bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of Littoral Fish Abundance to Water Chemistry and Macrophyte Variables in Central Ontario Lakes
Authors: Hinch Scott G. , Collins Nicholas C.
Published: November 2008

We collected data on the most frequently encountered medium- to large-bodied littoral fishes in two independent sets of central Ontario lakes; the first set (10 lakes) was sampled between 1979 and 1980 and the second (15 lakes) from 1982 to 1988. Empirical models were constructed by correlating the strongest with in-year, among-lake trends in species abundance with the strongest among-lake trends in abiotic variables determined by principal coordinates analyses; indices of nearshore vegetation cover were also used as predictor variables. From 1982 to 1988, variation in abundance of Lepomis (pooled pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus) and bluegill (L. macrochirus)) was the major among-lake trend, and this was strongly correlated with differences in lake primary productivity (P < 0.02 for each year) and nearshore macrophyte cover (P < 0.03 for each year). In 1979–80, variation in abundance of pumpkinseed was the major among-lake trend, and this was strongly correlated with among-lake variability in nearshore macrophyte cover (P = 0.006) and lake flushing rate (P = 0,008); bluegill were not present in these lakes. Among-lake variation in food availability and/or abundance of refuges from predators may be factors responsible for the among-lake patterns in Lepomis abundance.
Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata) Nestling Diet May Gauge Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) Recruitment
Authors: Bertram Douglas F. , Kaiser Gary W.
Published: November 2008

We studied (1984–86) the diet of rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata) nestlings at three colonies on the British Columbia coast (Lucy islands, Pine Island, and Triangle Island). On the Lucy Islands, Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) dominated nestling food loads in all years. In 1985, 0+ sand lance dominated the nestling diet on all colonies. Concurrent measures of nestling growth rate, independent indexes of ocean production, and the proportion of sand lance in groundfish stomach samples were also highest in 1985. This suggests a linkage between ocean production, 0+ sand lance abundance, and events on seabird colonies over a broad geographic range. We emphasize the importance of sand lance to temperate seabirds and contrast British Columbia with areas where sand lance are commercially exploited. Rhinoceros auklet nestling diet, growth, and other data collected on colonies suggest that long-term monitoring on seabird colonies can contribute timely and inexpensive information on the recruitment of sand lance stocks in Canadian waters.
Relationships among Early Life Stages of Morone americana and Morone saxatilis from Long-Term Monitoring of the Hudson River Estuary
Authors: Pace Michael L. , Baines Stephen B. , Cyr Hélène , Downing John A.
Published: November 2008

Annual abundances of eggs, yolk-sac larvae (YSL), post-yolk-sac larvae (PYSL), and young-of-the-year (YOY) stages of Morone americana and Morone saxatilis are summarized from a 17-yr monitoring program in the Hudson River Estuary. Variability in temperature and freshwater flow in the Hudson River explained little of the interannual variation of early life stages of either species. Year class strength as indicated by the abundance of early life stages does not appear to be strongly influenced by environmental conditions. YSL were positively related to the abundance of eggs, but these relationships were weak, reflecting the high uncertainty in egg abundance estimates. There were positive relationships between the abundances of YSL and PYSL for both species. Our analysis implies that interannual variability in mortality is less important in determining recruitment to PYSL than the abundance of the prior life stages. There was no relationship, however, between the abundance estimates of PYSL and YOY. Differential mortality among years during the larval stage may result in juvenile recruitment being independent of larval abundance. A second possibility is that YOY are poorly sampled so that the monitoring programs currently provide inadequate estimates of the abundance of YOY.
FERMION SYSTEMS IN DISCRETE SPACE–TIME EXEMPLIFYING THE SPONTANEOUS GENERATION OF A CAUSAL STRUCTURE
Authors: DIETHERT A. , FINSTER F. , SCHIEFENEDER D.
Published: November 2008

As toy models for space–time at the Planck scale, we consider examples of fermion systems in discrete space–time which are composed of one or two particles defined on two up to nine space–time points. We study the self-organization of the particles as described by a variational principle both analytically and numerically. We find an effect of spontaneous symmetry breaking which leads to the emergence of a discrete causal structure.
QUARK MIXING FROM MASS MATRIX MODEL WITH FLAVOR 2 ↔ 3 SYMMETRY
Authors: NISHIURA HIROYUKI , MATSUDA KOICHI , FUKUYAMA TAKESHI
Published: November 2008

We consider a universal mass matrix model which has a seesaw-invariant structure with the most general texture based on flavor 2 ↔ 3 symmetry common to all quarks and leptons. The CKM quark mixing matrix of the model is analyzed. It is shown that the model is consistent with all the experimental data of quark mixings by tuning free parameters of the model. We also show that the values of parameters of the present model consistent with the experimental data are not far from the ones of the mass matrix model with a vanishing (1, 1) element.
EXPLOITING SONOLUMINESCENCE TO REALIZE A MEMS ULTRASONIC SENSOR
Authors: TAM ANDREW , CHOWDHURY SAZZADUR
Published: November 2008

The design of a MEMS ultrasonic sensor has been presented that exploits the Single Bubble Sonoluminescence (SBSL) phenomenon to realize an energy transduction mechanism from acoustical to electrical domain. In the developed scheme, highly stable laser like short duration light pulses are emitted when ultrasound waves strike a thermally generated microbubble stabilized in a confined volume of 1% xenon-enriched water. The emitted light pulses are detected by an integrated profiled silicon type photodetector to generate ultrastable 100 picoseconds duration current pulses per acoustical cycle. The sensor exhibits energy amplification during the transduction process itself that is not achievable by conventional types of MEMS or non-MEMS acoustical sensors. The cylindrical sensor geometry is 650 μm in diameter and 300 μm in height and is designed to have a sensitivity of 5.56 mA/atm/cycle. The sensor can be used in applications where detection of high pressure ultrasound waves is necessary or as an ultrastable very short duration current pulse generator for use in tissue and nerve repair or microsurgery.
LOW POWER ADIABATIC PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC ARRAY WITH SINGLE CLOCK IAPDL
Authors: YANG W. J. , ZHOU Y. , LAU K. T.
Published: November 2008

A novel implementation of a low power adiabatic PLA with a single power clock (IAPDL-SC PLA) is presented. The isolation transistor in the AND array is removed. The power clock is shared by the AND array and the OR array. In this way, the proposed PLA not only saves the device components but also reduces the power consumption. For 3 V VDD and 200 MHz power clock frequency, the simulation results using Hspice show that the power saving is 79.48% compared to dynamic CMOS PLA, 69.34% compared to APDL PLA, and 40.40% compared to IAPDL PLA. For the 5 × 8 × 4 PLA design, the device saving is 30.77% compared to APDL PLA and 12.90% compared to IAPDL PLA. The diodes are the critical components for all the technology designs. Current simulation is based on 0.8 μm process and the power consumption can be further reduced using the more downsized technology designs.
THE VARIETY GENERATED BY A CERTAIN TRANSFORMATION MONOID
Authors: ZHANG WENTING , LUO YANFENG
Published: November 2008

It is shown that the transformation monoid [Formula: see text] is finitely based and a finite identity basis for [Formula: see text] is given, which solves the finite basis problem for [Formula: see text]. It is also shown that the variety Var[Formula: see text] generated by [Formula: see text] for which xyx is not an isoterm has uncountably many subvarieties, which gives an affirmative answer to a question of Jackson.
QUASIGROUP HOMOTOPIES, SEMISYMMETRIZATION, AND REVERSIBLE AUTOMATA
Authors: SMITH JONATHAN D. H.
Published: November 2008

There have been two distinct approaches to quasigroup homotopies, through reversible automata or through semisymmetrization. In the current paper, these two approaches are correlated. Kernel relations of homotopies are characterized combinatorically, and shown to form a modular lattice. Nets or webs are exhibited as purely algebraic constructs, point sets of objects in the category of quasigroup homotopies. A factorization theorem for morphisms in this category is obtained.
TUNNELING OF CHARGED FERMIONS FROM THE GARFINKLE–HORNE DILATON BLACK HOLE
Authors: ZENG XIAO-XIONG , HAO XI-ZHUN , YANG SHU-ZHENG
Published: November 2008

Motivated by the recent work of Kerner and Mann, we study Hawking tunneling radiation of fermions from the Garfinkle–Horne dilaton black hole on the brane. Because the electromagnetic field would couple with the gravity and matter fields, we introduce the Dirac equation of charged particles. We further discuss the correction spectrum of the radiant spin 1/2 particles by considering energy conservation and charge conservation. Our result shows that the tunneling rate of fermions also agrees with the underlying unitary theory as the unfixed background space–time is taken into account.
AUTOMATIC VIDEO OBJECT EXTRACTION WITH CAMERA IN MOTION
Authors: THAKOOR NINAD , GAO JEAN X.
Published: November 2008

Automatic moving object extraction has been explored extensively in the image processing and computer vision community. Generally, moving object extraction schemes rely on either optical flow or frame difference. Optical flow methods can deal with moving cameras, but they are inconsistent at object boundaries and the object segmentation tends to be inaccurate. Although frame difference approaches can detect object boundaries, they cannot detect the uniform intensity interior regions. Additionally, the frame difference approaches cannot deal with moving cameras. We present a novel technique for the automatic extraction of a moving object captured by a moving camera by blending the information from the optical flow, the frame differences, and the spatial segmentation. The optical flow is used to compensate the camera motion and to generate a model for the background. Next, the differences in the compensated frames are compared with the background model to detect the changes in the frame. Finally, the detected changes and the spatial segmentation are combined to identify the moving uniform intensity regions. Experimental results of the proposed moving object extraction method for a variety of videos are presented.
A MOLECULAR MODELING STUDY OF GENERATION-DEPENDENT STABILITY OF DENDRITIC POLYSILANES
Authors: MU TING , FENG DACHENG , FENG SHENGYU
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on the maximum generation issue. Molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to search the minimum energy configurations of eight types of structurally related polysilane dendrimers of various generations. Calculations reveal that for the studied dendrimers, the innermost Si – Si bonds adjoining the silicon atom at the center of the core structure are extended for steric relief with the amount of extension increasing with the number of generations due to the rise of the spatial hindrance inside these molecules.
ESTIMATION OF DISSOLVABILITY OF CHLORIC AND ALKYL BENZENE DERIVATIVES USING QUANTUM CHEMICAL DESCRIPTORS AND PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES
Authors: TAO XUE-QIN , LU GUI-NING , FEI HONG-LIN , ZHOU KANG-QUN
Published: November 2008

Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) modeling is a powerful approach for predicting environmental behavior of organic pollutants with their structure descriptors. This study reports two optimal QSPR models for estimating water solubility ( log S W ) and n-octanol/water partition coefficient ( log K OW ) of chloric and alkyl benzene derivatives. Quantum chemical descriptors computed with density functional theory at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level and partial least squares (PLS) analysis with optimizing procedure were used for generating QSPR models for log S W and log K OW of chloric and alkyl benzene derivatives. The correlation coefficients of the optimal models for log S W and log K OW were 0.973 and 0.990, respectively. The results of internal cross-validation test and external validation test showed that both of the optimal models had high fitting precision and good predicting ability. The log S W and log K OW values predicted by the optimal models are very close to those observed. The PLS analysis indicated that chloric and alkyl benzene derivatives with larger electronic spatial extent and lower molecular total energy tend to be more hydrophobic and lipophilic, and smaller energy gap between the lowest unoccupied and the highest occupied molecular orbitals leads to larger dissolvability.
SIMULTANEOUS IMAGING OF A lacZ-MARKED TUMOR AND MICROVASCULATURE MORPHOLOGY IN VIVO BY DUAL-WAVELENGTH PHOTOACOUSTIC MICROSCOPY
Authors: LI LI , ZHANG HAO F. , ZEMP ROGER J. , MASLOV KONSTANTIN , WANG LIHONG V.
Published: November 2008

Photoacoustic molecular imaging, combined with the reporter-gene technique, can provide a valuable tool for cancer research. The expression of the lacZ reporter gene can be imaged using photoacoustic imaging following the injection of X-gal, a colorimetric assay for the lacZ-encoded enzyme β-galactosidase. Dual-wavelength photoacoustic microscopy was used to non-invasively image the detailed morphology of a lacZ-marked 9L gliosarcoma and its surrounding microvasculature simultaneously in vivo, with a superior resolution on the order of 10 μm. Tumor-feeding vessels were found, and the expression level of lacZ in tumor was estimated. With future development of new absorption-enhancing reporter-gene systems, we anticipate this strategy can lead to a better understanding of the role of tumor metabolism in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, and in its response to therapy.
Metabolomic investigation into variation of endogenous metabolites in professional athletes subject to strength-endurance training
Authors: Yan Bei , A Jiye , Wang Guangji , Lu Huali , Huang Xiaoping , Liu Yi , Zha Weibin , Hao Haiping , Zhang Ying , Liu Linsheng , Gu Shenghua , Huang Qing , Zheng Yuanting , Sun Jianguo
Published: November 2008

Strength-endurance type of sport can lead to modification of human beings' physiological status. The present study aimed to investigate the alteration of metabolic phenotype or biochemical compositions in professional athletes induced by long-term training by means of a novel systematic tool, metabolomics. Resting venous blood samples of junior and senior male rowers were obtained before and after 1-wk and 2-wk training. Venous blood from healthy male volunteers as control was also sampled at rest. Endogenous metabolites in serum were profiled by GC/TOF-MS and multivariate statistical technique, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares projection to latent structures and discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to process the data. Significant metabolomic difference was observed between the professional athletes and control subjects. Long-term strength and endurance training induced distinct separation between athletes of different exercise seniority, and training stage-related trajectory of the two groups of athletes was clearly shown along with training time. However, most of these variations were not observed by common biochemical parameters, such as hemoglobin, testosterone, and creatine kinase. The identified metabolites contributing to the classification included alanine, lactate, β-d-methylglucopyranoside, pyroglutamic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, citric acid, free fatty acids, valine, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and so on, which were involved in glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that metabolomics is a promising and potential tool to profile serum of professional athletes, make a deep insight into physiological states, and clarify the disorders induced by strength-endurance physical exercise.
Cellular mechanisms regulating protein synthesis and skeletal muscle hypertrophy in animals
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsunori , Esser Karyn A.
Published: November 2008

Growth and maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is critical for long-term health and quality of life. Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptable tissue with well-known sensitivities to environmental cues such as growth factors, cytokines, nutrients, and mechanical loading. All of these factors act at the level of the cell and signal through pathways that lead to changes in phenotype through multiple mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the animal and cell culture models used and the signaling mechanisms identified in understanding regulation of protein synthesis in response to mechanical loading/resistance exercise. Particular emphasis has been placed on 1) alterations in mechanical loading and regulation of protein synthesis in both in vivo animal studies and in vitro cell culture studies and 2) upstream mediators regulating mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and protein synthesis during skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Sensitive Response to Low-Frequency Cochlear Distortion Products in the Auditory Midbrain
Authors: Abel Cornelius , Kössl Manfred
Published: November 2008

During auditory stimulation with several frequency components, distortion products (DPs) are generated as byproduct of nonlinear cochlear amplification. After generated, DP energy is reemitted into the ear channel where it can be measured as DP otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and it also induces an excitatory response at cochlear places related to the DP frequencies. We measured responses of 91 inferior colliculus (IC) neurons in the gerbil during two-tone stimulation with frequencies well above the unit's receptive field but adequate to generate a distinct distortion product (f2-f1 or 2f1-f2) at the unit's characteristic frequency (CF). Neuronal responses to DPs could be accounted for by the simultaneously measured DPOAEs for DP frequencies >1.3 kHz. For DP frequencies <1.3 kHz ( n = 25), there was a discrepancy between intracochlear DP magnitude and DPOAE level, and most neurons responded as if the intracochlear DP level was significantly higher than the DPOAE level in the ear channel. In 12% of those low-frequency neurons, responses to the DPs could be elicited even if the stimulus tone levels were below the threshold level of the neuron at CF. High intracochlear f2-f1 and 2f1-f2 DP-levels were verified by cancellation of the neuronal DP response with a third phase-adjusted tone stimulus at the DP frequency. A frequency-specific reduction of middle ear gain at low frequencies is possibly involved in the reduction of DPOAE level. The results indicate that pitch-related properties of complex stimuli may be produced partially by high intracochlear f2-f1 distortion levels.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor–Mediated Use–Dependent Down-Regulation of Synaptic Excitability Involves the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein
Authors: Repicky Sarah , Broadie Kendal
Published: November 2008

Loss of the mRNA-binding protein FMRP results in the most common inherited form of both mental retardation and autism spectrum disorders: fragile X syndrome (FXS). The leading FXS hypothesis proposes that metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling at the synapse controls FMRP function in the regulation of local protein translation to modulate synaptic transmission strength. In this study, we use the Drosophila FXS disease model to test the relationship between Drosophila FMRP (dFMRP) and the sole Drosophila mGluR (dmGluRA) in regulation of synaptic function, using two-electrode voltage-clamp recording at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Null dmGluRA mutants show minimal changes in basal synapse properties but pronounced defects during sustained high-frequency stimulation (HFS). The double null dfmr1;dmGluRA mutant shows repression of enhanced augmentation and delayed onset of premature long-term facilitation (LTF) and strongly reduces grossly elevated post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) phenotypes present in dmGluRA-null animals. Null dfmr1 mutants show features of synaptic hyperexcitability, including multiple transmission events in response to a single stimulus and cyclic modulation of transmission amplitude during prolonged HFS. The double null dfmr1;dmGluRA mutant shows amelioration of these defects but does not fully restore wildtype properties in dfmr1-null animals. These data suggest that dmGluRA functions in a negative feedback loop in which excess glutamate released during high-frequency transmission binds the glutamate receptor to dampen synaptic excitability, and dFMRP functions to suppress the translation of proteins regulating this synaptic excitability. Removal of the translational regulator partially compensates for loss of the receptor and, similarly, loss of the receptor weakly compensates for loss of the translational regulator.
Incidence and 10-Year Survival of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Population-Based Registry
Authors: Sacco Simona , Marini Carmine , Toni Danilo , Olivieri Luigi , Carolei Antonio
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

We analyzed data referring to our prospective population-based registry, including patients with a first-ever stroke followed up to 10 years.

Results—

In a 5-year period, we included 549 patients (247 men and 302 women; mean age±SD, 73.6±12.5 years) with an intracerebral hemorrhage. The crude annual incidence rate was 36.9 per 100000 (95% CI, 33.8 to 40.0), 32.9 per 100000 when standardized to the 2006 European population, and 15.9 per 100000 when standardized to the world population. The case-fatality rate was 34.6% (95% CI, 30.6 to 38.6) at 7 days; it increased to 50.3% (95% CI, 46.1 to 54.5) at 30 days and to 59.0% (95% CI, 54.9 to 63.1) at 1 year. Diabetes mellitus and posterior fossa hemorrhage were associated with an increased risk of 7- and 30-day mortality, whereas older age was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality only. At the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 10-year survival rate was 24.1% (95% CI, 20.1 to 28.1).

Conclusions—

Intracerebral hemorrhage is characterized by a severe prognosis, mostly in the short term. Because of the high proportion of fatal events that occurs early after the stroke, it is mandatory to identify and apply specific therapeutic strategies for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
Experiential Knowledge of Serious Mental Health Problems
Authors: Kottsieper Petra
Published: November 2008

In 1998, a dialogue between mental health consumers and psychologists was sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services. It is against this backdrop that the author briefly discusses her personal experience with serious mental health problems and how it has informed her clinical training and practice, especially in working with individuals with serious mental health problems and disorders. Using some of the overall recommendations of the 1998 meeting as guiding principles, the author reviews the literature on four topics that have become salient in her role as client—scientist—practitioner. Her experiential, academic, and clinical knowledge has led her to focus on how she can provide hope to her clients—patients in their recoveries and increase the use of first-person stories of individuals with mental disorders in both her practice and teaching. The discussion of therapist self-disclosure is reexamined in light of current research evidence and shifts in theoretical paradigms. Finally, readers are encouraged to examine the ongoing stigma associated with mental disorders perpetuated within the profession and look at experiential knowledge of mental disorders as an additional competence in the field of psychology rather than solely as an issue of professional competence or impairment.
Production and characterization of poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) from recombinant Escherichia coli grown on cheap renewable carbon substrates
Authors: Fonseca Gustavo Graciano , Fonseca Gustavo Graciano , de Arruda-Caulkins Juliana Carvalho , Vasconcellos Antonio Regina
Published: November 2008

Although the biopolymer poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate), P[3HB], presents physicochemical properties that make it an alternative material to conventional plastics, its biotechnological production is quite expensive. As carbon substrates contribute greatly to P[3HB] production cost, the utilization of a cheaper carbon substrate and less demanding micro-organisms should decrease its cost. In the present study a 23 factorial experimental design was applied, aiming to evaluate the effects of using hydrolysed corn starch (HCS) and soybean oil (SBO) as carbon substrates, and cheese whey (CW) supplementation in the mineral medium (MM) on the responses, cell dried weigh (DCW), percentage P[3HB] and mass P[3HB] by recombinant Escherichia coli strains JM101 and DH10B, containing the P[3HB] synthase genes from Cupriavidus necator (ex- Ralstonia eutropha). The analysis of effects indicated that the substrates and the supplement and their interactions had positive effect on CDW. Statistically generated equations showed that, at the highest concentrations of HCS, SO and CW, theoretically it should be possible to produce about 2 g L— 1 DCW, accumulating 50% P[3HB], in both strains. To complement this study, the strain that presented the best results was cultivated in MM added to HCS, SBO and CW (in best composition observed) and complex medium (CM) to compare the obtained P[3HB] in terms of physicochemical parameters. The obtained results showed that the P[3HB] production in MM (1.29 g L —1) was approximately 20% lower than in CM (1.63 g L— 1); however, this difference can be compensated by the lower cost of the MM achieved by the use of cheap renewable carbon sources. Moreover, using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry analyses, it was observed that the polymer produced in MM was the one which presented physicochemical properties ( Tg and T f) that were more similar to those found in the literature for P[3HB].
Impact of heavy metals on the oil products biodegradation process
Authors: Zukauskaite Audrone , Jakubauskaite Viktorija , Belous Olga , Ambrazaitiene Dalia , Stasiskiene Zaneta
Published: November 2008

Oil products continue to be used as a principal source of energy. Wide-scale production, transport, global use and disposal of petroleum have made them major contaminants in prevalence and quantity in the environment. In accidental spills, actions are taken to remove or remediate or recover the contaminants immediately, especially if they occur in environmentally sensitive areas, for example, in coastal zones. Traditional methods to cope with oil spills are confined to physical containment. Biological methods can have an advantage over the physical—chemical treatment regimes in removing spills in situ as they offer biodegradation of oil fractions by the micro-organisms. Recently, biological methods have been known to play a significant role in bioremediation of oil-polluted coastal areas. Such systems are likely to be of significance in the effective management of sensitive coastal ecosystems chronically subjected to oil spillage. For this reason the aim of this paper is to present an impact of Mn, Cu, Co and Mo quantities on oil biodegradation effectiveness in coastal soil and to determine the relationship between metal concentrations and degradation of two oil products (black oil and diesel fuel). Soil was collected in the Baltic Sea coastal zone oil products degradation area (Klaipeda, Lithuania). The experiment consisted of two parts: study on the influence of micro-elements on the oil product biodegradation process; and analysis of the influence of metal concentration on the number of HDMs. The analysis performed and results obtained address the following areas: impact of metal on a population of hydrocarbon degrading micro-organisms, impact of metals on residual concentrations of oil products, influence of metals on the growth of micro-organisms, inter-relation of metal concentrations with degradation rates. Statistical analysis was made using `Statgraphics plus' software. The influence of metals on the growth of micro-organisms, the biodegradation process rate and the oil product concentrations were evaluated with analysis of variance. The impact has been investigated separately and synergetically.
Determining standards for professional divers diving in benzene polluted waters
Authors: Froom P
Published: November 2008

The main objective of this study is to calculate the hours of diving in benzene-polluted waters acceptable for professional divers. We considered recommended absorption limit as that from pulmonary workplace absorption during an 8-h workday at recommended exposure limits set by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and developed a formula to determine recommended limits for diving time based on actual water and sediment concentrations and exposure conditions. The recommended absorption limit is 1.6 mg of benzene per workday. This is equivalent to total body dermal absorption over a 1-h dive at water concentration of 7.6 mg/L, or absorption from drinking 0.1 L of water with a concentration of 16.5 mg/L, or dermal absorption with 50% of the body covered in sediment with a concentration of 18,851 mg/kg. A formula that calculates allowable diving time considering benzene water and sediment concentrations, and gastrointestinal and dermal exposures is presented. Water concentrations and not exposure to sediment limit recommended diving time, and unlimited diving in areas with sediment and water concentrations thought to pose a serious human health hazard would not surpass the recommended amount of benzene absorbed in the workplace. We conclude that allowable diving time in polluted waters can be calculated resulting in absorption equivalent to recommended limits for pulmonary absorption in the workplace. Our results suggest that agencies determining significant health risk levels of chemical concentrations in sediment and water should consider our findings.
Chloroacetonitrile induces intrauterine growth restriction and musculoskeletal toxicity in fetal mouse
Authors: Ahmed AE , El-Mazar HM , Nagy AA , Abdel-Naim AB
Published: November 2008

Chloroacetonitrile (CAN) is a by-product of chlorination of drinking water. Epidemiological studies indicate that it might present a hazard to human health. The present study was designed to investigate the potential adverse effects of intrauterine exposure to CAN on fetal body weight and development of the musculoskeletal system in mice. At gestation day 6, pregnant mice were given CAN (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day) till gestation day 18. Uteri were then examined and live fetuses were collected, weighed, and evaluated for any malformations. High doses of CAN (50 mg/kg) significantly elevated fetal anomalies and reduced fetal viability. Chloroacetonitrile at a dose of 25 mg/kg did not affect fetal viability and significantly reduced fetal body weight. Subsequent experimentation was performed using this dose level. Histological examination of fetal axial skeleton indicated that CAN resulted in delayed appearance of endochondral ossification centers, widening of the vertebrae, and destruction of the calcified zone. In addition, the skeletal muscle fibers were markedly distorted, were small in size, and were widely separated by connective tissue. Both connective tissue perimysium and endomysium were less cellular compared with control sections. The histological findings were further confirmed by assessing the morphometric changes. Ratios of calcified cartilage to non-calcified cartilage areas in both control and CAN-exposed groups were determined. Also, skeletal muscle fiber diameter of CAN-exposed fetuses was significantly decreased compared with control group. In conclusion, intrauterine exposure to low levels of CAN decreases fetal body weight and induces malformations in the musculoskeletal system in mice.
English-Speaking and Spanish-Speaking Domestic Violence Perpetrators: An MMPI-2 Assessment
Authors: Scott Ronald L. , Flowers John V. , Bulnes Alejandro , Olmsted Eileen , Carbajal-Madrid Pedro
Published: November 2008

The use of assessments to characterize domestic violence perpetrators continues to develop with an emphasis on increasing the effectiveness of domestic violence interventions. The present study examines and compares Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 responses from 41 English-speaking and 48 Spanish-speaking men who were in court-mandated domestic violence treatment programs. Data are analyzed on all validity, clinical, supplementary, and content scales using composite means and cluster analyses. Although there are significant differences between the 2 groups on 12 scales, no scale shows significant clinical elevations ( T >" xbd="1182" xhg="1161" ybd="1650" yhg="1612"/> 65) for either language cohort. Three perpetrator subgroups are identified using a methodology similar to that used in previous MMPI-2 studies: nonpathological, antisocial, and otherwise psychologically disturbed. The proportion of participants falling into each of the 3 groups, for both English and Spanish speakers, is similar to that found in other studies. The results are discussed in terms of cultural influences and the need for treatment approaches tailored to characteristics of each personality type.
Forest–savanna dynamics in the coastal lowland of southern Mozambique since c. AD 1400
Authors: Ekblom Anneli
Published: November 2008

In the coastal lowlands of Mozambique, an expansion of savannas at the cost of forests has been attributed to anthropogenic influence. There are few investigations that have studied vegetation dynamics over the long term. Pollen analysis from two sedimentary cores in the Chibuene area, 7 km south of Vilanculos presented in this paper show that the coastal area 1600 years ago consisted of a mosaic of forests, Miombo woodlands and grasslands. The data also show that the area supported extensive forests in the past until AD 1400—1600 when the forests declined dramatically. Changing settlement patterns, as suggested from archaeological excavations, cannot be correlated with the forest decline and the charcoal abundance, in the sedimentary cores does not suggest an intensification of farming. Instead the decline of forests appears to be temporally correlated with a prolonged period of repeated dry spells associated with the `Little Ice Age', which caused a shift in vegetation whereby typical forest species as Trema, Celtis and Moraceae were outcompeted on account of the droughts. This study challenges rooted assumptions about the cause of decline of forests in the coastal region. It also suggests that the forest fragments present on the Mozambique coast today are naturally subject to threat from climatic stress and as such are highly sensitive areas to future climate change.
Modeling Loose Joints in Elastic Structures— Momentum Transfer Model Development
Authors: Barhorst Alan A.
Published: November 2008

This is the second article in a sequence of four companion articles. In these articles, a hybrid parameter multiple body system methodology is utilized to model the frictional contact/impact of a loose bolted joint between two sections of an elastic cantilever beam undergoing planar slewing motion. In this preliminary model, a “rigid” joint is utilized, which allows the members of the joint to be rigid, each attached to one of the elastic beam sections. Frictional contact/impact is modeled at four contact points. The contact constraints and momentum transfer are modeled using the idea of instantly applied nonholonomic constraints. The momentum transfer equations will be developed herein. A review of the theoretical development is presented, followed by a step by step outline of the process. The novelty of the approach is the use of pseudo-speeds to realize the momentum transfer during the contact and impact events. The dynamical equations, numerical solution scheme, and experimental comparisons are presented in the companion articles. The motivation for this work is to produce low order models, based on first principles, of nonlinear structural phenomena, especially those associated with loose joints.
The early intervention solution: Enabling or constraining literacy learning
Authors: Woods Annette , Henderson Robyn
Published: November 2008

Current policy, media and curriculum initiatives across western nations are drawing literacy and literacy pedagogy toward enticingly simplistic understandings of literacy as commodity. Increasingly they focus on `fixing' perceived literacy problems by assuming the primacy of early years literacy and `top-up' intervention programs. In the wash-up of these narrow policies failing in their primary mission, it is important that literacy researchers and educators consider expanding notions of literacy rather than returning to `old' solutions for new issues. This article revisits a prior critique of Reading Recovery as a solution to failure to learn school-based literacy. Using data collected as part a larger study into constructions of literacy failure, we analyse the shifting `ways to be a reader' required of one student during a Reading Recovery lesson. We argue that the competence required to negotiate various literacy learning contexts across one morning of learning adds to the complexity of school-based literacy learning as much as it might provide support.
Clinical variables associated with non-dipping of nocturnal blood pressure in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sommerfield Andrew J , Robinson Lorna , Padfield Paul L , Strachan Mark WJ
Published: November 2008

Aim

Non-dipping of nocturnal BP (blood pressure) is common in people with type 2 diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with nocturnal non-dipping of BP in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were examined from 100 people with type 2 diabetes who had undergone ambulatory BP monitoring. Dippers were defined as those with a systolic night-time BP dip over 15%, and non-dippers as those with a systolic night-time BP dip of under 5%.

Results

There was no significant difference between the mean awake systolic BP in the dipping (142.9 mmHg) and the non-dipping (142.0 mmHg) groups (p=0.77). Non-dippers were significantly older (p<0.0001) with a higher prevalence of albuminuria (p=0.003) and of macrovascular disease (p=0.008) when compared with the dipping group. After adjustment for age, albuminuria remained more prevalent within the non-dipping group (p=0.007). There was no significant difference in glycaemic control, type of diabetes treatment, smoking status, or gender between the groups.

Conclusion

Albuminuria is strongly associated with non-dipping of nocturnal BP in people with type 2 diabetes.
A physical model of the atmospheric aerosol turbidity for estimating the illuminance of direct sunlight
Authors: Brown AD
Published: November 2008

The aerosol turbidity index is the key variable in simple parameterisation models of direct normal solar radiation on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the sun. Techniques that use fixed design standard values of the turbidity index do not adequately account for variations in aerosol attenuation. This study presents a simple physical model to estimate the Unsworth—Monteith illuminance turbidity index TUi, using aerosol mass concentration (PM10) data that are routinely available from air pollution monitoring stations. TUi is parameterised in terms of the aerosol scale height and the ground level aerosol extinction coefficient. A measured set of hourly average `clear sun' direct normal illuminances, and PM10 data for the urban location of Sheffield UK was used to validate the proposed model.
Apolipoprotein A-II augments monocyte responses to LPS by suppressing the inhibitory activity of LPS-binding protein
Authors: Thompson Patricia A. , Berbée Jimmy F.P. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Kitchens Richard L.
Published: November 2008

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein (LBP) plays an important role in regulating leukocyte responses to LPS. Remarkably, it may either augment these responses at low LBP concentrations or inhibit them at high concentrations. We previously reported that native high-density lipoprotein (HDL) augments human monocyte responses to LPS by suppressing the inhibitory activity of high concentrations of LBP, a process that occurs before HDL can inhibit the response by subsequently binding and neutralizing LPS. We now show that this novel activity is conferred largely by an HDL component protein, apolipoprotein (apo)A-II. Purified apoA-II was highly active in our assays. We also found that HDL from apoA-II-deficient mice was almost completely inactive, whereas the activities of HDLs that lacked apoA-I, apoC-I, apoE, or apoC-III were similar to that of wild-type HDL. Decreased activity was also observed in rabbit HDL, which is naturally deficient in apoA-II. Incorporating human apoA-II into rabbit HDL increased its activity to levels found in human HDL. Our investigation of the mechanism of apoA-II activity revealed that LBP promoted the formation of large LPS aggregates with low bioactivity and that apoA-II inhibited the formation of these aggregates without binding and directly inhibiting LPS bioactivity. Our results suggest a novel pro-inflammatory activity of apoA-II that may help maintain sensitive host responses to LPS by suppressing LBP-mediated inhibition. Our findings also raise the possibility that the decline of plasma apoA-II during sepsis may help control the response to LPS.
Loss of PTEN expression is associated with colorectal cancer liver metastasis and poor patient survival
Authors: Sawai Hirozumi , Yasuda Akira , Ochi Nobuo , Ma Jiachi , Matsuo Yoichi , Wakasugi Takehiro , Takahashi Hiroki , Funahashi Hitoshi , Sato Mikinori , Takeyama Hiromitsu
Published: November 2008

Background

The tumour suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is an important negative regulator of cell-survival signaling. To evaluate the correlation between PTEN expression and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer patients with and without liver metastases, we investigated PTEN expression in primary colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Methods

Sixty-nine pairs of primary colorectal cancer and corresponding liver metastasis specimens were analyzed immunohistochemically, and the correlation between immunohistochemical findings and clinicopathological factors was investigated. Seventy primary colorectal cancer specimens from patients without liver metastases were used as controls.

Results

PTEN was strongly expressed in 44 (62.9%) colorectal cancer specimens from patients without liver metastases. In contrast, PTEN was weakly expressed in 52 (75.4%) primary colorectal cancer specimens from patients with liver metastases, and was absent in liver metastases. Weak PTEN expression in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage (p < 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). PTEN expression was significantly stronger in primary colorectal cancer specimens from patients without liver metastases. Furthermore, among colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases, the 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with positive PTEN expression compared to those with negative PTEN expression (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that loss of PTEN expression is involved with colorectal cancer aggressive capacity and that diagnostic evaluation of PTEN expression may provide valuable prognostic information to aid treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients.
A novel insertion mutation in the cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-1 (CDMP1) gene underlies Grebe-type chondrodysplasia in a consanguineous Pakistani family
Authors: Basit Sulman , Naqvi Syed Kamran-ul-Hassan , Wasif Naveed , Ali Ghazanfar , Ansar Muhammad , Ahmad Wasim
Published: November 2008

Background

Grebe-type chondrodysplasia (GCD) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by severe acromesomelic limb shortness with non-functional knob like fingers resembling toes. Mutations in the cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 1 (CDMP1) gene cause Grebe-type chondrodysplasia.

Methods

Genotyping of six members of a Pakistani family with Grebe-type chondrodysplasia, including two affected and four unaffected individuals, was carried out by using polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are closely linked to CDMP1 locus on chromosome 20q11.22. To screen for a mutation in CDMP1 gene, all of its coding exons and splice junction sites were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of affected and unaffected individuals of the family and sequenced directly in an ABI Prism 310 automated DNA sequencer.

Results

Genotyping results showed linkage of the family to CDMP1 locus. Sequence analysis of the CDMP1 gene identified a novel four bases insertion mutation (1114insGAGT) in exon 2 of the gene causing frameshift and premature termination of the polypeptide.

Conclusion

We describe a 4 bp novel insertion mutation in CDMP1 gene in a Pakistani family with Grebe-type chondrodysplasia. Our findings extend the body of evidence that supports the importance of CDMP1 in the development of limbs.
Role of c-Myb during Prolactin-Induced Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5a Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fang Feng , Rycyzyn Michael A. , Clevenger Charles V.
Published: November 2008

Implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, prolactin (PRL) mediates its function in part through the prolactin receptor (PRLr)-associated Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) signaling complex. To delineate the mechanisms of Stat5a regulation in breast cancer, transcription factor-transcription factor (TF-TF) array analysis was employed to identify associated transcriptional regulators. These analyses revealed a PRL-inducible association of Stat5a with the transcription factor and protooncogene c-Myb. Confirmatory co-immunoprecipitation studies using lysates from both T47D and MCF7 breast cancer cells revealed a PRL-inducible association between these transcription factors. Ectopic expression of c-Myb enhanced the PRL-induced expression from both composite and synthetic Stat5a-responsive luciferase reporters. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays also revealed a PRL-inducible association between c-Myb and endogenous Stat5a-responsive CISH promoter, which was associated with an enhanced expression of CISH gene product at the RNA and protein levels. Small interfering RNA-mediated c-Myb knockdown impaired the PRL-induced mRNA expression of five Stat5-responsive genes. DNA binding-defective mutants of c-Myb, incapable of activating expression from a c-Myb-responsive reporter, maintained their ability to enhance a Stat5a-responsive reporter. At a cellular level, ectopic expression of c-Myb resulted in an increase in T47D proliferation. Taken together, these results indicate that c-Myb potentiates Stat5a-driven gene expression, possibly functioning as a Stat5a coactivator, in human breast cancer.