bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aptamers Influence the Hemostatic System by Activating the Intrinsic Coagulation Pathway in an In Vitro Chandler-Loop Model
Authors: Paul Angela , Avci-Adali Meltem , Neumann Bernd , Ketai Guo  , Straub Andreas , Dietz Klaus , Ziemer Gerhard , Wendel Hans P.
Published: January 2009

One class of oligonucleotides with a high potential for use in medical applications is short nucleic acids, widely known as aptamers. Although several aptamers are already being used clinically, there are very few studies dealing with the impact aptamers have on the hemostatic system. In this study, we have performed a comprehensive evaluation of the hemostatic system including coagulation, platelets, complement, and inflammatory activation by using different aptamer concentrations and fresh human whole blood in a well-established flow model. We found that single-stranded aptamers did not have a negative influence on platelets, complement, or inflammation but were able to activate factor XII, kallikrein, and prothrombin in a concentration-dependent manner. Consequently, the influence of aptamers on the coagulation system should be taken into consideration before the use of any aptamer-based drugs in patients.
Home on the Range: Kids, Visual Culture, and Cognitive Equity
Authors: Roth Lorna
Published: January 2009

This essay focuses on Binney and Smith's creation and marketing of Crayola fleshtone art products from the late 1950s until the mid-1990s, analyzing the company's shifting nomenclature--from “flesh” to “peach” to its multicultural collection. After reflecting on the significance of Crayola's color adjustment for children's sociocultural and aesthetic development and for teacher's pedagogical repertoires around diversity issues, I introduce an original notion--cognitive equity. I propose this as a refined way of understanding racial and cultural equity issues that don't just revolve around statistics and access to institutions, but also inscribes a new normative vision of skin color equity directly into technologies, products, and body representations in a range of visual media. At the very early stage of children's cognitive development when stereotypes and racisms are being formed, this would be a particularly intelligent design strategy in which to reinforce multiculturalism and multiracialism in all aspects of their visual culture and the commodities that are available to them.
Treatment in an Outpatient Setting for a Patient With an Infected, Surgical Wound With Hypergranulation Tissue
Authors: Stevens Nicole M. , Shultz Terry , Mizner Ryan L. , Gersh Meryl
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this article is to describe a multifaceted approach to wound care in an outpatient setting for a patient with an infected, nonhealing surgical wound with hypergranulation tissue following fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome. A 44-year-old male underwent an anterior and lateral lower extremity compartment fasciotomy and developed a persistent right anterolateral lower leg wound. Thirty-six days after fasciotomy he came to the authors' clinic after 2 failed skin grafts with an infected wound covered in hypergranulation tissue. Treatment included sharp debridement, saline irrigation, patient education, and dressing changes during 9 treatment sessions. The patient's total wound surface area decreased from 5.2 cm × 17.3 cm to 4 cm × 15 cm with increased epithelialization from approximately 40% to 85% after 29 days of treatment. This article demonstrates the positive effect of a multifaceted approach for facilitation of wound healing in a lower extremity wound following fasciotomy.
Effects of Constraint-Induced Therapy Versus Bilateral Arm Training on Motor Performance, Daily Functions, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Lin Keh-chung , Chang Ya-fen , Wu Ching-yi , Chen Yi-an
Published: January 2009

Background and Objective. This study investigated the relative effects of distributed constraint-induced therapy (CIT) and bilateral arm training (BAT) on motor performance, daily function, functional use of the affected arm, and quality of life in patients with hemiparetic stroke. Methods. A total of 60 patients were randomized to distributed CIT, BAT, or a control intervention of less specific but active therapy. Each group received intensive training for 2 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 3 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment measures included the Fugl—Meyer Assessment (FMA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The proximal and distal scores of FMA were used to examine separate upper limb (UL) elements of movement. Results . The distributed CIT and BAT groups showed better performance in the overall and the distal part score of the FMA than the control group. The BAT group exhibited greater gains in the proximal part score of the FMA than the distributed CIT and control groups. Enhanced performance was found for the distributed CIT group in the MAL, the subtest of locomotion in the FIM, and certain domains of the SIS (eg, ADL/IADL). Conclusion. BAT may uniquely improve proximal UL motor impairment. In contrast, distributed CIT may produce greater functional gains for the affected UL in subjects with mild to moderate chronic hemiparesis.
What Do Motor “Recovery” and “Compensation” Mean in Patients Following Stroke?
Authors: Levin Mindy F. , Kleim Jeffrey A. , Wolf Steven L.
Published: January 2009

There is a lack of consistency among researchers and clinicians in the use of terminology that describes changes in motor ability following neurological injury. Specifically, the terms and definitions of motor compensation and motor recovery have been used in different ways, which is a potential barrier to interdisciplinary communication. This Point of View describes the problem and offers a solution in the form of definitions of compensation and recovery at the neuronal, motor performance, and functional levels within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning model.
Plasticity of the Attentional Network After Brain Injury and Cognitive Rehabilitation
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee , Yoo Woo-Kyoung , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Park Chang-hyun , Sung Tae Kim  , Na Duk L.
Published: January 2009

Background. This study aimed to delineate the cerebral attentional network in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess for adaptations in this network in response to a rehabilitation intervention. Methods. Seventeen patients with TBI and 15 healthy subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using a visuospatial attention task. Ten TBI patients who successfully completed attentional training had a follow-up fMRI. Results. In the TBI patients, fMRI analysis showed more activation in the frontal and temporoparietal lobes, as well as less activation in the anterior cingulated gyrus, SMA, and temporooccipital regions compared to the healthy subjects. Following cognitive training, the TBI patients improved performance of attention tasks accompanied by changes in attentional network activation; the activity of the frontal lobe decreased, whereas activation of the anterior cingulate cortices and precuneus increased. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate the plasticity and training induced redistribution of the visuospatial attentional network in TBI patients.
Is Visuospatial Hemineglect Really a Determinant of Postural Control Following Stroke? An Acute-Phase Study
Authors: van Nes Ilse J. W. , van der Linden Saskia , Hendricks Henk T. , van Kuijk Annette A. , Rulkens Marc , Verhagen Wim I. M. , Geurts Alexander C. H.
Published: January 2009

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent contribution of visuospatial hemineglect to impaired postural control in the acute phase (<2 weeks) of stroke compared with other possible clinical and biological determinants. Methods. This study was conducted in 4 hospitals in the mid-east region of the Netherlands. A total of 78 consecutive patients with a first-ever acute supratentorial stroke was included. Functional balance was measured with the Trunk Impairment Scale, the Trunk Control Test, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Functional Ambulation Categories. Visuospatial hemineglect was assessed by means of an asymmetry index obtained from the Behavioral Inattention Test. The Motricity Index, vibration threshold, sustained attention, and the presence of hemianopia were registered as other possible clinical determinants. Stepwise backward multiple linear regression analysis was performed introducing all selected clinical determinants as well as age and poststroke time as possible biological determinants. Results. Hemineglect was present in 17 patients (21.8%). The groups with and without hemineglect were different for gender and the proportion of right hemisphere strokes, but not for age, type of stroke, or poststroke time. Neglect patients had on average lower scores on all functional balance tests as well as on the clinical assessments. Multivariate linear regression showed that, besides hemineglect, only muscle strength and age independently contributed to impaired balance explaining 65% to 72% of variance of the selected outcomes. Conclusion. This study showed that hemineglect independently contributes to impaired postural control in the acute phase of stroke.
Novel Hands-Free Pointer Improves Instruction Efficiency in Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Jayaraman Shiva , Apriasz Izabella , Trejos Ana Luisa , Bassan Harman , Patel Rajni V. , Schlachta Christopher M.
Published: January 2009

To improve instruction efficiency during advanced laparoscopic surgery, a hands-free, head-controlled, multimonitor pointer was developed. One instructor guided 20 trainees to locate critical points on a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy model. Twenty points, visible to the instructor only, were selected on a photo of a partially dissected gallbladder placed within a laparoscopic trainer box. For each trainee, the points were randomized to 2 groups of 10 points with the instructor providing verbal guidance only or guidance assisted by the head-controlled pointer that appeared on both the instructor's and trainees' monitors. The primary outcome was the time to locate 10 points. Total time was shorter with the pointer than with verbal guidance alone (65 ± 14 vs 119 ± 34 seconds, P < .001). The average of mean individual times to locate each point was shorter with the pointer than without (5.4 ± 0.5 vs 11.9 ± 2.4 seconds, P < .001). The instructor's efficiency improved over time with both verbal guidance ( P = .007) and with the pointer ( P = .001). The benefit of pointer instruction was greater in trainees with laparoscopic experience compared with those without experience ( P = .006). Use of a hands-free pointer improved instruction efficiency in simulated laparoscopy. Experienced surgeons benefited the most.
Inhibition of HMG CoA reductase reveals an unexpected role for cholesterol during PGC migration in the mouse
Authors: Ding Jiaxi , Jiang DeChen , Kurczy Michael , Nalepka Jennifer , Dudley Brian , Merkel Erin I , Porter Forbes D , Ewing Andrew G , Winograd Nicholas , Burgess James , Molyneaux Kathleen
Published: January 2009

Background

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the sperm and eggs. Environmental or genetic defects that alter PGC development can impair fertility or cause formation of germ cell tumors.

Results

We demonstrate a novel role for cholesterol during germ cell migration in mice. Cholesterol was measured in living tissue dissected from mouse embryos and was found to accumulate within the developing gonads as germ cells migrate to colonize these structures. Cholesterol synthesis was blocked in culture by inhibiting the activity of HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR) resulting in germ cell survival and migration defects. These defects were rescued by co-addition of isoprenoids and cholesterol, but neither compound alone was sufficient. In contrast, loss of the last or penultimate enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis did not alter PGC numbers or position in vivo. However embryos that lack these enzymes do not exhibit cholesterol defects at the stage at which PGCs are migrating. This demonstrates that during gestation, the cholesterol required for PGC migration can be supplied maternally.

Conclusion

In the mouse, cholesterol is required for PGC survival and motility. It may act cell-autonomously by regulating clustering of growth factor receptors within PGCs or non cell-autonomously by controlling release of growth factors required for PGC guidance and survival.
OAG induces an additional PKC-, PI3K-, and Rac2-mediated signaling pathway up-regulating NOX2 activity, independently of Ca2+ entry
Authors: Bréchard Sabrina , Salsmann Alexandre , Tschirhart Eric J
Published: January 2009

The requirement of calcium ion (Ca2+) entry for neutrophil NADPH oxidase (NOX2) regulation is clearly established. However, its role in the signaling pathway leading to NOX2 activation is still elusive. 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) causes an increase in NOX2 activity and has been shown to directly modulate Ca2+ channels unrelated to the well-known store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism. In our study, we have investigated the potential role of OAG in Ca2+ influx-mediated NOX2 activity in neutrophil-like-differentiated HL-60 cells to further characterize second signals involved in the regulation of NOX2. OAG inhibited fMLF- and thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ entry, a phenomenon that was not restored by protein kinase C (PKC) or PI3K blockade. Addition of OAG resulted in a rapid decrease of maximal intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by thapsigargin. Both results suggest that OAG has an inhibitory effect, independent of PI3K and PKC, on the regulation of SOCE. In contrast to SOCE inhibition, OAG-induced NOX2 activation was mediated by PKC and PI3K. Our data establish that both kinases exert their effects through the regulation of Rac2 activity. In addition, OAG potentiated the effect of fMLF on the activation of NOX2 and led to a discernible activity of NOX2 upon thapsigargin stimulation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that an additional PKC- and/or PI3K-dependent signal may act in synergy with Ca2+ influx to trigger NOX2 activation.
Identification of biologically active peptides that inhibit binding of human CXCL8 to its receptors from a random phage-epitope library
Authors: Houimel Mehdi , Mazzucchelli Luca
Published: January 2009

A random bacteriophage peptide library was used to map structural features of human (h)CXCR1 and hCXCR2 by determining the epitopes of neutralizing mAb 5A12 anti-hCXCR1 and mAb 6C6 anti-hCXCR2. After three rounds of biopanning, five mAb5 A12- and four mAb 6C6-binding peptides were identified from a 6-mer peptide library. Consensus sequences (S/T)1(F/A/N/D)2(I/M)3W4D5F6 and F/L/M)1W2(D/N/L)3D4F5W6 were deduced from sequences of these peptides. They correspond to a highly conserved N-domain sequence 9MWDF12 of hCXCR1 and 13DFW15 of hCXCR2. The phage bearing the peptides showed specific binding to immobilized mAb 5A12 or mAb 6CC, and over 86% of phages bound were competitively inhibited by free synthetic peptides. In FACScan analysis, all selected phage peptides were able to strongly inhibit the binding of mAb 5A12 and mAb 6C6 to hCXCR1- and hCXCR2-transfected preB 300-19 murine cells. Furthermore, synthetic peptides of the corresponding phage epitopes were effective in blocking the antibody-CXCR1/2 interactions and to inhibit the binding of hCXCL8 to hCXCR1 and hCXCR2 transfectants. Peptides 5A12/2 (SAMWDF) and 6C6/1 (FWDDFW) competed effectively for 125I-hCXCL8 binding to hCXCR1 and hCXCR2 with IC50, respectively, equal to 10 μM and 5.4 μM. Calcium release and chemotaxis of hCXCR1/2 transfectants or human neutrophils were inhibited by all peptides in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the peptide 6C6/1 FWDDFW showed inhibitory effects on chemotaxis of human netrophils induced by hCXCR2 chemokines such as hCXCL1–3 and hCXCL5. Specificities of peptides 5A12/2 and 6C6/1 were assessed with hCXCR3, hCXCR4, hCXCR5, hCCR3, and hCCR5 receptors. In vivo, peptides 5A12/2 and p6C6/1 blockade hCXCL8-induced neutrophil recruitment in skin inflammation in rabbits. Taken together, these data demonstrate that phage-display analysis provides information about the relative location of amino acids on the N-domain surfaces of hCXCR1 and hCXCR2 proteins using antibody imprints of the receptor-surface structure. The derived mimotopes could be used as inhibitors of hCXCL8-induced activities related to its interaction with the N-domain of hCXCR1 and hCXCR2.
B cells from periodontal disease patients express surface Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Shin Hyunjin , Zhang Yue , Jagannathan Madhumita , Hasturk Hatice , Kantarci Alpdogan , Liu Hongsheng , Van Dyke Thomas E , Ganley-Leal Lisa M , Nikolajczyk Barbara S
Published: January 2009

Chronic systemic inflammation links periodontal disease (PD) to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Activation of TLRs, particularly TLR4, promotes chronic inflammation in PD by stimulating myeloid cells. B cells from healthy individuals are generally refractory to TLR4 agonists as a result of low surface TLR4 expression. Unexpectedly, a significantly increased percentage of gingival and peripheral blood B cells from patients with PD expressed surface TLR4. Surface expression correlated with an active TLR4 promoter that mimicked the TLR4 promoter in neutrophils. B cells from PD patients were surface myeloid differentiation protein 2-positive and also packaged the enhancer of a proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, into an active structure, demonstrating that these cells harbor key characteristics of proinflammatory cell types. Furthermore, B cells lacked activating signatures of a natural IL-1β inhibitor, IL-1 receptor antagonist. Surprisingly, despite multiple signatures of proinflammatory cells, freshly isolated B cells from PD patients had decreased expression of TLR pathway genes compared with B cells from healthy individuals. Decreases in inflammatory gene expression were even more dramatic in B cells stimulated with a TLR4 ligand from a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS 1690. In contrast, B cell TLR4 was not activated by the prototypic TLR4 ligand Escherichia coli LPS. These findings raise the unexpected possibility that TLR4 engagement modulates B cell activation in PD patients.
Interferometric prediction and subtraction of surface waves with a nonlinear local filter
Authors: Xue Yanwei , Dong Shuqian , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: January 2009

Surface waves are a form of coherent noise that can obscure valuable reflection information in exploration records. It is sometimes difficult to eliminate these surface waves by traditional filtering approaches, such as an [Formula: see text] filter, without damaging the useful signals. As a partial remedy, we propose an interferometric method to predict and subtract surface waves in seismic data. The removal of surface waves by the proposed interferometric method consists of three steps: (1) remove most of the surface waves by a nonlinear local filter; (2) predict the residual surface waves by the interferometric method; (3) separate the residual surface waves from the result of step 2 by a nonlinear local filter, and remove the residual surface waves by a matched filter from the result of step 1. Field data tests for 2D and 3D data show that the method effectively suppresses surface waves and preserves the reflection information. Results suggest that the effectiveness of this method is sensitive to the parameter selection of the nonlinear local filter.
Synthesis and functional activity of tRNAs labeled with fluorescent hydrazides in the D-loop
Authors: Pan Dongli , Qin Haiou , Cooperman Barry S
Published: January 2009

We describe an optimized procedure for replacing the dihydrouridine residues of charged tRNAs with Cy3 and Cy5 dyes linked to a hydrazide group, and demonstrate that the labeled molecules are functional in ribosomal activities including 30S initiation complex formation, EF–Tu-dependent binding to the ribosome, translocation, and polypeptide synthesis. This procedure should be straightforwardly generalizable to the incorporation of other hydrazide-linked fluorophores into tRNA or other dihydrouridine-containing RNAs. In addition, we use a rapid turnover FRET experiment, measuring energy transfer between Cy5-labeled tRNAfMetand Cy3-labeled fMetPhe-tRNAPhe, to obtain direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that the early steps of translocation involve movements of the flexible 3′-single-stranded regions of the tRNAs, with the considerable increase in the distance separating the two tRNA tertiary cores occurring later in the process.
Effects of Two Different Landing Nets on Injuries to the Barramundi Lates calcarifer, an Iconic Australian Sport Fish
Authors: De Lestang Paul , Griffin Roland , Allsop Quentin , Grace Blair S.
Published: January 2009

Use of catch and release, a growing aspect of recreational angling, is promoted for most recreational fisheries, including the fishery for the barramundi Lates calcarifer, an iconic sport fish of northern Australia. Landing nets are commonly used to remove fish from the water and to help hold and control fish while hooks or lures are removed before release. We investigated damage to mucus, scales, skin, and fins of 1.0–3.5-kg barramundi that were caught and held for 60 s in two different types of landing net. The two landing nets represented the commonly used knotted-mesh net and the newer knotless net, which has a smaller mesh size and a flat bottom. Both types of landing net caused some injury, such as mucus loss, scale loss, and fin tears. However, use of the knotless, flat-bottomed landing net considerably reduced the occurrence of these injuries. Holding in the knotted net was associated with fin damage scores and dermal abrasion scores that were over four and five times greater, respectively, than the scores associated with holding in the knotless net. No fish died as a result of being handled in either net. These results are similar to those of other studies that investigated smaller fish. The effects of these injuries on fish survival are discussed.
Relationships between Relative Weight, Prey Availability, and Growth of Walleyes in Oneida Lake, New York
Authors: VanDeValk Anthony J. , Forney John L. , Jackson James R.
Published: January 2009

Assessment of predator–prey dynamics is a central feature of community-based fisheries management, and a variety of fish condition indices have been developed from length–weight data to make inferences about feeding conditions. Relative weight (Wr) is useful for measuring fish condition, is easily calculated, and has simple data requirements; however, few studies have empirically validated Wr indices. We compared the Wr of walleyes Sander vitreus in Oneida Lake, New York, with prey fish availability and walleye growth observed over 23 years (1961–1983). For each year, we calculated the Wr for three length-classes (350, 400, and 450 mm total length) of walleyes caught in October. Prey fish availability was calculated from annual estimates of (1) prey biomass in bottom trawl catch and (2) biomass of age-3 and older walleyes estimated from mark–recapture studies. Growth of walleyes (ages 4–6) was determined using lengths at age that were back-calculated from scale annuli. The Wr declined as walleye length-class increased, and Wr was positively related to both prey fish availability and walleye growth. Our study suggests that Wr can be a useful tool for describing feeding conditions and assessing predator–prey relations.
Timing Potato Cultivation Using The Weedcast Model
Authors: Felix Joel , Ivany Jerry , Kegode George O. , Doohan Doug
Published: January 2009

A weed emergence prediction model, WeedCast, was used as a decision aid to schedule potato cultivation with and without herbicides at Wooster, OH, USA; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; and Fargo, ND, USA, from 2001 to 2003. Studies were laid out in a split-plot design with herbicides (±) forming the main plots and cultivation timing as subplots. Cultivation was done at 15, 30, or 60% of predicted weed emergence. Subplots were either left unsprayed or treated with metolachlor + metribuzin at 1.68 + 0.5 kg ai ha−1and only cultivated at predetermined timing. Cultivation timing was based on predicted emergence of common lambsquarters at Wooster and Charlottetown, whereas eastern black nightshade was the indicator weed at Fargo. Weed control for the different cultivation timings varied among sites and years and was consistently better in plots where herbicides were followed by cultivation. Cultivation alone resulted in poor weed control and significantly reduced potato tuber yield compared with those in plots where weed control also included herbicides. Use of herbicides followed by cultivation and hilling increased tuber yield by 4.6, 4.3, and 8.7 t ha−1, when cultivations were done at 15, 30, and 60% of predicted weed emergence, respectively, and 12.2 t ha−1for hilled-only plots. The average potato yield increase at Charlottetown was 9.7, 5.9, 6.9, and 7.4 t ha−1for hilled-only plots and for hilled after cultivations at 15, 30, and 60% of predicted weed emergence with herbicides, respectively. There was no apparent pattern for treatment effects at Fargo, and the potato tuber yields were greatly reduced mainly because of excessive precipitation during potato establishment. Use of WeedCast as a decision-aid tool could be an asset in determining when to do the first and subsequent cultivations. It may work best for growers who use cultivations in potato to remove weeds that were not controlled by herbicides.
Subduction, convergence and the mode of backarc extension in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Jolivet Laurent , Augier Romain , Faccenna Claudio , Negro François , Rimmele Gaetan , Agard Philippe , Robin Cécile , Rossetti Federico , Crespo-Blanc Ana
Published: January 2009

30-35 Ma ago a major change occurred in the Mediterranean region, from a regionally compressional subduction coeval with the formation of Alpine mountain belts, to extensional subduction and backarc rifting. Backarc extension was accompanied by gravitational spreading of the mountain belts formed before this Oligocene revolution. Syn-rift basins formed during this process above detachments and low-angle normal faults. Parameters that control the formation and the kinematics of such flat-lying detachments are still poorly understood. From the Aegean Sea to the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Alboran Sea, we have analysed onshore the deformation and P-T-t evolution of the ductile crust exhumed by extension, and the transition from ductile to brittle conditions as well as the relations between deep deformation and basin formation. We show that the sense of shear along crustal-scale detachments is toward the trench when subduction proceeds with little or no convergence (northern Tyrrhenian and Alboran after 20 Ma) and away from the trench in the case of true convergence (Aegean). We tentatively propose a scheme explaining how interactions between the subducting slab and the mantle control the basal shear below the upper plate and the geometry and distribution of detachments and associated sedimentary basins. We propose that ablative subduction below the Aegean is responsible for the observed kinematics on detachments (i.e. away from the trench). The example of the Betic Cordillera and the Rif orogen, where the directions of stretching were different in the lower and the upper crust and changed through time, is also discussed following this hypothesis.
The Upper Cenomanian-Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Saharan Atlas (Algeria)
Authors: Grosheny Danièle , Chikhi-Aouimeur Fettouma , Ferry Serge , Benkherouf-Kechid Fatiha , Jati Mohamed , Atrops François , Redjimi-Bourouiba Wassila
Published: January 2009

A series of sections from the Ouled Nail, Hodna and Aurès massifs of Algeria have been studied to analyse the palaeogeographic evolution of the eastern part of the Saharan Atlas prior to and after the Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) boundary event. Three periods are distinguished in the interval studied. During the middle to late Cenomanian, an overall ramp setting prevailed from the Saharan platform to the deeper environments of the Saharan Atlas. The latest Cenomanian and the earliest Turonian was marked by an episode of marked palaeogeographic change. Prior to the deposition of C/T boundary black shales, a rise in sea level occurred. Shallow-water carbonates were locally able to accommodate the sea-level rise. A “keep-up” response created a palaeogeography made up of isolated carbonate platforms separated by saddles, where a 1–20 m thick bed of deeper water mudstones was deposited as the lateral equivalent of the platform carbonates. At a larger scale, these saddles probably acted as corridors that allowed marine communication with the intra-Saharan basins (Tinrhert, Tademaït basins). Correlations show that the boundary black shales later filled up the saddles of the Saharan Atlas, and onlapped the carbonate platforms, before the deposition of lower Turonian open marine marls that everywhere blanket the successions. During the early to late Turonian, the palaeogeography again changed to restore a N-S oriented ramp setting, similar to that of the middle Cenomanian. Correlation with the deeper-water facies of nearby northern Tunisia, suggests that the uppermost Cenomanian mudstone immediately underlying the black shale facies in the Saharan Atlas is the lateral equivalent of the uppermost bed of the Fahdene Formation (the so-called “pre-Bahloul”) underlying the Bahloul black shale facies in the Tunisian Kalaat Senan reference section. Our platform-to-basin correlations show that the base of this bed is a regional transgressive surface, not a type II sequence boundary as suggested by previous authors. Finally, it is proposed that this mudstone bed correlates with Bed 63 of the Pueblo global reference section in the North American western Interior Basin, which also marks the beginning of the strong C/T boundary transgression.
The Cenomanian-Turonian (late Cretaceous) radiation of marine squamates (Reptilia): the role of the Mediterranean Tethys
Authors: Bardet Nathalie , Houssaye Alexandra , Rage Jean-Claude , Pereda Suberbiola Xabier
Published: January 2009

During the Cenomanian-Turonian interval, marine squamates display a spectacular radiation in particular on the margins of the Mediterranean Tethys and, to a lesser extent, in the Interior Seaway of North America. In this span of time, three major groups diversified: the “hind-limbed” snakes (“pachyophiids”), the “dolichosaurids”, and the mosasauroids. “Hind-limbed” snakes, exhibiting all a pachyostotic bony structure, were small tropical inhabitants, known exclusively from the Cenomanian of the Mediterranean Tethys. “Dolichosaurids” and mosasauroids were rather mid latitude distributed groups, found in a wide range of palaeoenvironments of both the Mediterranean Tethys and the Western Interior Seaway. Whereas “dolichosaurids” remain of small size and become rare after the Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) boundary, mosasauroids exhibit a notable size-increase and develop since the mid Turonian to become highly diversified and cosmopolitan large predators of the end of the Cretaceous. This important radiation of marine squamates is thus, except for derived mosasauroids (mosasaurids), restricted in time (Cenomanian-Turonian) and space (mostly the northern and southern margins of the Mediterranean Tethys). It is probable that: 1) the Mediterranean Tethys played an important role in both the radiation and the dispersion of these marine squamates during the Cenomanian-Turonian interval; 2) certain major geological and biological events that characterize this pivotal period (i.e., global high sea-level stand and warm sea-surface temperatures allowing the development of large carbonated platforms) could have permitted this radiation; and 3) conversely, other factors occurring at or just after the C/T boundary (OAE2, sea-level and sea-surface temperature drops, marine extinctions including the demise of carbonated platforms) as well as factors inherent to each of the groups (mainly the size and bone microstructure) could have had an effect on and insured the success of the mosasaurids with respect to the other groups, whereas thereafter the radiation of snakes succeeded only in continental environments.
Distinguishing Spurious and Real Peer Effects: Evidence from Artificial Societies, Small-Group Experiments, and Real Schoolyards
Authors: MacCoun Robert , Cook Philip J. , Muschkin Clara , Vigdor Jacob L
Published: January 2009

In a variety of important domains, there is considerable correlational evidence suggestive of what are variously referred to as social norm effects, contagion effects, information cascades, or peer effects. It is difficult to statistically identify whether such effects are causal, and there are various non-causal mechanisms that can produce such apparent norm effects. Lab experiments demonstrate that real peer effects occur, but also that apparent cascade or peer effects can be spurious. A curious feature of American local school configuration policy provides an opportunity to identify true peer influences among adolescents. Some school districts send 6th graders to middle school (e.g., 6th-8th grade “junior high”); others retain 6th graders for one additional year in K-6 elementary schools. Using administrative data on public school students in North Carolina, we have found that sixth grade students attending middle schools are much more likely to be cited for discipline problems than those attending elementary school, and the effects appear to persist at least through ninth grade. A plausible explanation is that these effects occur because sixth graders in middle schools are suddenly exposed to two cohorts of older, more delinquent peers.
The Constructive Value of Overconfidence
Authors: Shapira-Ettinger Keren , Shapira Ron A.
Published: January 2009

The main argument of this paper is that overconfidence is underrated and can have constructive value in situations in which people tend to display a hyperbolic discounting of future utility. By artificially raising the estimation of future rewards, overconfidence can offset the inhibitory effects of exaggerated preference for present rewards, thus producing greater incentive, greater perseverance, resolute performance, and consequently higher achievements. Examples of this effect are situations of negotiation, improved recovery rates from serious disease, and situations of violent confrontation or war. Because overconfidence can lead to positive outcomes, there is at times an incentive to manipulate the facts perceived by the decision maker in order to build up confidence and increase the efficiency of the decision. These manipulations are a branch of the general theory of non-cooperative games with non-perfect information. We particularly draw attention to internal manipulations, such as selective memory, deliberate forgetfulness, and calculated inadvertence. In light of the constructive value of overconfidence, we regard these common mental practices as possibly rational and beneficial. It follows that under some circumstances, and in particular where the assumption of calculated risk should be encouraged and the chilling effect of over-deterrence should be eschewed, a systematically erroneous assessment of risk is a key to optimal behavior. Therefore, we criticize the common supposition that an overconfident person should be deemed negligent even if his overconfidence proves useful. We further object to the common view that an intended manipulation of memory necessarily entails recklessness. For similar reasons, we argue that the law of complicity should acknowledge friendship and love as countervailing the need to combat crime, inasmuch as friendship and love are instrumental to self-esteem.
Social Norms and the Law: Why Peoples Obey the Law
Authors: Licht Amir N.
Published: January 2009

This paper explores the relations between law and social norms and in particular, the case of legal compliance in groups. Specifically, this paper argues that the rule of law is a social norm interfacing the formal institutions of society with the informal ones. As social institutions, norms should also be analyzed at the societal level – a level of analysis that neo-classical economic accounts have failed to address due to fundamental premises of current economic theory. Theories developed in psychology provide a good working framework for social norm analysis in general and of legal compliance (rule of law) in particular. Extant evidence is consistent with the present argument.
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and In-vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Leaves of Premna serratifolia Linn
Authors: Vadivu Rajendran , Suresh A. Jerad , Girinath K , Kannan P. Boopathi , Vimala R , Kumar N. M. Satish
Published: January 2009

Premna serratifolia is used by the traditional practitioners as cardiotonic, antibiotic, anti-coagulant, stomachic, carminative, hepatoprotective, antitumor etc. The present study aims in the evaluation of hepatoprotective and in-vitro cytotoxic activity of alcoholic extract of leaves of Premna serratifolia Linn. Hepatoprotective activity is studied by carbon tetrachloride induced hepato-toxicity in rats and the in-vitro cytotoxic activity is carried out by tryphane blue exclusion method using EAC cell lines. The degree of protection in hepatoprotective activity has been measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and total protein. The results suggest that the alcoholic extract at the dose level of 250mg/kg has produced significantÂ Â (p < 0.001) hepatoprotection by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes, bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation which is comparable to that of standard drug silymarin. The alcoholic extract also does exhibit the IC50 value of 75Âµg/ml which indicates the significant in-vitro cytotoxic activity of the extract. It is concluded that alcoholic extract of leaves of Premna serratifolia Linn is not only an effective hepatoprotective agent, but also possesses significant antitumor activity. Â Keywords: Premna serratifolia Linn; Alcoholic extract hepatoprotective; In-vitro cytotoxic activity. Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1046Â
Effect of Molybdate, Nitrite and Zinc Ions on the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Aqueous Chloride Media Containing Cupric Ions
Authors: Ali M. R. , Mustafa C. M. , Habib M.
Published: January 2009

An investigation has been conducted on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel by molybdate, nitrite and zinc ions in aqueous chloride media containing cupric ions. Molybdate inhibits mild steel corrosion in near neutral and alkaline (pH 6 and above) chloride media and accelerates corrosion in acidic media (below pH 6) both in the presence and absence of cupric ions. Nitrite inhibits mild steel corrosion in chloride media at pH 4.5 and above, but accelerates corrosion below pH 4.5 both in the presence and absence of cupric ions. Molybdate and nitrite act as a synergistic corrosion inhibitor in chloride media with or without cupric ions at pH 4.5 and above. In the acidic region between pH 3 and 4.5, the combination can decrease corrosion with a low concentration of molybdate and high concentration of nitrite. These concentrations depend on the relative amounts of molybdate and nitrite present in the system. Zinc ions inhibit mild steel corrosion only in acidic chloride media. Based on the experimental results, mechanisms of action of molybdate, nitrite and zinc ions on mild steel corrosion in aqueous chloride media with or without cupric ions have been proposed.Keywords: Molybdate; Nitrite; Mild steel; Corrosion rate; Synergistic corrosion inhibitor.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1053
Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Among Under-five Children in Bangladesh
Authors: Azad Kazi Md. Abul Kalam
Published: January 2009

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a major cause of childhood mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to identify the significant risk factors for ARI in children less than five years of age. The data in this study comes from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2004. In this study, a child was considered as having experienced ARI if she or he had cough in the last two weeks preceding the survey with any one of the three symptoms of short but rapid breathing, difficulty of breathing or labored inspiration. Logistic regression was used on various independent variables to find the risk factors. Results showed that child's age, sex, body weight and Vitamin A deficiency were correlated with prevalence of ARI. Additionally mother's characteristics like age, malnutrition, education level, and family's socio-economic status were found to be associated. Recommendations include more specific knowledge of ARI to adolescent mothers from the lowest wealth quintile. A community service which could include home visiting for health education, supplementation of vitamin A, and advice would be an advantage if provided for poor or teenaged pregnant women. This in turn would reduce low birth weight incidence, and subsequently reduce incidence of ARI among these children.Keywords: Acute respiratory infections (ARI); Risk factors; Infant; Child under 5 years; Bangladesh.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237(Print); 2037-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1055
On Number of Planes of Rearrangeably Nonblocking Optical Banyan Networks with Link Failures
Authors: Sultana Basra , Khandker Mamun-ur-Rashid
Published: January 2009

Vertically stacked optical banyan (VSOB) networks are attractive for serving as optical switching systems due to the desirable properties (such as the small depth and self-routing capability) of banyan network structures. Although banyan-type networks result in severe blocking and crosstalk, both these problems can be minimized by using sufficient number of banyan planes in the VSOB network structure. The number of banyan planes is minimum for rearrangeably nonblocking and maximum for strictly nonblocking structure. Both results are available for VSOB networks when there exist no internal link-failures. Since the issue of link-failure is unavoidable, we intend to find the minimum number of planes required to make a VSOB network nonblocking when some links are broken or failed in the structure. This paper presents the approximate number of planes required to make a VSOB networks rearrangeably nonblocking allowing link-failures. We also show an interesting behavior of theÂ  blockingÂ  probability of a faulty VSOB networks that the blocking probability may notÂ  alwaysÂ  increase monotonously withÂ  theÂ  increaseÂ  ofÂ  link-failures; blocking probabilityÂ  decreasesÂ  forÂ  certain range ofÂ  link-failures, and then increases again. We believe that such fluctuating behavior of blocking probability with the increase of link failure probability deserves special attention in switch design. Â Keywords: Banyan networks; Blocking probability; Switching networks; Vertical stacking; Link-failures.Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237(Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1070
Seismic Imaging by Impulse Response for Studying Crustal Structure of the Central Tibet
Authors: Rahman Syed Mustafizur , Islam M Rezaul , Keramat Mumnunul
Published: January 2009

Time-shifted source functions along with unwanted events produce the composite seismic trace. The time-shift varies according to the travel path of the source, which is reflected back from an interface. The arrival times of the reflected waves have been estimated as time-shifted sources in a technique with the application of Fourier transformation of composite seismic trace and source functions. Accurate time-shifts and amplitude coefficients are determined using the technique in the composite seismic traces. A very small time-shift has also been shown resolved. The technique is applied to INDEPTH seismic data and impulse responses are successfully obtained. Analyzed impulse response images have given the stratigraphic idea beneath the region of the central Tibet. High amplitude impressions in the implemented images have indicated the presence of a strong support that upholding the northern geology and high probability of further crustal change of the region. The technique impulse response is considered robust for the seismic reflection sequence analysis and can be used effectively for studying the subsurface geology. Â Â Keywords: Seismic trace; Power spectrum; Impulse response; Reflection sequence; Subsurface geology. Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1082
Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils from Ocimum gratissimum L. Grown in Togo
Authors: Koba Koffi , Poutouli P W , Raynaud Christine , Sanda Komla
Published: January 2009

The aerial parts of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) harvested in Togo was steam-distilled and investigated for essential oil composition (GC and GC/MS) and in vitro antifungal activities. Thymol (31.79 %), p-cymene (15.57 %) and Î³-terpinene (12.34 %) and were the major components of the oil. Other notable components identified in this oil were myrcene (6.94 %) and Î±-thujene (6.11 %).The in vitro antifungal activity was recorded with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 80 to 150Â Âµl.l-1, 150 to 500 Âµl.l-1 Â and from 100 to 150 Âµl.l-1 respectively on dermatophytes, imperfect filamentous fungi and pathogenic yeasts. Likewise, on tested fungi the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) varied from 300 Âµl.l-1 to 500 Âµl.l-1, 500 to 700 Âµl.l-1 and from 250 to 300 Âµl.l-1, respectively on dermatophytes, imperfect filamentous fungi and pathogenic yeasts. Keywords: O.gratissimum,Â  Antifungal, Essential oil; Thymol.Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1131Â
Far-IR/THz Spectroscopy Beamline MIRRORCLE-6FIR at SLLS of Ritsumeikan University
Authors: Haque Md. Monirul , Yamada H. , Moon A. , Yamada M.
Published: January 2009

A new beamline, MIRRORCLE-6FIR for far infrared-terahertz (THZ) spectroscopy (FIRS) has been recently constructed at the synchrotron light life science center (SLLS) of Ritsumeikan University.  An exactly circular optics with vertical angle has been employed as the first mirror which collects synchrotron radiation (SR) photons emitted into 2π of a circular electron orbit of length 1 m only. An exit opening on its surface can extract SR photons up to 264 mrad in horizontal and 198 mrad in vertical. The optimum optical system has been determined by using ray trace simulation code ZEMAX. The purpose is to develop an FIRS beamline with high power FIR. The design of the beamline optics with the results of its ray-tracing are reported in this article.Keywords: MIRRORCLE; Synchrotron radiation; Beam line; Ray-tracing; Terahertz; Far infrared spectroscopy.  © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1133
Modeling of the Doping Dependent Superconducting Transition Temperatures for Cuprates: Role of Antiferromagnetic Fluctuations
Authors: Naqib Saleh Hasan
Published: January 2009

We have calculated the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of high-Tc cuprates within the strong-coupling Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) formalism. The hole pairing was attributed to the antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations. Such fluctuations are believed to exist over the whole superconducting hole concentrations, p, extending from the underdoped to the overdoped regimes. A complete consideration of the p-dependences of the antiferromagnetic spin excitation spectral weight, spin fluctuation frequency, Ïsf, and the effect of the pseudogap on the electronic density of states seems to reproduce the experimental Tc(p) satisfactorily over the entire doping range. The possible implications of this finding are discussed in detail.Â  Â Â Â Â Â Keywords: Cuprate superconductors; Superconducting Tc; Â Spin fluctuations; Pseudogap.Â Â© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237(Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1181