bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Improvement of the spatial structure and quality of rural communication system in loess upland watershed
Authors: Wawer Rafał , Nowocień Eugeniusz , Podolski Bugusław , Szewrański Szymon , Żmuda Romuald
Published: July 2010

The Improvement of the spatial structure and quality of rural communication system in loess upland watershed

In strongly eroded terrains, a considerable part of agricultural roads are transformed into ravines, as a result of their inappropriate location in the terrain relief. Hence the arrangement and hardening of rural roads remains an essential component of formation of arable areas on eroded terrains. Correct derivation of the roads, which need the protective measures or even re-projecting improves the state of the road network in economically effective way, as it allocates the available resources to the most threatened areas. The article presents a study on the actual state of the net of rural roads on loess upland terrain of Mielnica watershed. The analysis, performed on digital spatial data within GIS software, revealed considerable needs for improvements of rural roads on investigated area. Basing on the results, the map of improvement measures has been developed, presenting a spatial base for a decision support system for future land improvements and allocation of economical resources for the management of rural surface communication network in rural-environmental plans.
Health awareness and sporting behaviour of qualified Cypriot physical education teachers
Authors: Christodoulou Diana
Published: July 2010

Health awareness and sporting behaviour of qualified Cypriot physical education teachers

Study aim: To assess the health awareness and sporting behaviour of qualified physical education (PE) teachers and the extent to which their health models are worth being followed.

Material and methods: A survey was conducted on the entire Cypriot population (n = 1880) of PE graduates regardless of their actual job. A random sample (n = 531; 28.2%) was selected its main characteristics reflecting those of the total population. The active PE teachers were subjected to face-to-face interviews, those having other jobs responded by mail. The interview questionnaire contained closed, alternative, and open-ended questions.

Results: Qualified PE graduates engaged in teaching or in sport-related jobs were the most active physically and had highest health awareness. Those, whose jobs were not sport-related, changed their attitudes towards healthy lifestyle and sports. Many of them would have preferred to have undertaken other, sport-unrelated studies. Yet, almost all subjects studied tried to motivate others to be involved in sport activities.

Conclusions: The health awareness and sporting behaviour of PE-graduates was affected by their current jobs. In effect, those who applied for PE-teacher jobs were at risk of having their health-directed behaviours deteriorated before having got the job. This ought to be considered when designing in- or off-service training courses.
Soil mites (Acari) on plantations of chokeberry and black currant under microirrigation
Authors: Klimek Andrzej , Rolbiecki Stanisław
Published: July 2010

Soil mites (Acari) on plantations of chokeberry and black currant under microirrigation

Bushes of black currant (Ribes nigrum) were slightly higher and wider, and their leaves had a higher content of major nutrients than chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). Soil samples were collected in 2004, in spring, summer and autumn, i.e. 3×20 samples from each experimental variant. Three irrigation variants were compared: no irrigation (C), drip irrigation (D), and micro-jet sprinkling (M). In the soil of the black currant plantation, the density of mites was higher (in variants C and D), as compared to the chokeberry plantation. The saprophagous oribatid mites were predominant in the studied mite communities, while Actinedida and Gamasida were less numerous. Oribatid mites were more numerous and more diverse in the black currant plantation than in the chokeberry plantation. The influence of irrigation on the density of oribatid mites was insignificant. In the communities of oribatid mites, Tectocepheus velatus was distinctly predominant on most plots.
Evaluation of the applicability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to sex identification in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula)
Authors: Dybus Andrzej , Siemierz Anna , Wysocki Dariusz , Szatkowska Iwona , Muszyńska Magdalena , Guenzel Sebastian
Published: July 2010

Evaluation of the applicability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to sex identification in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula)

Turdus merula is one of most common bird species in Europe. This study verified a method for its sex identification by PCR with P2/P8 primers, based on the CHD1 gene polymorphism, proposed in earlier studies as a universal tool for sex identification in most bird species. Although there are some reports that PCR cannot determine sex in Eurasian blackbirds due to a lack of differences in intron lengths of CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes, our study showed that such a possibility does exist, so it can contribute to an increased understanding of the biology of this species.
Predation follows competition in depth selection behaviour of Cladocera in a deep lake (E Poland)
Authors: Adamczuk Małgorzata
Published: July 2010

Predation follows competition in depth selection behaviour of Cladocera in a deep lake (E Poland)

Observations of the vertical distribution of Cladocera in the pelagic zone of the deep Lake Piaseczno (38.8 m) focused on 6 species: Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Daphnia longispina, D. cucullata, Bosmina coregoni, B. longirostris, and Chydorus sphaericus. The animals displayed clear depth preferences, and their migration patterns were limited to small depth amplitudes. The results show that vertical habitat segregation of cladocerans in the lake consists mostly in the mechanism of competition for accessible food resources, rather than in the mechanism of predation avoidance.
New and rare species of the Gamasida (Acari) in the Polish fauna, recorded in ‘Bagno Stawek’ Reserve (Tuchola Forest, northern Poland)
Authors: Marquardt Tomasz , Kaczmarek Sławomir
Published: July 2010

New and rare species of the Gamasida (Acari) in the Polish fauna, recorded in ‘Bagno Stawek’ Reserve (Tuchola Forest, northern Poland)

As a result of 3-year studies of gamasid mites (Acari) from ‘Bagno Stawek’ Reserve (in the Zaborski Landscape Park), 4 rare species were identified: Platyseius subglaber (Oudemans, 1903), Stylochirus giganteus (Willmann, 1938), Uroobovella minima (Koch, 1841), and Veigaia transisalae (Oudemans, 1902). Among them, S. giganteus is new to the fauna of Poland.
Thermodynamic modeling of the Pt–Zr system
Authors: Gao Yongliang , Guo Cuiping , Li Changrong , Du Zhenmin
Published: July 2010

By means of the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) technique, the Pt–Zr system was critically assessed. The solution phases (liquid, bcc, fcc and hcp) are described with the substitutional model. The intermetllic compounds Pt4Zr, Pt4Zr3, αPtZr and Pt3Zr5are treated as the formula (Pt,Zr)m(Pt,Zr)nby a two-sublattice model with the elements Pt and Zr on the first and the second sublattices, respectively. A two-sublattice model (Pt,Zr)0.5(Pt,Zr)0.5is applied to describe the compound βPtZr with CsCl-type structure (B2) in order to cope with the order–disorder transition between bcc solution (A2) and βPtZr (B2). Another two-sublattice model (Pt,Zr)0.75(Pt,Zr)0.25with Ni3Ti-type structure (D024) is applied to describe the compound Pt3Zr in order to cope with the order–disorder transition between hexagonal close-packed (A3) and Pt3Zr (D024). The compound Pt10Zr7is treated as a stoichiometric compound. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters of the Pt–Zr system was obtained.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe3Al–TiC composites
Authors: Pang Laixue , Xing Dejin , Zhang Aiqin , Xu Jing , Zhang Jinsheng
Published: July 2010

TiC particle reinforced Fe3Al composites were produced with varying volume fraction of TiC powders. The effect of the TiC fractions and distribution on the properties of the composites was investigated. The composite containing 30 vol.% TiC had hardness and bending strength values of 86 HRA and 1340 MPa, which were 10% and 57% greater than those of the unreinforced Fe3Al, respectively. Microscopic examination of the composite showed TiC particles with grain size ranging from 50 to 100 nm were homogeneously dispersed in Fe3Al matrix, the larger TiC particles with sub-micrometer size were mainly located at grain boundaries and the smaller ones were within matrix grains.
A comparative AFM study of carbon alloyed Mo–Se–C and W–S–C films for tribological applications
Authors: Tomala A. , Gebeshuber I. C. , Pauschitz A. , Roy M.
Published: July 2010

Transition metal dichalcogenides have a layered structure and are therefore promising self-lubricating films. They can be considered as potential substitutes for carbon based films in various environmental conditions. In this work, a comparative atomic force microscopy study of co-sputtered Mo–Se–C and W–S–C films is performed to evaluate their nanotribological performances. Both films are alloyed with carbon. The microstructural features of these films are characterised using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The hardness and elastic modulus of these films are measured employing nanoindentation. The topography, friction forces and pull off forces of the films are evaluated by means of atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy. The results show that the roughness parameters of Mo–Se–C films are lower than that of W–S–C films at high carbon content whereas the reverse is true at low carbon content. Adhesion forces of these films based on pull-off force measurements show that Mo–Se–C films have higher pull off forces than W–S–C films. An atomic force microscopy technique is developed to estimate microscopic values of friction coefficients and to characterise the nature of surface changes due to nanotribological experiments. The friction coefficient of Mo–Se–C films is higher than that of W–S–C films at low carbon content and these friction coefficients are comparable at high carbon content.
Effects of aluminium on some biochemical characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Alamgir ANM , Akhter Sufia
Published: July 2010

Aluminium at 10 ppm increased chl a in Aghrani, Gourab, Kanchan and Sourab; chl b and carotinoids in Fang-60, Kanchan and Sourab, though at 100 ppm inhibited chl a in all nine varieties, chl b in Akbar and Protiva and carotinoids in Aghrahani, Gourab, Kanchan, Protiva, and Sonalica. Proline content increased in the seedlings of all varieties and the root had relatively higher proline content than that of shoot. Stimulatory effect of Al3+ on proline content was higher in Kanchan. Proline content also increased in Akbar, Gourab and Sonalika. Al3+ stress induced increase in protein and reducing sugar contents was more in root than in the shoot. Hamatoxylin test of the root tips also revealed differential responses of the varieties to Al3+ stress. Key words: Aluminium stress; HYV wheat; Metabolites; Hematoxylin test; Efficiency ratio DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5519Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 9-14, 2010 (June)
Effects of phosphorus deficiency on anatomical structures in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sarker Bimal Chandra , Karmoker JL , Rashid Parveen
Published: July 2010

Anatomical response of maize (Zea mays L.) to phosphorus deficiency grown in sand culture and half strength Hoagland solution revealed that phosphorus deficiency caused a decrease in diameter of the root and stem as well as thickness of the leaf. Epidermal cells of the root, stem and leaf became thickened, cortical zone of root and stem was reduced, endodermal and pericycle cells became smaller and thick walled in phosphorus deficient plants. The prominent structural changes due to phosphorus deficiency occurred in the vascular system where the vascular area is decreased with less number of xylem vessels and smaller size of the cavity. Phosphorus deficiency also resulted in decreased number and smaller sized stomata in leaves. Key words: Phosphorus deficiency; Anatomy; Maize; Zea mays L. DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5527Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 57-60, 2010 (June)
Screening of homokaryotic protoclones of Agaricus bisporus (J. Lge) Imbach by colony characters and ISSR markers
Authors: Nazrul Mahmudul Islam , Lin Fan Xiao , Yin-Bing Bian
Published: July 2010

Among ten slow-growing protoclones of Agaricus bisporus (J. Lge) Imbach, all appressed colonies showed slower growth rate and spawn run, and inability to produce fruiting bodies in substrate. Seven of 40 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers amplified 78 reproducible fragments, 48.93% were polymorphic, each producing 7 to 16 bands ranging from 0.10 to 2.10 kbp, sufficient to differentiate the protoclones from each other. Appressed protoclones were homoallelic at a number of loci that were heteroallelic in the parent, suggesting that they represented rare homokaryons. Thus, using morphological characters along with ISSR, polymorphisms could be useful for quick, easy, and accurate in distinguishing homo- and heterokaryotic isolates. Key words: Agaricus bisporus (J. Lge) Imbach; Homokaryon; ISSR; Protoclone DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5537Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 119-122, 2010 (June)
Antioxidant Activities of Various Extracts from Artemisisa selengensis Turcz (LuHao)
Authors: Shi Feng , Jia Xiaobin , Zhao Chenglei , Chen Yan
Published: July 2010

The antioxidant activities of the various extracts and fractions from the herbs of Artemisia selegensis Turcz (AST) were investigated by in vitro and in vivo assays. FRAP, DPPH and ABTS assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the extracts/fractions in vitro. The effect of water extract (WE) in reducing oxidative stress in male mice was evaluated. Phenolic acid compounds contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity. From the results of three in vitro antioxidant assays, WE was found to have the highest antioxidant activity, and among the WE subfractions, the water soluble fraction has a significant antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant assay results showed that high doses of WE significantly decrease the MDA level compared to normal diet and D-(+) galactose group (p < 0.05), and the SOD activity of mice given a high dose of WE was the highest. These in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the extracts, especially the WE from AST, have significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. In summary, we propose that AST could be potentially used as a rich source of natural antioxidants.
Considerations in the Treatment of Geriatric Depression
Authors: Rojas-Fernandez Carlos H. , Miller Lisa J. , Sadowski Cheryl A.
Published: July 2010

Geriatric (or late-life) depression is common in older adults, with an incidence that increases dramatically after age 70 to 85, as well as among those admitted to hospitals and those who reside in nursing homes. In this population, depression promotes disability and is associated with worsened outcomes of comorbid chronic medical diseases. Geriatric depression is often undetected or undertreated in primary care settings for various reasons, including the (incorrect) belief that depression is a normal part of aging. Current research suggests that while antidepressant agent use in older adults is improving in quality, room for improvement exists. Improving the pharmacotherapy of depression in older adults requires knowledge and understanding of many clinical factors. The purpose of this review is to discuss salient issues in geriatric depression, with a focus on pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions.
CD30 Discriminates Heat Shock Protein 60-Induced FOXP3+CD4+ T Cells with a Regulatory Phenotype
Authors: de Kleer Ismé , Vercoulen Yvonne , Klein Mark , Meerding Jenny , Albani Salvatore , van der Zee Ruurd , Sawitzki Birgit , Hamann Alf , Kuis Wietse , Prakken Berent
Published: July 2010

In many animal models, the manifestations of inflammatory diseases can be prevented by the adoptive transfer of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs can be obtained by isolation and expansion of polyclonal naturally occurring Tregs or by Ag-specific activation of CD4+CD25−FOXP3− T cells. Two major obstacles are hampering the translation of this latter protocol into therapeutic application. First, there is a lack of knowledge on relevant autoantigens. Second, the resulting population is contaminated with activated CD4+ T cells that transiently express Forkhead box P3 but gain no regulatory function. Therefore, these cells may not be safe for clinical application. In this study, we demonstrate that highly suppressive FOXP3+ Tregs can be induced in vitro by the activation of CD4+CD25− T cells with the self-Ag human 60-kDa heat shock protein (HSP60). The activation induced suppressive FOXP3+ Tregs can be distinguished by surface expression of CD30 from nonsuppressive FOXP3+ effector cells. We confirm that the induced CD30+FOXP3+ Tregs recognize HSP60 epitopes and that the induction of Tregs by HSP60 is enhanced by signaling via TLR4 on APCs. These findings have implications for the generation and isolation of pure populations of Ag-specific Tregs, with the potential to prevent and treat human inflammatory diseases.
β-Catenin Signaling Mediates CD4 Expression on Mature CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Schenkel Jason M. , Zloza Andrew , Li Wei , Narasipura Srinivas D. , Al-Harthi Lena
Published: July 2010

Upon activation, a subset of mature human CD8+ T cells re-expresses CD4 dimly. This CD4dimCD8bright T cell population is genuine and enriched in antiviral CD8+ T cell responses. The signaling pathway that leads to CD4 re-expression on mature CD8+ T cells is not clear. Given that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a critical role in the transition of CD4−CD8− to CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, we determined whether β-catenin mediates CD4 expression on mature CD8+ T cells. We demonstrate that active β-catenin expression is 20-fold higher on CD4dimCD8bright than CD4−CD8+ T cells. Activation of β-catenin signaling, through LiCl or transfection with a constitutively active construct of β-catenin, induced CD4 on CD8+ T cells by ~10-fold. Conversely, inhibition of β-catenin signaling through transfection with a dominant-negative construct for T cell factor-4, a downstream effector of β-catenin signaling, diminished CD4 expression on CD8+ T cells by 50% in response to T cell activation. β-catenin–mediated induction of CD4 on CD8+ T cells is transcriptionally regulated, as it induced CD4 mRNA, and T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor sites were identified within the human CD4 promoter. Further, β-catenin expression induced the antiapoptotic factor BcL-xL, suggesting that β-catenin may mediate protection against activation-induced cell death. Collectively, these data demonstrate that β-catenin is critical in inducing CD4 expression on mature CD8+ T cells, suggesting that it is a common pathway for CD4 upregulation among thymocytes and mature CD8+ T cells.
Cutting Edge: KIR Antisense Transcripts Are Processed into a 28-Base PIWI-Like RNA in Human NK Cells
Authors: Cichocki Frank , Lenvik Todd , Sharma Neeraj , Yun Gong , Anderson Stephen K. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2010

Killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) are expressed in a variegated, clonally restricted fashion on NK cells and are important determinants of NK cell function. Although silencing of individual KIR genes is strongly correlated with the presence of CpG dinucleotide methylation within the promoter, the mechanism responsible for silencing has not been identified. Our results show that antisense transcripts mediate KIR transcriptional silencing through a novel PIWI-like 28-base small RNA. Although PIWI RNA-mediated silencing of transposable elements within germ cells have been described, this is the first report that identifies a PIWI-like RNA in an immune somatic cell lineage and identifies a mechanism that may be broadly used in orchestrating immune development.
The Below-Market Discount Rate Method Vs. East Coast Black Magic
Authors: Gilbert Roy F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Female Worklife Capacity By Education And Occupation
Authors: Richards Hugh
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Does The End Justify The Means in PI Earnings Estimates?: A Rejoinder To Peláez
Authors: Gilbert Roy F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Expected Worklife, Transition Probabilities And The Size Of An Award
Authors: Bell Edward B. , Taub Allan J.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Age-Earnings Profiles Estimates: Do They Change Over Time?
Authors: Gohmann Stephan F. , McCrickard Myra J. , Slesnick Frank
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Gamboa Worklife Tables, 1995 And 1998 Versions: A Comment
Authors: Gibson David S.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Analysis of emission data from global commercial aviation: 2004 and 2006
Authors: Wilkerson J. T. , Jacobson M. Z. , Malwitz A. , Balasubramanian S. , Wayson R. , Fleming G. , Naiman A. D. , Lele S. K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The global commercial aircraft fleet in 2006 flew 31.26 million flights, burned 188.20 million metric tons of fuel, and covered 38.68 billion kilometers. This activity emitted substantial amounts of fossil-fuel combustion products within the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere that affect atmospheric composition and climate. The emissions products, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur compounds, and particulate matter, are not emitted uniformly over the Earth, so understanding the temporal and spatial distributions is important for modeling aviation's climate impacts. Global commercial aircraft emission data for 2004 and 2006, provided by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, were computed using the Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT). Continuous improvement in methodologies, including changes in AEDT's horizontal track methodologies, and an increase in availability of data make some differences between the 2004 and 2006 inventories incomparable. Furthermore, the 2004 inventory contained a significant over-count due to an imperfect data merge and daylight savings error. As a result, the 2006 emissions inventory is considered more representative of actual flight activity. Here, we analyze both 2004 and 2006 emissions, focusing on the latter, and provide corrected totals for 2004. Analysis of 2006 flight data shows that 92.5% of fuel was burned in the Northern Hemisphere, 69.0% between 30N and 60N latitudes, and 74.6% was burned above 7 km. This activity led to 162.25 Tg of carbon from CO2 emitted globally in 2006, more than half over three regions: the United States (25.5%), Europe (14.6), and East Asia (11.1). Despite receiving less than one percent of global emissions, the Arctic receives a uniformly dispersed concentration of emissions with 95.2% released at altitude where they have longer residence time than surface emissions. Finally, 85.2% of all flights by number in 2006 were short-haul missions, yet those flights were responsible for only 39.7% of total carbon from CO2. The following is a summary of these data which illustrates the global and regional aviation emissions footprints for 2004 and 2006, and provides temporal and spatial distribution statistics.
A sensitivity study on the effects of particle chemistry, asphericity and size on the mass extinction efficiency of mineral dust in the terrestrial atmosphere: from the near to thermal IR
Authors: Hansell R. A. , Reid J. S. , Tsay S. C. , Roush T. L. , Kalashnikova O. V.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. To determine a plausible range of mass extinction efficiencies (MEE) of terrestrial atmospheric dust from the near to thermal IR, sensitivity analyses are performed over an extended range of dust microphysical and chemistry perturbations. The IR values are subsequently compared to those in the near-IR, to evaluate spectral relationships in their optical properties. Synthesized size distributions consistent with measurements, model particle size, while composition is defined by the refractive indices of minerals routinely observed in dust, including the widely used OPAC/Hess parameterization. Single-scattering properties of representative dust particle shapes are calculated using the T-matrix, discrete dipole approximation and Lorenz-Mie light-scattering codes. For the parameterizations examined, MEE ranges from 0–1.2 m2 g−1, with large contributions from non-spheres composed of quartz and gypsum. At near-IR wavelengths, MEE for non-spheres generally exceeds those for spheres, while in the IR, shape-induced changes in MEE strongly depend on volume median diameter (VMD) and wavelength, particularly for MEE evaluated at the mineral resonant frequencies. MEE distributions appear to follow particle geometry and are evidence for shape dependency in the optical properties. It is also shown that non-spheres best reproduce the positions of prominent absorption peaks found in silicates. Generally, angular particles exhibit wider and more symmetric MEE distribution patterns from 8–10 μm than those with smooth surfaces, likely due to their edge-effects. Lastly, MEE ratios allow for inferring dust optical properties across the visible-IR spectrum. We conclude MEE are significant for the parameter space investigated, and are a key component for applications including sea surface temperature retrievals and the study of direct aerosol radiative effects.
Negative pressures in full-scale distribution system: field investigation, modelling, estimation of intrusion volumes and risk for public health
Authors: Besner M. C. , Ebacher G. , Jung B. S. , Karney B. , Lavoie J. , Payment P. , Prévost M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Various investigations encompassing microbial characterization of external sources of contamination (soil and trenchwater surrounding water mains, flooded air-valve vaults), field pressure monitoring, and hydraulic and transient analyses were conducted in the same distribution system where two epidemiological studies showing an increase in gastrointestinal illness for people drinking tap water were conducted in the 1990's. Interesting results include the detection of microorganisms indicators of fecal contamination in all external sources investigated but at a higher frequency in the water from flooded air-valve vaults, and the recording of 18 negative pressure events in the distribution system during a 17-month monitoring period. Transient analysis of this large and complex distribution system was challenging and highlighted the need to consider field pressure data in the process.
Growing season precipitation in Finland under recent and projected climate
Authors: Ylhäisi J. S. , Tietäväinen, H. , Peltonen-Sainio P. , Venäläinen A. , Eklund J. , Räisänen J. , Jylhä K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The past and projected future precipitation sum in May–September for two areas in Finland, one located in the south-west (SW) and the other in the north-east (NE), is studied using 13 regional climate simulations and three observational datasets. The conditions in the present-day climate for agricultural crop production are far more favourable in the south-western part of the country than the more continental north-eastern Finland. Based on a new high-resolution observational precipitation dataset for Finland (FMI_grid), with a resolution of 10×10 km, the only statistically significant past long-term (1908–2008) precipitation tendencies in the two study regions are positive. Differences between FMI_grid and two other observational datasets during 1961–2000 are rather large in the NE, whereas in the SW the datasets agree better. Observational uncertainties stem from the interpolation and sampling errors. The projected increases in precipitation in the early stage of the growing season would be most favourable for agricultural productivity, but the projected increases in August and September might be harmful. Model projections for the future indicate a statistically significant increase in precipitation for most of the growing season by 2100, but the distribution of precipitation within the growing season is not necessarily the most optimal.
Modeling, characterization, and evaluation of efficiency and drying indices for microwave drying of Zingiber officianale and Curcuma mangga
Authors: Ganesapillai Mahesh , Rose Miranda Lima , Reddy Tejesh , Bruno Micheal , Singh Aruna
Published: July 2010

Methods for efficiently drying agricultural products are an ever‐increasing demand. Due to its rapid and thorough dehydrating ability, microwave techniques were used to evaluate the thin‐layer drying kinetics of organic ginger and mango ginger. Microwave drying characteristics, efficiency and indices determined with respect to sample thickness, microwave output power and sample load revealed higher power (300 W), lesser thickness (0.001 m) and load (25 g), increased drying rates and reduced drying time. Effective diffusivity values were found within the range reported in literatures (9.17 × 10−11 and 11.6 × 10−11 m2 s−1). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) images revealed that the surface morphology and the elemental composition gradually degraded during drying. The ability of eight different thin‐layer mathematical models was evaluated for representing the experimental drying profiles. Among the eight new models derived from the basic diffusion model, statistical analysis inferred that the modified diffusion model no. 4 could predict most accurately changes in drying behavior of organic ginger and mango ginger rhizomes for all drying conditions applied. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and photoluminescence study of di‐dendron dendrimers derived from mono‐Boc‐protected ethylenediamine cores
Authors: Zhao Yili , Liu Sen , Jiang Wei , Chang Yulei , Li Yapeng , Fang Xuexun , Wang Jingyuan
Published: July 2010

This work is focused on the synthesis and optical properties of cone‐shaped structural feature di‐dendron polyamidoamine dendrimers up to the third generation with mono‐Boc‐protected ethylenediamine (EDA) as a core. Strong UV absorbance spectra and fluorescence spectra from di‐dendron dendrimers with different terminal groups (‐NH2, ‐COOCH3) were studied under different conditions by varying experimental parameters such as concentration and pH. The optical density and fluorescence intensities increased when di‐dendron dendrimers generation number increased from 0.5 to 3.0. It was confirmed that the concentration of di‐dendron dendrimers plays an important role in fluorescence intensity. The increase in fluorescence intensity was linear in low concentration regions, but the intensity increased slowly in high concentration regions. The results also showed a rapid increase in fluorescence intensity at low pH. The formation of a fluorescence‐emitting moiety had a close relationship to protonated tertiary amine groups in di‐dendron dendrimers derived from mono‐Boc‐protected EDA cores. Furthermore, the formation of fluorescent chemical species was irreversible. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive correlation between maternal serum coenzyme Q10 levels and infant birth weight
Authors: Haruna Megumi , Matsuzaki Masayo , Ota Erika , Honda Yuka , Tanizaki Takashi , Sekine Kyoichi , Tabata Nobuyuki , Yeo SeonAe , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the level of maternal serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is a lipid‐soluble antioxidant, maternal body weight gain, fat mass gain, and infant birth weight. A longitudinal observational study was conducted with 50 healthy pregnant women (average age: 31.1 years, average body mass index (BMI): 21.3 kg/m2 at prepregnancy) at each trimester. CoQ10 levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Maternal weight and body composition were measured by a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The CoQ10 levels significantly increased throughout pregnancy from the first trimester to the third trimester (P < 0.001), and correlated with not only the serum cholesterol levels (P < 0.01) but also with the serum acetoacetic acid levels (P < 0.05) in the third trimester. The CoQ10 levels correlated with the maternal weight gain (P < 0.05) and fat mass gain (P < 0.05) from the second to the third trimester, after adjusting for lipid markers, age, and smoking habits. The level of CoQ10 during the third trimester was also significantly associated with the infant birth weight (P < 0.05) after adjusting for gestational age, maternal prepregnancy BMI, and smoking habits. Therefore, it is concluded that the level of maternal CoQ10 is positively associated with fetal growth, balancing rapid metabolic changes in the last half of a normal pregnancy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic Nissen (posterior total)versusToupet (posterior partial) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Broeders J A J L , Mauritz F A , Ahmed Ali U , Draaisma W A , Ruurda J P , Gooszen H G , Smout A J P M , Broeders I A M J , Hazebroek E J
Published: July 2010

Background

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is currently considered the surgical approach of choice for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) has been said to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas-related symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare LNF and LTF.

Methods

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge CPCI-S) were searched and the methodological quality of included trials was evaluated. Outcomes included recurrent pathological acid exposure, oesophagitis, dysphagia, dilatation for dysphagia and reoperation rate. Results were pooled in meta-analyses as risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences.

Results

Seven eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 404) with LTF (n = 388) were identified. LNF was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of postoperative dysphagia (RR 1·61 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·06 to 2·44); P = 0·02) and dilatation for dysphagia (RR 2·45 (1·06 to 5·68); P = 0·04). There were more surgical reinterventions after LNF (RR 2·19 (1·09 to 4·40); P = 0·03), but no differences regarding recurrent pathological acid exposure (RR 1·26 (0·82 to 1·95); P = 0·29), oesophagitis (RR 1·20 (0·78 to 1·85); P = 0·40), subjective reflux recurrence, patient satisfaction, operating time or in-hospital complications. Inability to belch (RR 2·04 (1·19 to 3·49); P = 0·009) and gas bloating (RR 1·58 (1·21 to 2·05); P < 0·001) were more prevalent after LNF.

Conclusion

LTF reduces postoperative dysphagia and dilatation for dysphagia compared with LNF. Reoperation rate and prevalence of gas-related symptoms were lower after LTF, with similar reflux control. These results provide level 1a support for the use of LTF as the posterior fundoplication of choice for GORD.
Value of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram in clinical decision making for sentinel lymph node-positive breast cancer
Authors: van den Hoven I , Kuijt G P , Voogd A C , van Beek M W P M , Roumen R M H
Published: July 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the value of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomogram for individual decision making in a Dutch cohort of women with breast cancer with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) but at low risk of additional nodal metastases.

Methods

Data were collected on 168 patients with a positive SLN who underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection. The predicted probability of non-SLN metastases was calculated for each patient, using the MSKCC nomogram. Specificity and false-negative rates were calculated for subgroups with a predicted risk of no more than 5, 10 or 15 per cent. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated.

Results

The discrimination of the MSKCC nomogram, measured by the AUC, was 0·68. For low predicted probability cut-off values of no more than 5, 10 and 15 per cent, the false-negative rates were 20, 14 and 19 per cent, and the specificities were 4, 27 and 32 per cent, respectively. The low-risk category (5 per cent or less) consisted of only 3·0 per cent of the study population.

Conclusion

The performance of the MSKCC nomogram was insufficient to make it a useful tool for individual decision making in this cohort of women with SLN-positive breast cancer.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of steatosis as a risk factor in major hepatic resection
Authors: de Meijer V E , Kalish B T , Puder M , IJzermans J N M
Published: July 2010

Background

The risk of major hepatic resection in patients with hepatic steatosis remains controversial. A meta-analysis was performed to establish the best estimate of the impact of steatosis on patient outcome following major hepatic surgery.

Methods

A systematic search was performed following Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Risk ratios (RRs) for complication and mortality rates were calculated for patients with no, less than 30 per cent and at least 30 per cent steatosis, and a meta-analysis was carried out.

Results

Of six observational studies identified, four including a total of 1000 patients were subjected to meta-analysis; two others were tabulated separately. Compared with patients without steatosis, those with less than 30 per cent and at least 30 per cent steatosis had a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications, with a RR of 1·53 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·27 to 1·85) and 2·01 (1·66 to 2·44) respectively. Patients with at least 30 per cent steatosis had an increased risk of postoperative death (RR 2·79, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 6·51).

Conclusion

Patients with steatosis had an up to twofold increased risk of postoperative complications, and those with excessive steatosis had an almost threefold increased risk of death.
Effects of crossing saddle coil conductors: Electric length X mutual inductance
Authors: Papoti Daniel , Vidoto Edson Luiz Gea , Martins Mateus José , Tannús Alberto
Published: July 2010

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), either on human or animal studies, the main requirements for radiofrequency (RF) coils are to produce a homogeneous RF field while used as a transmitter coil and to have the best signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) while used as a receiver. Besides, they need to be easily frequency adjustable and have input impedance matching 50 Ω to several different load conditions. New theoretical and practical concepts are presented here for considerable enhancing of RF coil homogeneity for MRI experiments on small animals. To optimize field homogeneity, we have performed simulations using Biot and Savart law varying the coil's window angle, achieving the optimum one. However, when the coil's dimensions are the same order of the wave length and according to transmission line theory, differences in electrical length and effects of mutual inductances between adjacent strip conductors decrease both field homogeneity and SNR. The problematic interactions between strip conductors by means of mutual inductance were eliminated by inserting crossings at half electrical length, avoiding distortion on current density, thus eliminating sources of field inhomogeneity. Experimental results show that measured field maps and simulations are in good agreement. The new coil design, dubbed double‐crossed saddle described here have field homogeneity and SNR superior than the linearly driven 8‐rung birdcage coil. One of our major findings was that the effects of mutual inductance are more significant than differences in electrical length for this frequency and coil dimensions. In vitro images of a primate Cebus paela brain were acquired, confirming double‐crossed saddle superiority. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 37B: 193–201, 2010
Dynamic shimming of the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Juchem Christoph , Nixon Terence W. , Diduch Piotr , Rothman Douglas L. , Starewicz Piotr , De Graaf Robin A.
Published: July 2010

Dynamic shim updating (DSU) of the zero‐ to second‐order spherical harmonic field terms has previously been shown to improve the magnetic field homogeneity in the human brain at 4 T. The increased magnetic field inhomogeneity at 7 T can benefit from inclusion of third‐order shims during DSU. However, pulsed higher order shims can generate a multitude of temporally varying magnetic fields arising from eddy currents that can strongly degrade the magnetic field homogeneity. The first realization of zero‐ to third‐order DSU with full pre‐emphasis and B0 compensation enabled improved shimming of the human brain at 7 T not only in comparison with global (i.e. static) shimming but also when compared to state‐of‐the‐art zero‐ to second‐order DSU. Temporal shim‐to‐shim interactions were measured for each of the 16 zero‐ to third‐order shim coils along 1D column projections on a spherical phantom. The decomposition into up to three exponentials allowed full pre‐emphasis and B0 compensation of all 16 shims covering 67 potential shim‐to‐shim interactions. Despite the significant improvements achievable with DSU, the magnetic field homogeneity is still not perfect even when updating all zero‐ through third‐order shims. This is because DSU is still inherently limited by the shallowness of the low‐order spherical harmonic fields and their inability to compensate the higher order inhomogeneities encountered in vivo. However, DSU maximizes the usefulness of conventional shim coil systems and provides magnetic field homogeneity that is adequate for a wide range of applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 37B: 116–128, 2010
2,5‐Disubstituted Pyrrolidines as Chiral Auxiliaries in Radical Reactions: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Georgieva Miglena K. , Duarte Filipe J. S. , Bakalova Snezhana M. , Santos A. Gil
Published: July 2010

The radical addition to amides derived from chiral 2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidines has been theoretically studied by the use of density functional methods and the results compared with known experimental data. The results agree quite well with those obtained experimentally and allow the full rationalization of the factors influencing the diastereoselectivity. Steric effects are the main factors determining the selectivity, but electronic interactions can also be very important when the attacking alkene is α,β‐conjugated, as in acrylic esters or acrylamides. Additions at the α‐ and β‐positions of the amide chain in the auxiliary are subject to different rules, with the former usually yielding high diastereoselectivities both experimentally and theoretically, whereas the latter is theoretically predicted to occur with low selectivity. We fully rationalize these two opposite behaviours and suggest several ways to circumvent this limitation, thus strongly increasing the interest of this type of structure as chiral auxiliaries in radical reactions.
Formamidines – Versatile Ligands for Zinc‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation and Iron‐Catalyzed Epoxidation Reactions
Authors: Enthaler Stephan , Schröder Kristin , Inoue Shigeyoshi , Eckhardt Björn , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias , Drieß Matthias
Published: July 2010

In the present study the abilities of catalysts modified by formamidine ligands have been examined in the zinc‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of ketones and the iron‐catalyzed epoxidation of stilbene. In case of hydrosilylation diethylzinc combined with easily accessible formamidine ligands allow for the efficient reduction of various aryl and alkyl ketones. By using a convenient in situ catalyst system high turnover frequencies up to more than 1.000 h–1 and a broad functional group tolerance were achieved. Moreover, the formamidine ligands were successfully applied in the iron‐catalyzed epoxidation of stilbene with hydrogen peroxide in good yield and chemoselectivity.
The Temperature Distribution of a Two‐Dimensional Thermoelastic Material with Voids
Authors: Liu Ganbin , Bu Zhanyu , Liu Xiaohu
Published: July 2010

In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the temperature field in a two‐dimensional thermoelastic medium with voids. This takes place when it is subjected to a time‐dependent temperature source under the conditions of conduction heat transfer and interaction between the thermoelastic medium and its surroundings. Analytical expressions of displacements, stresses, temperature increment, and change in the volume fraction field for a layer of thermoelastic medium and a half‐space thermoelastic problem are derived by using the Laplace and Fourier transformation techniques. Two scalar potential functions of the displacement are introduced in the solution process. Then, the integral transform is inverted by using a numerical technique, and numerical results are illustrated graphically to analyze the distribution of the fields. Furthermore, the influence of the thermo‐void coefficient for two kinds of temperature boundaries is discussed. A comparison is also presented with the corresponding half‐space thermoelastic model without voids to ascertain the validity and the difference between these models. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; 39(7): 507–522, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyOnlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20313
China's new Enterprise Bankruptcy Law—A great leap forward, but just how far?
Authors: Lee Emily , Ho Karen
Published: July 2010

The closure of many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following the global financial crisis of 2008 spurred the Chinese government to follow its international counterparts in issuing an economic stimulus package. While it was effective in preventing many financially distressed SMEs from failure by boosting demand for its businesses, in the long run, such SMEs should be rescued through a statutory regime, which affords them temporary protection from creditors and provides them an opportunity to restructure their businesses. In doing so, the premature liquidation of SMEs would be prevented and SMEs with viable businesses but in temporary financial difficulties would be given a chance to succeed again. Although China's new Enterprise Bankruptcy Law (EBL) has shortcomings, it improves upon its predecessor legislation and, since it is still at an infantile stage of development, is bound for further reform. Despite the EBL's success in bringing Chinese corporate bankruptcy laws in line with international standards, full compliance with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross‐Border Insolvency and UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Insolvency Law remains to be seen. In September 2008, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported that the number of (applications for) corporate reorganization and bankruptcy cases had dropped, “leading to widespread speculation there are problems in the law's practical application”.1 This article examines the implementation of the EBL, critiques key aspects of the EBL and argues for a comprehensive assessment of the EBL and for bringing the EBL in full compliance with the international standards on cross‐border insolvency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.