bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates of energy balance‐related behaviours in preschool children: a systematic review
Authors: De Craemer M. , De Decker E. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Vereecken C. , Deforche B. , Manios Y. , Cardon G. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: February 2012

Childhood overweight is a multifactorial health problem influenced by several factors. The interaction of behaviours such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour and eating behaviour determines whether or not a positive energy balance or weight gain is experienced. Knowing the correlates of these behaviours in 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children is of major interest for intervention development. According to the systematic literature search, attending a rural preschool was positively associated with physical activity. Gender, age and socioeconomic status were not associated with physical activity, while an indeterminate result was found for ethnicity. Gender and ethnicity were not associated with sedentary behaviour and indeterminate results were found for age and socioeconomic status. Preschoolers were more physically active as well as sedentary on weekdays. Watching television was associated with a higher consumption of snacks and sweet beverages. Strategies aiming to influence energy balance‐related behaviours in preschoolers should target both boys and girls and all ethnic groups from low as well as high social status. During the week, there should be a focus on decreasing sedentary behaviour and in the weekend on increasing physical activity. Focusing on television viewing and the consumption of snacks and sweet beverages could/should also be a strategy.
Critical narrative review to identify educational strategies promoting physical activity in preschool
Authors: Kreichauf S. , Wildgruber A. , Krombholz H. , Gibson E. L. , Vögele C. , Nixon C. A. , Douthwaite W. , Moore H. J. , Manios Y. , Summerbell C. D. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: February 2012

The aim of this narrative review is critically to evaluate educational strategies promoting physical activity that are used in the preschool setting in the context of obesity prevention programmes. Literature search was conducted between April and August 2010 in English and German databases (PubMED, PsychINFO, PSYNDEX, ERIC, FIS Bildung). Outcomes considered were time and intensity of physical activity, motor skills or measures of body composition. A total of 19 studies were included. Ten studies added physical activity lessons into their curriculum, one study provided more time for free play, eight studies focused on the social and play environment. Studies reporting positive outcomes implemented physical activity sessions that lasted at least 30 min d−1. Several studies showed that children are most active in the first 10–15 min. The existence or installation of playground markings or fixed play equipment had no effect, whereas the presence or addition of portable play equipment was positively correlated with moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. Teacher training may be a key element for successful interventions. To overcome time constraints, a suggested solution is to integrate physical activity into daily routines and other areas of the preschool curriculum.
Scotland Out the Union? The Rise and Rise of the Nationalist Agenda
Authors: McCRONE DAVID
Published: February 2012

The election of the Scottish National party as a majority government in 2011 is as challenging to the British state as it was unexpected. While explanations for SNP success focused on Labour's faulty campaign and poor leadership, the last half‐century has seen the rise and rise of the nationalist agenda in Scotland. Scotland's politics are now more different from England's than at any time since the 1950s. The Scottish parliament is the effect of that change rather than its cause, while party competition between Labour and the SNP north of the border has shifted political gravity centre‐left in contrast with England. It is not inevitable, however, that Scots would vote for Independence in a referendum. Nevertheless, Scotland is a more semi‐detached country than at any point in the history of the Union, and the future of the British state, at least in its present form, cannot be taken for granted.
Reflections on Elections: Scot‐Nat Fizz, Lib‐Dem Dregs
Authors: PEARCE EDWARD
Published: February 2012

Alec Salmond's SNP, old politics and fingertips, won a landslide. The Lib Dems, free to confine the Tory plurality, chose the wooden spoon of office.
An Evaluation of Internet Versus Paper‐based Methods for Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS)
Authors: Pocewicz Amy , Nielsen‐Pincus Max , Brown Greg , Schnitzer Russ
Published: February 2012

Public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) are an increasingly important tool for collecting spatial information about the social attributes of place. The availability of Internet‐based options for implementing PPGIS presents new opportunities for increased efficiency and new modes of access. Here we used a mixed‐mode approach to evaluate paper versus Internet mapping methods for the same PPGIS survey in Wyoming. We compared participant characteristics, mapping participation, and the spatial distribution of mapped attributes between participants who responded to the paper versus Internet option. The response rate for those who completed the paper version of the survey was nearly 2.5 times the response rate of the Internet version. Paper participants also mapped significantly more places than did Internet participants (43 vs. 18). Internet participants tended to be younger, more likely to have a college degree, and had lived in the region for less time than paper participants. For all but one attribute there was no difference in the spatial distribution of places mapped between Internet and paper methods. Using a paper‐based PPGIS survey resulted in a higher response rate, reduced participant bias, and greater mapping participation. However, survey mode did not influence the spatial distribution of the PPGIS data.
Measuring Historical Coastal Change using GIS and the Change Polygon Approach
Authors: Smith Martyn J. , Cromley Robert G.
Published: February 2012

This study compares two automated approaches, the transect‐from‐baseline technique and a new change polygon method, for quantifying historical coastal change over time. The study shows that the transect‐from‐baseline technique is complicated by choice of a proper baseline as well as generating transects that intersect with each other rather than with the nearest shoreline. The change polygon method captures the full spatial difference between the positions of the two shorelines and average coastal change is the defined as the ratio of the net area divided by the shoreline length. Although then change polygon method is sensitive to the definition and measurement of shoreline length, the results are more invariant to parameter changes than the transect‐from‐baseline method, suggesting that the change polygon technique may be a more robust coastal change method.
Subjective cognitive complaints: not to be dismissed
Authors: Cappa S. F.
Published: February 2012

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Robot‐Assisted Resection of Multiple Schwannomas of the Neck and Mediastinum Through an Axillary Approach
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Moriyama Hideki , Oda Makoto , Watanabe Go
Published: February 2012

A 49‐year‐old woman was referred to our department for increased schwannoma of the right neck and mediastinum. We chose a robot‐assisted endoscopic approach to minimize the operative trauma. After exposure of the thyroid through the right axilla, the neck tumor was resected using the da Vinci Surgical System. A mini‐thoracotomy was then made in the left third intercostal space through the axillary incision, robotic instruments were introduced across the thoracic cavity, and the tumor was excised circumferentially using the robot. Histopathological examination of both specimens revealed schwannomas. This procedure has benefited the patient with good cosmetic results and allowed her to rapidly resume her daily activities.
An intraoperative multimodal neurophysiologic approach to successful resection of precentral gyrus epileptogenic lesions
Authors: Simon Mirela V. , Cole Andrew J. , Chang Eric C. , Buchbinder Bradley R. , Stufflebeam Steve M. , Nozari Ala , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat O. , Eskandar Emad N.
Published: February 2012

Cortical dysplasias (CDs) are highly epileptogenic lesions with a good prognosis of seizure freedom, if totally resected. However, their accurate delineation and resection can be difficult, and depend on the extent of pathology and lesion location. Intraoperative neurophysiologic assessments are valuable in these situations. We present an illustrative case of intractable epilepsy where judicious use of intraoperative neurophysiologic–techniques guided resection of precentral CD, under general anesthesia and in the absence of preoperative electrophysiologic mapping data. Ictal onset was accurately delineated using electrocorticography (ECoG). Phase reversal of the median somatosensory‐evoked potentials (MSSEPs) localized the central sulcus (CS). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) triggered by high‐frequency monopolar anodal electrical cortical stimulation at the primary motor cortex (PMC) threshold delineated the PMC. Using this technique, PMC and the corticospinal tract (CST) were continuously monitored during resection. No changes in MEPs from the preresection baseline were seen; no residual abnormal activity was present in the postresection ECoG. The patient emerged from surgery without deficits and has been seizure free during a 10‐month follow‐up. Staged multimodal intraoperative neurophysiology can be used successfully under general anesthesia to guide resection of epileptogenic lesions within the precentral gyrus, as an add‐on or, in certain situations, as a viable alternative to preoperative electrophysiologic mapping.
The temporal evolution of electrographic seizure burden in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Lynch Niamh E. , Stevenson Nathan J. , Livingstone Vicki , Murphy Brendan P. , Rennie Janet M. , Boylan Geraldine B.
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) accounts for 60% of all neonatal seizures. There is emerging evidence that seizures cause additional injury to the developing brain that has sustained hypoxic ischemic injury. Temporal evolution of clinical seizure burden in HIE has been characterized, with maximum clinical seizure burden (the period of maximum seizure activity) being observed between 12 and 24 h of age. The purpose of our study was to investigate the distribution of electrographic seizure burden (the accumulated duration of seizures over a defined time period), following the initial hypoxic ischemic insult.

Methods:  Fifteen full‐term newborns with HIE and seizures, and a minimum of 48 h of continuous video–electroencephalography (EEG), were included in this retrospective study. Medical records of the infants were reviewed and details of clinical seizures and antiepileptic drugs were recorded. The time of maximum seizure burden was defined as the midpoint of an hour‐long window, shifted in time by 1 s across the full EEG recording, which contained the maximum duration of seizures. The degree of temporal evolution of seizure burden within this period was tested. Temporal evolution was further analyzed by segmenting the time series into two periods; the time between the first recorded seizure and the maximum seizure burden (T1), and the time between the maximum seizure burden and the last recorded seizure (T2). Seizure burden, duration, and number of seizures per hour were analyzed within each time period.

Key Findings:  EEG was commenced at a median of 14 h of age. Maximum electrographic seizure burden was reached at a median age of 22.7 h. Time from first recorded seizure to maximum seizure burden (T1) was significantly shorter than time from maximum seizure burden to last recorded seizure (T2) (p‐value = 0.01). Median seizure burden during T1 was significantly higher than during T2 (p‐value = 0.007). There is temporal evolution of electrographic seizure burden in full‐term newborns with HIE. There is a short period of high seizure burden (T1) followed by a longer period of lower seizure burden (T2).

Significance:  Understanding the temporal evolution of seizure burden in HIE contributes further to our understanding of neonatal seizures, helps identify an optimal therapeutic window for seizure treatment, and provides a benchmark against which to measure the efficacy of new and innovative forms of neuroprotection and antiepileptic medication.
Dielectric Properties of Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 Film at Terahertz Measured by Metamaterials
Authors: Qi Peng , Fan Yuancheng , Li Hongqiang , Zhang Qiwei , Zhai Jiwei
Published: February 2012

A metamaterial device with resonance frequency at THz was reported in this article. The device was composed of split‐ring resonators (SRR), ferroelectric Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST70) film, and alumina substrates. The SRR of 140 nm thick Au/Ti was fabricated on BST70 film with periodicity of 50 μm, width of 10 μm, and gap of 8 μm. The BST70 thin film was deposited on alumina substrates using a sol–gel technique. Terahertz time domain spectroscopy was used to characterize electromagnetic response of the metamaterial at various temperatures. Finite difference time domain was used to simulate the transmission spectra of the metamaterial at THz frequencies. Dielectric constant of the BST70 film at THz, in the temperature range from 0°C to 100°C, was derived by comparing the simulated resonance frequency with the experimental curves.
Bridging and Bonding in the Academic Melting Pot: Cultural Resources and Network Diversity
Authors: Benediktsson Mike Owen
Published: February 2012

Understanding how cultural resources shape the formation of social networks is a methodological challenge as well as a theoretical objective, and both are yet to be met. In this study, sociability on college campuses is modeled as a process in which students’ prior cultural experiences and the current social structure of the student body work together, affecting the likelihood of friendships that take place within or across racial boundaries. Structural and cultural perspectives are surveyed to develop hypotheses concerning the determinants of interracial friendship, and these hypotheses are tested against a sample of 3,392 students from the National Longitudinal Study of Freshmen. The results suggest that religiosity, political activism, high arts participation, and athletic activities undertaken prior to college affect the diversity of social networks formed in the first year, but work in different directions. The effects of these cultural experiences may be explained by the racial organization of cultural activity on campus.
The Origins, Nature, and Content of the Right to Property: Five Economic Solitudes
Authors: Fox Glenn
Published: February 2012

The thesis of this article is that the now extensive contemporary literature on the economics of property rights has generated more heat than light. Economists have invoked at least five distinct theories of ownership or property rights in their work. Unfortunately, authors frequently fail to acknowledge the existence of competing theories of property rights that stand as conceptual rivals to the theory that they, often implicitly, invoke. Nowhere is this problem more evident than in the literature on regulatory takings, a literature that has a justifiable reputation for its inconsistent conclusions. Other fields in which theories of property rights play an important role include intellectual property, the economics of contracts, competition analysis and policy, externalities, and the economics of information. This article compares and evaluates five competing theories of property rights that have been advanced and used by economists: classical liberalism, utilitarianism, legal positivism, pragmatism, and modern libertarianism. These theories present divergent accounts of the origin and the nature of ownership claims. They also conceptualize the evolution of ownership institutions as well as ownership patterns quite differently. There are also important differences in incentives that exist under institutional regimes based on each theory.

Le présent article repose sur la thèse selon laquelle la volumineuse littérature contemporaine sur l’économie des droits de propriété génère plus de controverse que d’explications. Les économistes ont invoqué au moins cinq théories distinctes de la propriété ou des droits de propriété dans leurs travaux. Malheureusement, les auteurs omettent fréquemment de tenir compte de l’existence de théories des droits de propriété concurrentielles qui se présentent sous l’étiquette de rivales conceptuelles à la théorie qu’ils ont, souvent implicitement, invoquée. Ce problème n’est nulle part plus évident que dans la littérature sur l’expropriation indirecte, une littérature qui possède une réputation justifiée en raison de ses conclusions contradictoires. La théorie des droits de propriété joue également un rôle important dans d’autres domaines, tels que la propriété intellectuelle, l’économie des contrats, l’analyse et la politique de la concurrence, l’externalité et l’économie de l’information. Le présent article compare et évalue cinq théories des droits de propriété concurrentielles avancées et utilisées par les économistes : le libéralisme classique, l’utilitarisme, le positivisme juridique, le pragmatisme et le libertarisme moderne. Ces théories présentent des versions divergentes de l’origine et de la nature des revendications de propriété. Elles conceptualisent également l’évolution des institutions et des structures de propriété de façon totalement différente. Les incitatifs des régimes institutionnels varient de façon importante selon la théorie.
HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MS Analysis of Flavonoid Compounds in 5 Seedless Table Grapes Grown in Apulian Region
Authors: Crupi Pasquale , Coletta Antonio , Anna Milella Rosa , Perniola Rocco , Gasparro Marica , Genghi Rosalinda , Antonacci Donato
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Flavonoids present in skin extracts of red seedless table grape varieties Summer Royal, Autumn Royal, and Crimson, and white seedless varieties Carati and Thompson were analyzed by HPLC‐DAD‐MS, in 3 y of study (2006 to 2008). The anthocyanins, delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, petunidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (with their corresponding p‐coumaroyl derivatives), peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, and malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (with their corresponding acetyl, caffeoyl, and p‐coumaroyl derivatives) were found. In addition the flavonols quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide, quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐galactoside, and the flavan‐3‐ols procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, and catechin were also detected. Anthocyanins were the main flavonoids in red grapes ranging from 24 (Crimson) to 500 (Summer Royal) mg/kg fresh weight of grapes; consistent levels of flavonols and flavan‐3‐ols were also quantified in all varieties. To determine the effective climatic influence on flavonoids content in field conditions, viticultural practices have been developed, that could exclude the effects of direct solar radiation from confounding the assessment of those related to thermal conditions alone. A strong positive correlation was determined between flavonoids and temperature data that seem to be responsible for the difference of these metabolites along the years; furthermore, it has been possible to define a linear relationship (R2= 0.6871, P= 0.0057) between thermal amplitude and total flavonoids values in the red grapes.

Practical Application:  Grapes are economically the most important fruit species in the world and approximately 30% of its production is used as fresh fruit. Because of the very important role of flavonoids in food quality as well as their health‐promoting properties, and considering that our experiments were performed along 3 consecutive years, gathered results in this research are quite promising to give a useful information on the flavonoid contents and their evolution in 5 seedless table grapes that are widespread in Mediterranean regions but also in California and South America, and are grown in a viticultural climate (Apulia, South Italy) very close to some regions of Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, and Israel.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Production of Pinolenic Acid Concentrate from Pine Nut Oil Using a Recirculating Packed Bed Reactor
Authors: Zhao TingTing , Kim Byung Hee , Hong Seung In , Yoon Sung Won , Kim Chong‐Tai , Kim Yangha , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Pinolenic acid (PLA) concentrate in fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) was efficiently produced from pine nut oil via lipase‐catalyzed ethanolysis using a recirculating packed bed reactor (RPBR). The effects of reaction temperature, molar ratio, and residence time on the concentration of PLA were explored. Novozym 435 lipase from Candida antarctica showed less selectivity toward PLA esterified at the sn‐3 position when temperature was increased from 45 to 55 °C. For the trials of molar ratio between 1: 50 and 1: 100 (pine nut oil to ethanol), there were no significant differences in the yield of PLA. Residence time of substrate in a RPBR affected significantly the PLA content as well as the yield of PLA. Optimal temperature, molar ratio (pine nut oil to ethanol), and residence time for production of PLA concentrate via lipase‐catalyzed ethanolysis in a RPBR were 45 °C, 1: 50, and 3 min, respectively. Under these conditions, the maximal PLA content (36.1 mol%) in the concentrate was obtained during the initial 10 min of reaction.
Separation, Identification, and Quantitation of Phenolic Acids in Chinese Waxberry (Myrica Rubra) Juice by HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Zhao Jingbei , Chen Fan , Cheng Yaqian , Guo Aihong
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  A high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode‐array spectrophotometry and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS) method for separation and determination of phenolic acids in ethyl acetate extracts from Chinese waxberry (Myrica Rubra) juice was developed. Total of 4 phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, sinapic, and salicylic acids) were identified by comparing their HPLC retention times, UV‐Vis absorption spectra, and simultaneously recorded mass spectra with authentic standards. Quantitation was carried out by the peak area method. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range studied with the correlation coefficients, R2, greater than 0.99. The contents of ferulic, caffeic, sinapic, and salicylic acids in waxberry juice samples studied were 2.76, 3.58, 2.89, and 1.92 mg/L, respectively, and they occur mainly in bound forms. All relative standard deviations were less than 4%. The recoveries range from 83.6% to 95.8% for the 4 analytes. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report for the identification of the sinapic and salicylic acids in Chinese waxberry products.
On Invariant Coordinate System (ICS) Functionals
Authors: Ilmonen Pauliina , Oja Hannu , Serfling Robert
Published: February 2012

Les problèmes d'équivariance et d'invariance sont fréquents en analyse multivariée, o des adaptations sont parfois nécessaires en vue de l'obtention de versions équivariantes ou invariantes des procédures utilisées. Ces adaptations reposent souvent sur un traitement préliminaire des données, standardisation ou transformation via un système de coordonnées invariantes (ICS). Dans cet article, les méthodes de standardisation, ainsi que les caractéristiques des fonctionnelles et statistiques utilisées dans le cadre des ICS et leurs invariances sous l'action de certains groupes de transformations, sont examinées. En particulier, la méthode de construction fondée sur l'utilisation de deux matrices de scatter, développée par Tyler et al. (2009), ainsi que la méthode directe suggérée par Chaudhuri & Sengupta (1993), sont examinées. Diverses applications sont discutées.
Model‐Assisted Estimation of a Spatial Population Mean
Authors: Cicchitelli Giuseppe , Montanari Giorgio E.
Published: February 2012

Cet article traite de l'estimation de la moyenne d'une population spatiale. Dans le cadre d'une approche fondée sur un plan d'échantillonnage, un estimateur assisté par un modle de régression spline pénalisé est proposé et étudié. Nous montrons que cet estimateur est convergent (dans le cadre du plan) et établissons sa loi normale asymptotique. Une étude de simulation est menée afin d'étudier ses performances et l'estimation de sa variance, ainsi que les questions liées au biais relatif, à l'efficacité, et au taux de convergence des probabilités de couverture des intervalles de confiance correspondants. Ces simulations indiquent des gains d'efficacité considérables par rapport aux estimateurs découlant des méthodes d'échantillonnage classiques.
Alyssum kaynakiae sp. nov. (sect. Gamosepalum, Brassicaceae) from southwest Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Özer
Published: February 2012

A new species, Alyssum kaynakiae Yılmaz, is described from southwest Anatolia, Turkey. The new species belongs to Alyssum sect. Gamosepalum (Hausskn.) T. R. Dudley. Alyssum kaynakiae is closely related to A. niveum T. R. Dudley, but differs by its biennial life form, longer ascendent stems, not imbricated linear cauline leaves and equally inflated fruits.
Comprehensive analysis of transcription factor expression patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sui Weiguo , Lin Hua , Chen Jiejing , Ou Minglin , Dai Yong
Published: February 2012

Background

Transcription factors (TFs) play a central role in regulating gene expression and in providing interconnecting regulatory networks between related pathway elements. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an organ‐nonspecific autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a host of nuclear antigens.

Aim

The pathogenesis of lupus is incompletely understood. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to SLE and finding effect biomarkers to anticipate SLE will be of great value.

Method

To investigate possible mechanisms, we describe a comparison of TF activity profiles between SLE and controls. Through TF assay analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmation, we identified different activities of TFs in SLE.

Results

Three hundred and forty‐five TFs were detected in both groups, with 92 of them differentially expressed by TF array in which 78 TFs up‐regulated and 14 TFs down‐regulated in SLE compared with the control group, while 253 TFs showed no significant expression levels. The array data was consistent with the EMSA verification results.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that TFs may be potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, and can help to diagnose, treat and prevent SLE. The method could simplify the assay of multiple TFs and may facilitate high‐throughput profiling of large numbers of TFs.
Financial Crisis, SWF Investing, and Implications for Financial Stability
Authors: Park Joonkyu , van der Hoorn Han
Published: February 2012

The recent global financial crisis has significantly affected sovereign wealth funds’ (SWFs’) financial performance and their investment activities. The crisis shed a new light on SWFs’ objectives and priorities. SWFs need to review critically their strategic asset allocation (SAA) within a sovereign asset and liability management (ALM) framework, and their assets should be analyzed over complete economic cycles including market turbulences. The crisis raises also the question of whether some of the underlying objectives of the Santiago Principles—maintaining a stable global financial system and maximizing financial returns—are perhaps conflicting. We argue that any conflict was from a wrong interpretation of the principles, not from the principles themselves. Ultimately, stable financial markets are in each SWF’s self interest, also from a narrow financial perspective. In this respect, financial stability and financial risk/return can be mutually reinforcing objectives rather than conflicting.
Prognostic value of metabolic volume measured by F‐18 FDG PET‐CT in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: I Hoseok , Kim Keunyoung , Kim Seong‐Jang , Kim In‐Joo , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim Heeyoung
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) measured by F‐18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET‐CT) in predicting recurrence free survival (RFS) in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients with squamous cell carcinoma, who had undergone whole‐body F‐18 FDG PET‐CT scans before surgical resection, were included in this study. All patients were treated with Ivor‐Lewis esophagectomy. The MTV was quantified within the primary tumor using the 50% threshold of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the FDG uptake areas. The cutoff value of MTV50 was determined through receiver‐operating characteristic curve. The Kaplan Meier method was used to find out the relationship between RFS and MTV50. Univariate analysis and multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis were applied to test the significance of volumetric parameter of F‐18 FDG PET‐CT and other conventional prognostic factors for the prediction of RFS.

Results:  Overall median follow up period was 17.87 months (range: 1.07–63.27 months). The median survival between treatment completion and recurrence was 15.5 months (range: 1.37–72.43 months). Recurrence was found in eight patients. On univariate analysis, MTV50 (P = 0.0032), N stage (P = 0.0004), American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (P = 0.0101), tumor location (P = 0.0054) and adjuvant treatment (P = 0.0373) were significant predictors of RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors were MTV50 (P = 0.0465), N stage (P = 0.0303) and tumor location (P = 0.0270).

Conclusion:  Volume based parameter of F‐18 FDG PET‐CT may have a role in providing prognostic information in esophageal cancer patients who received esophagectomy.
Two‐dimensional crystallization of proteins on planar lipid films and structure determination by electron crystallography*
Authors: Brisson Alain , Olofsson Anders , Ringler Philippe , Schmutz Marc , Stoylova Svetla
Published: February 2012

Electron crystallography constitutes a powerful new method for determining the struture of biological macromolecules. This method is best adapted to the study of ordered assemblies of macromolecules, and principally to two‐dimensional (2‐D) crystals of proteins. Obtaining protein 2‐D crystals ordered at high resolution constitutes the major limiting step in the application of this approach. Considerable interest has been raised by the development of a rational method of 2‐D crystallization based on the specific binding of proteins to planar lipid films. The applicability of this method is quasi‐general in the case of soluble proteins. Its basic principles, together with examples taken from work in our group, are presented here.
The pericardial glands of the zebra mussel: Ultrastructure and implication in lead detoxication process
Authors: Giamberini Laure , Pihan Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2012

Summary— Ultrastructural and microanalytical investigations of the pericardial gland of the freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha have been performed to investigate the possible functional role of this organ in the detoxication process of lead. The cell‐type of this organ exhibits the feature characteristics of podocytes, ie the typical pedicel‐basal lamina complex and the well developed lysosomalvacuolar system. X‐ray microanalysis demonstrated that large electron‐dense granules referred to as lysosomes are the main target organelles in these cells to accumulate and sequestrate lead where the metal was associated with phosphorus and sulphur. Consequently, the pericardial gland plays an important role in the detoxication process and allows the organism to tolerate high lead concentration without suffering severe cell injury.
Macrophage mediated processing of an exogenous antigenic fluorescent probe: Time‐dependent elucidation of the processing pathway
Authors: Weaver Donald J , Cherukuri Anu , Carrero Jenny , Coelho‐Sampaio Tatiana , Durack Gary , Voss Edward W
Published: February 2012

Summary— To elucidate time‐dependent pathways and mechanisms involved in antigen processing, a fluorescent probe suitable to monitor several steps within this pathway was developed. Previous studies utilizing two‐photon fluorescence microscopy with time resolved and intensity imaging demonstrated that the probe, fluorescein derivatized BSA, was localized to the endocytic system and degraded over an extended period of time. However, an additional method, flow cytometry, was required to monitor the kinetics of these intracellular events and to better assess the total cell population. Flow cytometric studies indicated that the antigen entered an acidic intracellular environment consistent with the endocytic system of the macrophage. Additional experiments suggested that minimal proteolytic degradation began 10 min after addition of the antigenic probe while extensive enzymatic degradation did not occur until 180–200 min. Inhibitor studies indicated that degradation of the probe was dependent upon both acidic pH and ATP synthesis as well as all four classes of proteases. Experiments involving specific protease inhibitors also revealed that various classes of proteases were active at different time points throughout the processing of the probe. By combining these results with additional kinetic data, a model for the sequence of events involved in the processing of FITC10BSA was proposed. More importantly, these studies represented some of the first time‐dependent kinetic measurements of antigen processing in living cells.
Osmium ammine: Review of current applications to visualize DNA in electron microscopy
Authors: Biggiogera Marco , Courtens Jean‐Luc , Derenzini Massimo , Fakan Stan , Hernandez‐Verdun Danièle , Risueno Maria‐Carmen , Soyer‐Gobillard Marie‐Odile
Published: February 2012

Summary— This review has been collectively written. The contribution of the authors is mentioned for each part. References have been grouped at the end of the review. The objective of this review is to outline the principle of the method for electron microscopy, to emphasize the major applications and recent developments of this technique for DNA detection and finally to compare this technique with some other methods of DNA detection.
The osmium ammine‐SO2 staining method for studying the in situ configuration of viral genomes in ultrathin sections of DNA virus infected cells
Authors: Puvion‐Dutilleul Francine , Leduc Elizabeth H , Puvion Edmond
Published: February 2012

Summary— The Feulgen‐like osmium ammine‐SO2 method developed by Cogliati and Gautier (CR Acad Sci Ser D 1973, 276, 3041–3044) stains the DNA at the ultrastructural level. Compared to several other techniques for detecting DNA, this method remains the only one revealing the configuration of the DNA molecules within the cell whatever their compactness. In the present article we summarize the results we obtained with the osmium ammine method in the study of the fate of viral genomes along the infectious cycles in several DNA virus infected cells including adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, simian virus 40 and poxvirus. The results are discussed in relation to the replicative and transcribing activities of viral DNA.
Osmium ammine‐B and electron spectroscopic imaging of ribonucleoproteins: Correlation of stain and phosphorus
Authors: Olins Ada L , Olins Donald E , Bazett‐Jones David P
Published: February 2012

Summary— Ultra‐thin sections of Chironomus salivary glands were stained in a non‐Feulgen procedure with osmium ammine‐B and imaged at several electron energy‐loss windows. For two types of RNP‐containing structures (ie Balbiani ring granules and endoplasmic reticulum), a significant spatial correlation was observed between stain distribution and net phosphorus distribution. Non‐Feulgen osmium ammine‐B staining does not require the use of ultra‐thin sections and can approximate the distribution of nucleic acid phosphorus.
Ultrastructural immunogold labeling of lipid‐laden enterocytes from patients with genetic malabsorption syndromes
Authors: Samson‐Bouma Marie‐Elisabeth , Verthier Nicole , Ginsel Leo A , Feldmann Gérard , Fransen Jack AM , Aggerbeck Lawrence P
Published: February 2012

Summary— Intestinal biopsies from patients having genetic disorders of lipoprotein assembly and secretion, such as abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) or Anderson's disease (AD), contain large amounts of lipids which are accumulated in the enterocytes. Determination of the intracellular sites in which the lipids accumulate and to which apolipoproteins the lipids are bound would help to identify the defects in these diseases and further elucidate the mechanisms by which lipoprotein assembly and secretion occur normally. Ultrastructural immunogold labeling, however, is hampered by the poor preservation of the lipids accumulated in the enterocytes of these patients. We have used routine electron microscopy (fixation and ultra‐thin sectioning) along with three methods for immunogold labeling of lipid‐laden enterocytes; ultrathin cryosectioning, low temperature freeze substitution with embedding in Lowicryl K4M, and ultra‐low temperature freeze substitution with embedding in Lowicryl HM20, to establish a protocol for investigating the intestinal tissue from these patients. Ultracryosectioning, while preserving the overall morphology of the lipid laden enterocytes, did not preserve the lipid content and the immunogold labeling of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) appeared dislocated. Freeze substitution and low temperature embedding in Lowicryl K4M, in contrast, appeared to better preserve the lipid and lipoprotein structures; however, the antigenicity of both apoAI and apoB appeared to be lost and no specific labeling could be obtained. Freeze substitution and embedding in Lowicryl HM20 best preserved the lipid and lipoprotein structures while maintaining apoprotein antigenicity. In conclusion, immunogold labeling of apolipoproteins on lipid structures in the lipid‐laden enterocytes of patients with ABL and AD is best obtained by freeze substitution and embedding in Lowicryl HM20.
Identification and subcellular distribution of the Gi‐proteins in the enterocytic‐differentiated adenocarcinoma cell‐line, Caco‐2
Authors: Lacombe Christiane , Viallard Viviane , Schaak Stéphane , Paris Hervé
Published: February 2012

Summary— As evidenced by pertussis toxin‐catalysed [32P]ADP‐ribosylation, immunoblotting and Northern blot, the human adenocarcinoma intestinal cell line Caco‐2 expresses Gi2 and Gi3 proteins. The localization of these two Gis within the cell was investigated by using subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy on intact cell layer. A brush‐border rich fraction and a pellet containing the remaining cellular membranes were prepared. [32P]ADP‐ribosylation and immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of both αi2 and αi3 in these two preparations. Immunofluorescence studies performed on intact cells grown on Transwell filters and viewed by confocal microscopy further confirmed the localization of αi3‐subunit on basolateral as well as on apical membranes. In contrast, αi2‐subunit was shown to accumulate mainly in the intra‐cellular compartment while only faint staining of the plasma membrane was detectable. Based upon double‐labelling experiments with antibody against rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), there is a strong possibility that intra‐cellular sites of αi2‐subunit correspond to association with RER membranes.
Analysis of skeletal and cardiac muscle from desmin knock‐out and normal mice by high resolution separation of myosin heavy‐chain isoforms
Authors: Agbulut Onnik , Li Zhenlin , Mouly Vincent , Butler‐Browne Gillian Sandra
Published: February 2012

Summary— In this study, using a modified electrophoretic technique, we have defined in the mouse the myosin heavy‐chain composition of both newborn and adult skeletal and cardiac muscles. Using this high resolution technique it was possible to detect modifications in the myosin heavy‐chain expression in both cardiac and skeletal muscles of desmin knock‐out mice.
OBTAINING CONTRADICTION MEASURES ON INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY SETS FROM FUZZY CONNECTIVES
Authors: CASTIÑEIRA ELENA E. , TORRES-BLANC CARMEN , CUBILLO SUSANA
Published: February 2012

In a previous paper1, we proposed an axiomatic model for measuring self-contradiction in the framework of Atanassov fuzzy sets. This way, contradiction measures that are semicontinuous and completely semicontinuous, from both below and above, were defined. Although some examples were given, the problem of finding families of functions satisfying the different axioms remained open.

The purpose of this paper is to construct some families of contradiction measures firstly using continuous t-norms and t-conorms, and secondly by means of strong negations. In both cases, we study the properties that they satisfy. These families are then classified according the different kinds of measures presented in the above paper.
POWER GEOMETRIC OPERATORS FOR GROUP DECISION MAKING UNDER MULTIPLICATIVE LINGUISTIC PREFERENCE RELATIONS
Authors: XU YEJUN , WANG HUIMIN
Published: February 2012

The aim of this paper is to develop some new linguistic aggregation operators, such as linguistic power geometric (LPG) operator, linguistic weighted PG operator, LPOWG operator which are based on PG operator. We have studied some desired properties of the developed operators, such as commutativity, idempotency, boundary, etc. Moreover, we have developed two approaches to deal with group decision making problems under multiplicative linguistic preference relations. If the weighting vector of the decision makers is known, we develop an approach which is based on the linguistic weighted PG operator. On the other hand, if the weighting vector of the decision makers is unknown, we develop another approach which is based on the LPOWG. Finally, a practical example is given to illustrate the multiple attribute group decision making process; a comparative study to the linguistic weighted geometric average (LWGA) operator method is also demonstrated.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF STEEL-CONCRETE COMPOSITE BEAMS STRENGTHENED WITH PRESTRESSED CFRP PLATE
Authors: EL-HACHA R. , ZANGENEH P. , OMRAN H. Y.
Published: February 2012

Results from finite element modeling (FEM) of large-scale steel-concrete composite beams strengthened in flexure with prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate were validated with experimental results and presented in this paper. The effect of varying the level of prestressing as percentage of the ultimate tensile strength of the CFRP plate was investigated. Comparison was carried out in terms of overall load-deflection behavior, strain profile along the length of the CFRP plate, and strain distribution across the depth of the beam at mid-span section. Very good agreement was observed between the finite element (FE) and the experimental results. The validated FE models were used to perform a comprehensive parametric study to investigate the changes in the behavior through wider range of prestressing levels and then, determine the optimum prestressing level that maintain the unstrengthened beams' original ductility (or energy absorption). An iterative analytical model was also developed, validated with both the FE model and the experimental results, and showed good agreement. A parametric study was carried out to investigate the effect of changing the yield strength of the steel and the concrete compressive strength on the moment of resistance of the section and the strain in the CFRP plate at ultimate.
A NEW METHOD FOR NONHOMOGENEOUS TIME COURSE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: XU JIN
Published: February 2012

Time course expression analysis constitutes a large portion of applications of microarray experiments. One primary goal of such experiments is to detect genes with the temporal changes over a period of time or at some interested time points. Difficulties arising from data with small number of replicates over only a few unaligned time points in multiple groups pose challenges for efficient statistical analysis. Some known methods are limited by the unverifiable assumptions or by the scope of applications for only two groups. We present a new method for detecting differentially expressed genes under nonhomogeneous time course experiments in multiple groups. The new method first models the time course curve of one gene by a Gaussian process to align the nonhomogeneous time course data and to compute the gradient of the time course curve as well, the latter of which is used as directional information to enhance the sensitivity of detection for temporal changes. Second, we adopt a nonparametric method to test a surrogate hypothesis based on the augmented data from the Gaussian process model. The proposed method is robust in terms of model fitting and testing. It does not require any distributional assumption for the observations or the test statistic and the method works for the case with as few as triplicate samples over four or five time points under multiple groups. We show the effectiveness and superiority of the new method in comparison with some existing methods using simulated models and two real data sets.
Characteristics of Temperature and Humidity Inversions and Low-Level Jets over Svalbard Fjords in Spring
Authors: Vihma Timo , Kilpeläinen Tiina , Manninen Miina , Sjöblom Anna , Jakobson Erko , Palo Timo , Jaagus Jaak , Maturilli Marion
Published: February 2012

Air temperature and specific humidity inversions and low-level jets were studied over two Svalbard fjords, Isfjorden and Kongsfjorden, applying three tethersonde systems. Tethersonde operation practices notably affected observations on inversion and jet properties. The inversion strength and depth were strongly affected by weather conditions at the 850 hPa level. Strong inversions were deep with a highly elevated base, and the strongest ones occurred in warm air mass. Unexpectedly, downward longwave radiation measured at the sounding site did not correlate with the inversion properties. Temperature inversions had lower base and top heights than humidity inversions, the former due to surface cooling and the latter due to adiabatic cooling with height. Most low-level jets were related to katabatic winds. Over the ice-covered Kongsfjorden, jets were lifted above a cold-air pool on the fjord; the jet core was located highest when the snow surface was coldest. At the ice-free Isfjorden, jets were located lower.
An Explicit Criterion for the Existence of Positive Solutions of the Linear Delayed Equation x˙(t)=−c(t)x(t−τ(t))
Authors: Baštinec J. , Diblík J. , Šmarda Z.
Published: February 2012

The paper investigates an equation with single delay , where τ : [t0 − r, ∞)→(0, r], r > 0, t0 ∈ ℝ, and c : [t0 − r, ∞)→(0, ∞) are continuous functions, and the difference t − τ(t) is an increasing function. Its purpose is to derive a new explicit integral criterion for the existence of a positive solution in terms of c and τ. An overview of known relevant criteria is provided, and relevant comparisons are also given.