.
Large eddy simulation of Marangoni convection in Czochralski crystal growth
Authors: Cen Xianrong , Zhan Jiemin , Li Yok‐Sheung
Published: December 2010

Large eddy simulation model is used to simulate the fluid flow and heat transfer in an industrial Czochralski crystal growth system. The influence of Marangoni convection on the growth process is discussed. The simulation results agree well with experiment, which indicates that large eddy simulation is capable of capturing the temperature fluctuations in the melt. As the Marangoni number increases, the radial velocity along the free surface is strengthened, which makes the flow pattern shift from circumferential to spiral. At the same time, the surface tension reinforces the natural convection and forces the isotherms to curve downwards. It can also be seen from the simulation that a secondary vortex and the Ekman layer are generated. All these physical phenomena induced by Marangoni convection have great impacts on the shape of the growth interface and thus the quality of the crystal. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of current ‐ voltage ‐ temperature characteristics of In and Cu contacts on n‐type MoSe2 single crystals
Authors: Sumesh C. K. , Patel K. D. , Pathak V. M. , Srivastav R.
Published: December 2010

The current voltage characteristics of In / Cu with n‐type MoSe2 Schottky diodes were measured over a wide temperature range 50 < T < 300 K. The interface formed by In and MoSe2 shows ohmic behavior after annealing the contact at 100 °C for 12 h. The ohmic nature was retained at all the measured temperatures. The Cu ‐ nMoSe2 interface formed a Schottky junction diode with a good rectification ratio. The Schottky barrier height and the ideality factor thereby obtained were 0.72 eV and 1.45, respectively, at room temperature. Below room temperature, the barrier height and the ideality factor vary with decreasing temperature. The changes are significant at low temperatures. Barrier height inhomogeneities at the interface cause deviation in the zero‐bias barrier height and the ideality factor at low temperatures, and produce extra current such that I‐V characteristics remain consistent with the thermionic emission mechanism. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of metabolic and haemodynamic factors in podocyte injury in diabetes
Authors: Stieger Nicole , Worthmann Kirstin , Schiffer Mario
Published: December 2010

Podocyte loss is a common feature in human diabetes as well as in experimental diabetes in rodents. Almost all components of the diabetic milieu lead to serious podocyte stress, driving the cells towards cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, detachment and apoptosis. Common pathway components induced by high glucose and advanced glycation endproducts are reactive oxygen species, cyclin‐dependent kinases (p27$^{\rm{Kip1}}$) and transforming growth factor‐beta. In addition, mechanical stresses by stretch or shear forces, insulin deficiency or insulin resistance are independent components resulting in podocyte apoptosis and detachment. In this review, we discuss the common pathways leading to podocyte death as well as novel pathways and concepts of podocyte dedifferentiation and detachment that influence the progression of diabetic glomerulopathy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The potential of multimer technologies in type 1 diabetes prediction strategies
Authors: Fierabracci Alessandra
Published: December 2010

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which occurs in (human leukocyte antigen) genetically predisposed individuals as a consequence of the organ‐specific immune destruction of the insulin‐producing β cells in the islets of Langherans within the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is the result of a breakdown in immune regulation that leads to expansion of autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, autoantibody‐producing B lymphocytes and activation of the innate immune system.

Islet‐related autoantibodies revealed themselves to be good predictors of future onset of the disease, although they are not directly pathogenetic; T cells instead play a dominant role in disease initiation and progression. In this review, we first discuss the approaches that several laboratories attempted to measure human islet autoantigen‐specific T‐cell function in type 1 diabetes. T‐cell assays could be used in combination with standardized autoantibody screenings to improve predictive strategies. They could also help to monitor in long‐term follow‐up the efficacy of tolerogenic immunotherapeutic strategies when established at the onset of the disease, and help to predict the recurrence of disease. Although some recent developments based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot and immunoblotting techniques have been able to distinguish with good sensitivity and specificity patients from controls, T‐cell results, as revealed by international workshops, were indeed largely inconclusive. Nowadays, novel technologies have been exploited that could contribute to answering the tantalizing question of identifying autoreactive T cells. We particularly focus on and discuss MHC multimer tools and emphasize the advantages they can offer but also their weaknesses when used in combination with other T‐cell assays. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of context in relation to policy transfer: a case study of environmental water allocation in Australia
Authors: Swainson Rebecca , de Loe Rob C.
Published: December 2010

Learning from the experiences of other jurisdictions has become a common strategy in the face of increasing severe environmental problems around the world. This phenomenon is very common in the water field, where surveys of institutions in other jurisdictions are widely used by practitioners to identify models that can be adopted. A precondition for success in policy transfer is careful consideration of the context within which institutions were developed. This paper explores the importance of context using the example of institutions for environmental water allocation (EWA) in the Murrumbidgee Catchment, in NSW, Australia. The case of EWA in the Murrumbidgee Catchment clearly demonstrates that, in the context of water policies, biophysical considerations must be considered alongside political, social, economic and cultural considerations when evaluating the extent to which water policies designed for one setting can be adopted elsewhere. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
P‐Stereogenic Pinene‐Derived Phosphoramidites and Their Use in Copper‐Catalyzed Conjugate Additions
Authors: Hobuß Dennis , Baro Angelika , Axenov Kirill V. , Laschat Sabine , Frey Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

New P‐stereogenic phosphoramidites based on a (–)‐pinane framework were synthesized and investigated by NMR spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis. The reaction between cis‐pinandiol 2 and N,N‐dialkylphosphoramidous dichlorides, followed by protection with theBH3·THF adduct, afforded diastereomeric mixtures of PS and PR BH3–phosphoramidite complexes. After separation by column chromatography, these stereoisomers were obtained in a pure form. The BH3 group was further cleaved by treatment with Et2NH at elevated temperature and the obtained free phosphoramidite ligands were used for catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition reactions. As substrates, a series of cyclic and acyclic enones was employed and addition was carried out with Et2Zn in the presence of catalytic amounts of CuI thiophenecarboxylate (CuTC) and a phosphoramidite ligand. The results revealed that the configuration of the phosphorus center controls the configuration of the newly formed stereogenic center of the β‐alkylated ketones.
System peaks in capillary zone electrophoresis of anions with negative voltage polarity and counter‐electroosmotic flow
Authors: Sursyakova Viktoriya V. , Kalyakin Sergey N. , Burmakina Galina V. , Rubaylo Anatoliy I.
Published: December 2010

The system peaks that often appear on electropherograms in anion separation by CE with indirect spectrophotometric detection, negative voltage polarity and cathodic EOF are studied. The system peaks are shown to correspond to the zones with the changed concentration of the BGE constituents; they appear while the zone of each analyte anion passes through the outlet end of the capillary and are transported to the detector by EOF. An equation is suggested for predicting migration times of the system peaks with an error of 1%. The ratios of the system peak area to the analyte peak area are found to amount to 20%. It is shown that it is possible to avoid overlapping of the system peaks and analyte peaks by controlling the EOF velocity owing to hydrodynamic pressure. Using the mathematical simulation of CE shows that the system peaks and baseline shift can result from changing the transference numbers of the BGE ions and analyte ions at the capillary edge. The cases when the system peak may be incorrectly identified as the peak of analyte ion are considered. In order to avoid such errors, some practical recommendations are given.
Design of separation length and electric field strength for high‐speed DNA electrophoresis
Authors: Ni Yi , Dou Xiaoming , Cheng Shuyi , Zhu Yiming
Published: December 2010

Gel‐based DNA separation on microchip will play an important role in future genomic analysis due to its potential for high‐efficiency and high‐speed. Optimal design of microchip and separation condition is essential to take full advantage of high‐speed separation on microchip. Separation length L and electric field strength E, which are crucial for design of microchip system, are focused on in this paper. Simultaneous optimization of L and E was carried out to achieve the most rapid separation. It was shown that the condition of L and E and the shortest separation time is closely related to the shape of resolution Rs surface in a three‐dimensional space with axes E, L, and Rs. This surface was investigated, taking sample injection, detector, diffusion, and Joule heating into account. Thermal gradient broadening due to Joule heating helps to produce camber or ridge shape of Rs surface, which is essential for the shortest separation length and separation time. Sample plug length and detection volume should be more carefully controlled in microchip. The property of diffusion coefficient was shown to play a key role in determining Rs surface.
Weight changes during inpatient refeeding of underweight eating disorder patients
Authors: Hart Susan , Abraham Suzanne , Franklin Richard , Russell Janice
Published: December 2010

Aim

To describe patterns of weight change in patients admitted to a specialised eating disorder program with established protocols for inpatient refeeding.

Methods

Weight records between January 2000 and December 2006 were categorised using Body Mass Index (BMI) at first admission (BMI ranges < 14.0, 14.1–17.49, 17.5–18.9 kg/m2). Total weight gained, number of days of inpatient treatment and rate of weekly weight gain were examined.

Results

In total there were 247 patients representing 414 admissions. The rate of weight gain was 0.77, 0.63 and 0.53 kg/week, respectively, for each BMI group. Twenty patients (8.1%) in the refeeding program did not gain weight.

Conclusion

Weight gain in underweight patients is highly variable. A greater understanding of the processes that contribute to weight gain, and establishment of best practice in achieving weight gain in patients needs to be determined. This data provide detailed information about expectations for refeeding without artificial feeding. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Why are we waiting? The relationship between low admission weight and end of treatment weight outcomes
Authors: Sly Richard , Bamford Bryony
Published: December 2010

Inpatient eating disorder units are increasingly being asked to admit patients at lower BMI's, often delaying hospital treatment until medically unavoidable. This paper aims to explore the impact of this trend on treatment outcome. Eighty‐two adults with anorexia nervosa admitted to a national inpatient eating disorder ward were assessed for BMI at admission, length of hospitalisation, discharge BMI and re‐admission within 1‐year post‐treatment. In the current study, admission BMI was unrelated to amount of weight gain during treatment or to length of hospital stay. As such patients admitted at lower BMI's had significantly lower BMI's on discharge from treatment. Low admission BMI's were related to significantly higher likelihoods of re‐admission within 1 year. This study provides strong evidence for the benefit of early treatment episodes and with more successful treatment outcomes being related to higher weights at start of treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Role of media and peers on body change strategies among adult men: Is body size important?
Authors: McCabe Marita P , McGreevy Shauna J
Published: December 2010

There has been limited previous research that has examined the role of sociocultural influences on body change strategies among adult men. The current study investigated the role of specific types of messages (encouragement, teasing and modelling) from peers and the media on the strategies to change weight among adult men. Differences were evaluated between 526 men aged from 18 to 60 years from three groups (normal weight, overweight and obese) on body image, body change strategies and messages about their body received from peers and the media. Men were primarily drawn from United States, Australia and Europe. Results showed that messages received by men regarding losing weight or increasing muscle size differed according to weight. Body image and media messages were the strongest predictors of losing weight, whereas body image importance and messages from peers were the strongest predictors of increasing muscles. These findings highlight the importance of sociocultural influences on body change strategies among adult males. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Emotion and eating in binge eating disorder and obesity
Authors: Zeeck Almut , Stelzer Nicola , Linster Hans Wolfgang , Joos Andreas , Hartmann Armin
Published: December 2010

This study compares 20 binge eaters (BED), 23 obese patients (OB) and 20 normal weight controls (CO) with regard to everyday emotions and the relationship between emotions, the desire to eat and binge eating. Modified versions of the Differential Affect Scale and Emotional Eating Scale were used and the TAS‐20 and Symptom‐Check‐List‐27 administered to assess overall psychopathology and alexithymia. BED‐subjects show a more negative pattern of everyday emotions, higher alexithymia scores and the strongest desire to eat, especially if emotions are linked to interpersonal aspects. The emotion most often reported preceding a binge was anger. Feelings of loneliness, disgust, exhaustion or shame lead to binge eating behaviour with the highest probability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A Control‐oriented Dynamic Model Adapted to Variant Steam‐to‐carbon Ratios for an SOFC with Exhaust Fuel Recirculation
Authors: Zhang X. , Wu Y.‐M.
Published: December 2010

The steam‐to‐carbon ratio (S/C) is a typical disturbance parameter in the operation of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power generation system. A planar SOFC with a pre‐reformer and exhaust fuel recirculation system is investigated in this work. A lumped, nonlinear dynamic model is developed for the SOFC with consideration both of the spatial effect and the variant S/Cs. The dynamic model is deduced based on a fitting function so‐called Exponential Association Function, which is employed to describe the spatial distribution of state variables in SOFC. Three parameters of the fitting function are identified to integrate the spatial effect and S/C effect in the model. The parameters of Exponential Association Function are determined by function fitting on three‐dimensional numerical data at the sample operation points. Carbon formation activity is analysed using the simulation results and thermodynamic data. Dynamic simulation is implemented with the help of software MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results show that the developed model has good performance in predicting the responses of the state variables and catching the changes of S/C.
Inheritances, health and death
Authors: Kim Beomsoo , Ruhm Christopher J.
Published: December 2010

We examine how wealth shocks, in the form of inheritances, affect the mortality rates, health status and health behaviors of older adults, using data from eight waves of the Health and Retirement Survey. Our main finding is that bequests do not have substantial effects on health, although improvements in quality‐of‐life are possible. This absence occurs despite increases in out‐of‐pocket spending on healthcare and in the utilization of medical services, especially discretionary and non‐lifesaving types such as dental care. Nor can we find a convincing indication of changes in lifestyles that offset the benefits of increased medical care. Inheritances are associated with higher alcohol consumption, but with no change in smoking or exercise and a possible decrease in obesity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete choice experiments in health economics: a review of the literature
Authors: de Bekker‐Grob Esther W. , Ryan Mandy , Gerard Karen
Published: December 2010

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) have become a commonly used instrument in health economics. This paper updates a review of published papers between 1990 and 2000 for the years 2001–2008. Based on this previous review, and a number of other key review papers, focus is given to three issues: experimental design; estimation procedures; and validity of responses. Consideration is also given to how DCEs are applied and reported. We identified 114 DCEs, covering a wide range of policy questions. Applications took place in a broader range of health‐care systems, and there has been a move to incorporating fewer attributes, more choices and interview‐based surveys. There has also been a shift towards statistically more efficient designs and flexible econometric models. The reporting of monetary values continues to be popular, the use of utility scores has not gained popularity, and there has been an increasing use of odds ratios and probabilities. The latter are likely to be useful at the policy level to investigate take‐up and acceptability of new interventions. Incorporation of interactions terms in the design and analysis of DCEs, explanations of risk, tests of external validity and incorporation of DCE results into a decision‐making framework remain important areas for future research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and application of high‐performance liquid chromatography for the study of ampelopsin pharmacokinetics in rat plasma using cloud‐point extraction
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zeng Ping , Tu Hong Hai , Wang Feng Qiao
Published: December 2010

A simple, rapid and specific method based on cloud‐point extraction (CPE) was developed to determine ampelopsin in rat plasma after oral administration by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The non‐ionic surfactant Genapol X‐080 was chosen as the extract solvent. Some important parameters affecting the CPE efficiency, such as the nature and concentration of surfactant, extraction temperature and time, centrifuge time and salt effect, were investigated and optimized. Separation was accomplished using a C18 column by gradient elution with a acetonitrile–phosphate buffer solution as the mobile phase. The detection wavelength was set at 290 nm. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of ampelopsin in rat plasma was 20–2000 ng/mL (r2=0.9996). The limit of detection was 6 ng/mL (S/N=3) with the limit of quantification being 20 ng/mL (S/N=10). The proposed method has been successfully applied for pharmacokinetic studies of ampelopsin from rat plasma after oral administration.
Dynamic three‐phase hollow fiber microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents with automated movement of the acceptor phase
Authors: Esrafili Ali , Yamini Yadollah , Ghambarian Mahnaz , Moradi Morteza
Published: December 2010

Dynamic three‐phase hollow fiber liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction (HF‐LLLME) based on two immiscible organic solvents, with automated movement of organic acceptor phase to facilitate mass transfer was introduced for the first time. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were used as model compounds and extracted from water and soil samples. The extraction involved filling an 8 cm length of hollow fiber with 25 μL of organic acceptor solvent using a microsyringe, followed by impregnation of the pores in the fiber wall with n‐dodecane. The fiber was then immersed in 20 mL of aqueous sample solution. During extraction, the organic acceptor phase was repeatedly moved in the lumen of the hollow fiber by movement of the syringe plunger controlled by programmable syringe pump. Following this microextraction, 2 μL of organic acceptor phase was injected into gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. This new technique provided up to 554‐fold preconcentration of the analytes under the optimized conditions. Good repeatabilities (with RSDs ≤8.4%) were obtained. Detection limits were in the range of 0.2–0.5 μg/L. The utilization of the proposed method for extraction of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from different real samples (such as water and soil samples) also gave good precision and recovery.
Preparation and characterization of magnetic chitosan microsphere sorbent for separation and determination of environmental estrogens through SPE coupled with HPLC
Authors: Xu Zhixiang , Zhang Jing , Cong Li , Meng Ling , Song Jiaming , Zhou Jie , Qiao Xuguang
Published: December 2010

In this paper, a new separation sorbent of magnetic chitosan microsphere was prepared by means of suspension process using magnetic‐Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetic material and glutaraldehyde as the cross‐linker. The morphology and properties of magnetic chitosan microspheres were characterized by FT‐IR, SEM and adsorption test, and the results showed that they had good recognition, high selective ability and fast adsorption–desorption dynamics for estriol (E3), 17β‐estradiol (E2) and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Applying this material as SPE sorbent, a method for separation, enrichment and analysis of estrogens in samples coupled with HPLC was developed. Under the optimized condition, the detection limit (S/N=3) for three estrogens was 3.2–20.1 ng/L, and the RSD for five replicate extractions of 50 μg/L E3, E2 and DES was 4.6–8.3%. The blank river water spiked with E3, E2 and DES at 0.05 and 0.2 mg/L levels were extracted and determined by the developed method with good recoveries ranging from 85.5 to 103.7%.
Separation of γ‐linolenic and other polyunsaturated fatty acids from Boraginaceae via supercritical CO2
Authors: Ghoreishi S. M. , Mardani E. , Ghaziaskar H. S.
Published: December 2010

Essential fatty acids were extracted from Echium amoenum (Boraginaceae) seed oil via supercritical carbon dioxide and the results were compared with conventional Soxhlet method as the base case of 100% recovery. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the effective extraction parameters. The chemical composition of recovered oil was analyzed by polar and non‐polar gas chromatograph‐flame ionization detector columns. The experimental results indicated that echium seed contained 25 wt% oil and the maximum extraction oil recovery of 92% was obtained via supercritical CO2 at optimal operating conditions (43°C, 280 bar, 1.5 mL/min, 25 min static time and 130 min dynamic time). At similar operating conditions, applying 2.5 and 5 mol% ethanol as a modifier enhanced the recovery to 96 and 112%, respectively. The results showed that supercritical fluid extraction is a viable technique for separation of constituents such as γ‐linolenic acid (7–8%), palmitic acid (6–7%), stearic acid (3–4%), oleic acid (12–13%), linoleic acid (19–20%), α‐linolenic acid (40–41%) and stearidonic acid (8–9%) from Boraginaceae.
Arithmetical identities and zeta‐functions
Authors: Kanemitsu Shigeru , Ma Jing , Tanigawa Yoshio
Published: December 2010

In this paper we establish a class of arithmetical Fourier series as a manifestation of the intermediate modular relation, which is equivalent to the functional equation of the relevant zeta‐functions. One of the examples is the one given by Riemann as an example of a continuous non‐differentiable function. The novel interest lies in the relationship between important arithmetical functions and the associated Fourier series. E.g., the saw‐tooth Fourier series is equivalent to the corresponding arithmetical Fourier series with the Möbius function. Further, if we squeeze out the modular relation, we are led to an interesting relation between the singular value of the discontinuous integral and the modification summand of the first periodic Bernoulli polynomial. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Endomorphisms of hypersurfaces of Fano manifolds of Picard number 1
Authors: Choe Insong
Published: December 2010

It is conjectured that a Fano manifold X of Picard number 1 which is not a projective space admits no endomorphisms of degree bigger than 1. Beauville confirmed this for hypersurfaces of projective space. We study this problem when X is given by a hypersurface of an arbitrary Fano manifold of Picard number 1. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Growth inhibitory efficacy of lycopene and β‐carotene against androgen‐independent prostate tumor cells xenografted in nude mice
Authors: Yang Chih‐Min , Yen Yeu‐Torng , Huang Chin‐Shiu , Hu Miao‐Lin
Published: December 2010

Scope: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of lycopene against the growth of prostate cancer in vivo.

Methods and results: Athymic nude mice were implanted subcutaneously with human androgen‐independent prostate carcinoma PC‐3 cells. They were supplemented with a low or a high dose of lycopene (4 and 16 mg/kg) and a single dose of β‐carotene (16 mg/kg) twice a week for 7 wk. At the end of the experiment, both lycopene and β‐carotene strongly inhibited the tumor growth, as evidenced by the decrease in tumor volume and tumor weight. High‐dosage lycopene and β‐carotene significantly decreased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in tumor tissues and increased the levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 in plasma. In addition, high‐dosage lycopene supplementation significantly decreased the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in plasma. In contrast, β‐carotene supplementation significantly increased the VEGF levels, as compared with tumor control group.

Conclusion: Lycopene and β‐carotene supplementation suppressed the growth of prostate tumor cells, and the effects are likely associated with reduction of proliferation (attenuation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression) and with interference of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 signaling (increased plasma insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 levels). Furthermore, the inhibition of VEGF by lycopene suggests that the antitumor mechanisms of lycopene also involve anti‐angiogenesis.
Absorption and metabolism of the mycotoxin zearalenone and the growth promotor zeranol in Caco‐2 cells in vitro
Authors: Pfeiffer Erika , Kommer Anne , Dempe Julia S. , Hildebrand Andreas A. , Metzler Manfred
Published: December 2010

Scope: Zearalenone (ZEN) and α‐zearalanol (α‐ZAL, zeranol) were studied in differentiated Caco‐2 cells and in the Caco‐2 Millicell® system in vitro to simulate their in vivo intestinal absorption and metabolism in humans.

Methods and results: In addition to metabolic reduction/oxidation, extensive conjugation with glucuronic acid and sulfate of the parent compounds and their phase I metabolites was observed. The positional isomers of the glucuronides and sulfates were unambiguously identified: Sulfonation occurred specifically at the 14‐hydroxyl group, whereas glucuronidation was less specific and, in addition to the preferred 14‐hydroxyl group, involved the 16‐ and 7‐hydroxyl groups. Using the Caco‐2 Millicell® system, an efficient transfer of the glucuronides and sulfates of ZEN and α‐ZAL and their phase I metabolites into both the basolateral and the apical compartment was observed after apical administration. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp values) of ZEN, α‐ZAL and the ZEN metabolite α‐zearalenol were determined, using an initial apical concentration of 20 μM and a permeation time of 1 h.

Conclusion: According to the Papp values, the three compounds are expected to be extensively and rapidly absorbed from the intestinal lumen in vivo and reach the portal blood both as aglycones and as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in humans.
Molecular characterization of Api g 2, a novel allergenic member of the lipid‐transfer protein 1 family from celery stalks
Authors: Gadermaier Gabriele , Egger Matthias , Girbl Tamara , Erler Anja , Harrer Andrea , Vejvar Eva , Liso Marina , Richter Klaus , Zuidmeer Laurian , Mari Adriano , Ferreira Fatima
Published: December 2010

Scope: Celery represents a relevant cross‐reactive food allergen source in the adult population. As the currently known allergens are not typical elicitors of severe symptoms, we aimed to identify and characterize a non‐specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP).

Methods and results: MS and cDNA cloning were applied to obtain the full‐length sequence of a novel allergenic nsLTP from celery stalks. The purified natural molecule consisted of a single isoallergen designated as Api g 2.0101, which was recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli Rosetta‐gami. The natural and recombinant molecules displayed equivalent physicochemical and immunological properties. Circular dichroism revealed a typical α‐helical fold and high thermal stability. Moreover, Api g 2 was highly resistant to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. As assessed by ELISA, thermal denaturation did not affect the IgE binding of Api g 2. Natural and recombinant Api g 2 showed similar allergenic activity in mediator release assays. Api g 2‐specific IgE antibodies cross‐reacted with peach and mugwort pollen nsLTPs.

Conclusion: Based on our results, it can be anticipated that inclusion of recombinant Api g 2 in the current panel of allergens for molecule‐based diagnosis will facilitate the evaluation of the clinical relevance of nsLTP sensitization in celery allergy and help clinicians in the management of food allergic patients.
Motor neuron disease due to neuropathy target esterase gene mutation: Clinical features of the index families
Authors: Rainier Shirley , Albers James W. , Dyck Peter J. , Eldevik O. Petter , Wilcock Sandra , Richardson Rudy J. , Fink John K.
Published: December 2010

Recently, we reported that mutations in the neuropathy target esterase (NTE) gene cause autosomal recessive motor neuron disease (NTE‐MND). We describe clinical, neurophysiologic, and neuroimaging features of affected subjects in the index families. NTE‐MND subjects exhibited progressive lower extremity spastic weakness that began in childhood and was later associated with atrophy of distal leg and intrinsic hand muscles. NTE‐MND resembles Troyer syndrome, except that short stature, cognitive impairment, and dysmorphic features, which often accompany Troyer syndrome, are not features of NTE‐MND. Early onset, symmetry, and slow progression distinguish NTE‐MND from typical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NTE is implicated in organophosphorus compound–induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN). NTE‐MND patients have upper and lower motor neuron deficits that are similar to OPIDN. Motor neuron degeneration in subjects with NTE mutations supports the role of NTE and its biochemical cascade in the molecular pathogenesis of OPIDN and possibly other degenerative neurologic disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Carbamylated erythropoietin does not alleviate signs of dystrophy in mdx mice
Authors: Wu Melissa P. , Gussoni Emanuela
Published: December 2010

Erythropoietin promotes myoblast proliferation and inhibits fibrosis and thus it could impede the pathogenesis of muscle degenerative diseases. However, its stimulation of erythropoiesis limits its use as a therapeutic agent. An erythropoietin analog, carbamylated erythropoietin (C‐EPO), retains these protective actions, yet it does not interact with the erythropoietin receptor. To determine whether treatment with C‐EPO alleviates the signs of muscular dystrophy in an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we treated mdx mice with intraperitoneal injections of 50 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg C‐EPO for 4 and 12 weeks, and we monitored weight, serum creatine kinase levels, and changes in muscle histology. Moderate histological improvement was observed at 4 weeks, which did not translate into a significantly decreased level of serum creatine kinase. At the doses tested, C‐EPO is not an effective therapeutic for the treatment of a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Exercise training enhances the skeletal muscle response to radiation‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: De Lisio Michael , Kaczor Jan J. , Phan Nghi , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Boreham Douglas R. , Parise Gianni
Published: December 2010

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cellular macromolecules and lead to cellular dysfunction or death. Exercise training induces beneficial adaptations in skeletal muscle that may reduce cellular damage from exposure to ROS. To determine the response of exercise‐conditioned muscle to acute increases in ROS, four groups of mice were used: non‐trained (NT, n = 12); NT + high‐dose radiation (HDR, n = 3); exercise‐trained (EX, n = 13, 3 days/week for 10 weeks, 10 m/min to 18 m/min); and EX + HDR (n = 3/group). Quadriceps muscle was harvested 3–5 days following the last exercise bout in the training program for measurement of antioxidant enzyme and metabolic enzyme activity. Total superoxide dismutase (41%), and manganese sodium oxide dismutase (51%) activities were significantly increased in radiation‐challenged EX mice as compared with unchallenged EX mice (all P ≤ 0.05). No such increase was observed in NT mice. Citrate synthase (42%) and cytochrome c oxidase (38%) activities were both elevated in radiation‐challenged EX mice as compared with unchallenged EX mice (both P < 0.05), and no such increase was observed in NT. We demonstrate that preconditioning skeletal muscle with EX enhances the response of antioxidant and mitochondrial enzymes to radiation. Muscle Nerve, 2011