bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiolytic‐like effects and safety profile of a tryptic hydrolysate from bovine alpha s1‐casein in rats
Authors: Messaoudi Michaël , Lalonde Robert , Schroeder Henri , Desor Didier
Published: May 2009

The anxiolytic activity and adverse benzodiazepine‐like effects of a bovine alpha s1‐casein tryptic hydrolysate (CH) were evaluated. The effects of CH orally administered at doses of 5 and 15 mg/kg were compared with those of diazepam (DZ) at 3 mg/kg in the conditioned defensive burying test. Rats treated either with CH at 15 mg/kg or with DZ showed a decrease in anxiety. A drug‐related difference was observed in terms of duration, as the anxiolytic‐like action of CH was maintained after 7 days with twice‐daily administration, whereas that of DZ was not. CH and DZ were then evaluated for their potential effects on memory in a passive avoidance paradigm. CH‐treated rats had significantly longer latencies before entering the dark compartment where they were previously delivered a shock, indicating better retention relative to DZ‐treated rats. In the final test, CH and DZ were evaluated for place preference, an index of the possible addictive potential of these substances. DZ‐treated rats spent more time in the compartment associated with drug exposure than control rats. This effect was not found in CH‐treated rats. Thus, CH did not display side effects associated with DZ, despite its affinity for gamma‐aminobutyric acid(A) (GABAA) receptors. Specific linking of CH on GABAA receptor function involved in anxiolysis, but not on that implied in memory‐impairing effects, may be hypothesized to explain its specific activity. This profile might render it advantageous for nutritional purposes.
Provision of nestboxes raises the breeding density of Great Tits Parus major equally in coniferous and deciduous woodland
Authors: MÄND RAIVO , LEIVITS AGU , LEIVITS MEELIS , RODENHOUSE NICHOLAS L.
Published: May 2009

Nestbox provision is a technique used to increase nest‐site availability for secondary cavity‐nesting birds. However, little is known about the demographic consequences of nestbox provision in different habitat types. To assess how nestbox provision affects the density of hole‐nesting birds simultaneously in two contrasting habitats, we compared the breeding density of Great Tits along transects without nestboxes with that in transects where nestboxes were provided. Although the initial density of breeders was considerably higher in the deciduous habitat than in the coniferous habitat, provision of nestboxes increased density by a similar number of additional pairs in each habitat type. Thus, the provision of nestboxes in managed coniferous forests may be as effective in increasing the breeding opportunities of cavity nesters as in deciduous stands. Moreover, previous research showed that pairs in deciduous habitat with nestboxes have consistently lower breeding success than those in coniferous habitat with nestboxes. It is possible that the addition of nestboxes in the preferred habitat increased density to such an extent that density‐dependent effects became apparent.
Sex‐specific provisioning behaviour in a monomorphic seabird with a bimodal foraging strategy
Authors: WELCKER JORG , STEEN HARALD , HARDING ANN M.A. , GABRIELSEN GEIR W.
Published: May 2009

Sexual differences in foraging and provisioning behaviour have been observed in several size‐dimorphic seabird species. These differences are usually thought to be driven by size‐related mechanisms such as the ability to compete for food or defend the nest. However, recent studies on monomorphic species suggest that sexual differences in foraging may arise independently of size. Selective forces driving sex‐specific patterns are poorly known but essential to understand parental strategies. In this study, we examine sex differences in the provisioning behaviour of a monomorphic species, the Little AukAlle alle. Using automated recording systems during two consecutive seasons at two colonies, we found that both sexes used a bimodal foraging strategy in which they regularly alternated single foraging trips of long duration with a cycle of several short‐trips. The duration of long‐trips was substantially longer in females than in males, and the sexes differed in the number of short‐trips they performed in between long‐trips, resulting in male‐biased provisioning rates in both years. In species with a bimodal foraging strategy, long‐trips have been interpreted as self‐feeding trips to replenish body reserves. Our results therefore suggest that female Little Auks allocate more time to self‐maintenance at the cost of chick provisioning, possibly due to different energetic constraints of the sexes prior and/or subsequent to chick‐rearing. Our findings contribute to accumulating evidence that sex‐specific foraging patterns may be widespread in sexually size‐monomorphic seabird species.
Landscape, absence and the geographies of love
Authors: Wylie John
Published: May 2009

Working out from an encounter with a series of memorial benches at Mullion Cove, Cornwall, this paper develops an account of landscape in terms of absence and the non‐coincidence of self and world. Arguing that recent work on the topics of landscape, embodiment, perception and material culture has tended to stress presence in various ways, I seek to explore instead here motifs of absence, distance, loss and haunting. The paper further attempts to combine descriptive and experiential accounts of the memorial benches and the views they open with conceptual arguments regarding the limits of certain phenomenological understandings of self and landscape. In particular, Derrida’s critical reading of Merleau‐Ponty is outlined and explored. The final substantive section of the paper then takes a further cue from the memorial benches to discuss what it terms the geographies of love. The argument here is that such geographies constitute a fracture forbidding any phenomenological fusion of self and world, entailing instead a simultaneous opening‐onto and distancing‐from. It is within the tension of this openness and distance, perhaps, that landscape, absence and love are entangled.
The Veterans Learning to Improve Fitness and Function in Elders Study: A Randomized Trial of Primary Care–Based Physical Activity Counseling For Older Men
Authors: Morey Miriam C. , Peterson Matthew J. , Pieper Carl F. , Sloane Richard , Crowley Gail M. , Cowper Patricia A. , McConnell Eleanor S. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Ekelund Carola C. , Pearson Megan P.
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of primary care–based, multicomponent physical activity counseling (PAC) promoting physical activity (PA) guidelines on gait speed and related measures of PA and function in older veterans.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Durham, North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred ninety‐eight male veterans aged 70 and older.

INTERVENTION: Twelve months of usual care (UC) or multicomponent PAC consisting of baseline in‐person and every other week and then monthly telephone counseling by a lifestyle counselor, one‐time clinical endorsement of PA, monthly automated telephone messaging from the primary care provider, and quarterly tailored mailings of progress in PA.

MEASUREMENTS: Gait speed (usual and rapid), self‐reported PA, function, and disability at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS: Although no between‐group differences were noted for usual gait speed, rapid gait speed improved significantly more for the PAC group (1.56±0.41 m/s to 1.68±0.44 m/s) than with UC (1.57±0.40 m/sec to 1.59±0.42 m/sec, P=.04). Minutes of moderate/vigorous PA increased significantly in the PAC group (from 57.1±99.3 to 126.6±142.9 min/wk) but not in the UC group (from 60.2±116.1 to 69.6±116.1 min/wk, P<.001). Changes in other functional/disability outcomes were small.

CONCLUSION: In this group of older male veterans, multicomponent PA significantly improved rapid gait and PA. Translation from increased PA to overall functioning was not observed. Integration with primary care was successful.
Stochastic Approximation Boosting for Incomplete Data Problems
Authors: Sexton Joseph , Laake Petter
Published: May 2009

SummaryBoosting is a powerful approach to fitting regression models. This article describes a boosting algorithm for likelihood‐based estimation with incomplete data. The algorithm combines boosting with a variant of stochastic approximation that uses Markov chain Monte Carlo to deal with the missing data. Applications to fitting generalized linear and additive models with missing covariates are given. The method is applied to the Pima Indians Diabetes Data where over half of the cases contain missing values.
An Exact Control‐Versus‐Treatment Comparison Test Based on Ranked Set Samples
Authors: Ozturk Omer , Balakrishnan N.
Published: May 2009

Summary A control‐versus‐treatment multiple comparison test procedure is developed based on ranked set samples. The test, constructed based on K‐independent exact median confidence intervals corresponding to the K populations, rejects the null hypothesis of equal medians if the median confidence intervals of the control group and any one of the other K − 1 treatment groups are disjoint. The use of the proposed test is illustrated with data from an agricultural experiment.
A Constitutive Model for In Situ Comminuted Silicon Carbide
Authors: Anderson Charles E. , Chocron Sidney , Behner Thilo
Published: May 2009

Cylindrical hot‐pressed silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic targets were predamaged before ballistic testing. The SiC was thermally shocked to introduce noncontiguous cracks, then additional damage was induced by load–unload cycling in an MTS machine while the ceramic specimen was confined in a 7075‐T6 aluminum sleeve. Long gold rod penetration was measured as a function of impact velocity vp over the approximate range of 1–3 km/s, with most data between 1.5 and 3 km/s. Penetration as a function of time was measured using multiple, independently timed flash X‐rays. It was assumed that the penetration response of the damaged SiC could be represented by a Drucker–Prager constitutive model. Numerical simulations were used to estimate the constitutive constants. It was found that simulations could not be used to determine a unique set of constitutive constants within experimental data scatter.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Li2MgSiO4 Ceramics
Authors: George Sumesh , Anjana Prabhakaran Sreekumari , Deepu Vasudevan Nair , Mohanan Pezholil , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas
Published: May 2009

Development of a low‐temperature sintered dielectric material derived from Li2MgSiO4 (LMS) for low‐temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) application is discussed in this paper. The LMS ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state ceramic route. The calcination and sintering temperatures of LMS were optimized at 850°C/4 h and 1250°C/2 h, respectively, for the best density and dielectric properties. The crystal structure and microstructure of the ceramic were studied by the X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic methods. The microwave dielectric properties of the ceramic were measured by the cavity perturbation method. The LMS sintered at 1250°C/2 h had ɛr=5.1 and tan δ=5.2 × 10−4 at 8 GHz. The sintering temperature of LMS is lowered from 1250°C/2 h to 850°C/2 h by the addition of both lithium borosilicate (LBS) and lithium magnesium zinc borosilicate (LMZBS) glasses. LMS mixed with 1 wt% LBS sintered at 925°C/2 h had ɛr=5.5 and tan δ=7 × 10−5 at 8 GHz. Two weight percent LMZBS mixed with LMS sintered at 875°C/2 h had ɛr=5.9 and tan δ=6.7 × 10−5 at 8 GHz.
Stress Development During Drying of Aqueous Zirconia Based Tape Casting Slurries Measured by Transparent Substrate Deflection Method
Authors: Bauer Christiane , Cima Michael , Dellert Armin , Roosen Andreas
Published: May 2009

During drying of water‐based tape casting slurries, high stresses can occur, which lead to crack formation. Under the variety of different techniques to measure the drying stresses, the deflect measurement technique is very common. Due to the nontransparent substrate, this technique has the disadvantage, that a direct observation of the changes in the drying regions during the drying process is not possible. Thus, it cannot be ensured that homogeneous drying occurs, which is the prerequisite for the validity of the Corcoran's equation. Nonuniform drying causes cracks and might lead to errors in data interpretation, if nonuniformity of drying is not visible. To make drying uniformity visible, the deflect measurement technique was improved by the usage of a transparent substrate. The benefit of the new technique is the direct observation of saturation uniformity during drying. The differentiation of nonuniform drying and uniform drying, which is characterized by an optimum permeation of the solvent to the surface, is ensured. The advantage of the method is demonstrated by the characterization of the drying behavior of water‐based stabilized zirconia slurries in the presence of dispersants and latex binders. Particularly with regard to slurries containing latex particles as a binder, progress was achieved in understanding drying. Measures to decrease drying stresses are summarized.
Solid‐Based Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Alumina Nanofibers with Controllable Aspect Ratios
Authors: Shen Shou‐Cang , Ng Wai Kiong , Zhong Zi‐Yi , Dong Yuan‐Cai , Chia Leonard , Tan Reginald B. H.
Published: May 2009

Nanofibers of AlOOH with controllable aspect ratios have been synthesized by a facile steam‐assisted solid‐phase crystallization route. The morphology and aspect ratios of resulting AlOOH nanofibers were significantly influenced by the alkaline medium used in the preparation of solid precipitates from Al(NO3)3 solution. When tetramethylammonium hydroxide was used for precipitation, straight rod‐like nanofibers with aspect ratios of 10–20 were obtained. The use of other tetra‐alkylated ammonium hydroxides, such as tetraethylammonium hydroxide, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide or tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, led to the formation of long wire‐like nanofibers with aspect ratios up to 150. After thermal treatment at 600°C, the morphologies of the one‐dimensional nanostructures were well preserved while the crystal structure was converted to γ‐alumina. The wire‐like nanofibers of alumina possessed higher thermal stability than alumina nanorods, and both exhibited much higher stability as compared with alumina micropowder.
Chemical Degradation of Si3N4‐Bonded SiC Sidelining Materials in Aluminum Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Skybakmoen Egil , Grande Tor
Published: May 2009

A thorough analysis of a silicon nitride (Si3N4)‐bonded SiC sidelining material from a Hall‐Heroult electrolysis cell is reported. Phase composition before and after chemical degradation of the material is obtained by quantitative analysis using Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction data and chemical analysis. The main degradation products as a result of the oxidation of Si3N4 binder phase are Si2ON2 in the upper part and Na2SiO3 in the lower part of the sidelining. The microstructure of α‐Si3N4 (needle) and β‐Si3N4 (shell) as well as the degradation products Si2ON2 (fiber) and Na2SiO3 (flake) were revealed by electron microprobe analysis. Chemical reactions and degradation mechanisms are proposed based on the presented findings. The degradation in the lower part is more severe than that in the upper part because Na diffusion from the cathode enhances the oxidation of Si3N4. The degradation changes the physical properties of Si3N4‐bonded SiC such as density and porosity.
Formation and Evolution of Body‐Centered Orthorhombic Mesophase in TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sim Chow Hong , Yuwono Akhmad Herman , Li Jun , Wang John
Published: May 2009

A new mesophase orientation has been established in TiO2 thin films formed by self‐assembling of a poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (Pluronic F127). They were then characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and X‐ray diffraction. This new mesophase was identified and indexed as a body‐centered orthorhombic mesophase structure with the (001) plane parallel to the substrate. It may well originate from a body‐centered tetragonal structure, orienting with the square base perpendicular to the substrate. The mesophase then underwent a uniaxial contraction in the direction normal to the substrate upon drying and thermal treatment. As a result, the in‐plane parameters were preserved whereas the out‐of‐plane parameters were markedly reduced by heating.
Thermal Shock Resistance of an AlN–BN–SiC Ceramic
Authors: Buchheit Andrew A. , Hilmas Greg E. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Deason Douglas M.
Published: May 2009

Mechanical and thermal properties of AlN–BN–SiC (ABS) ceramics were used to calculate the R, R′, and R″″ thermal shock parameters. The R parameter values ranged from ∼400° to 450°C. Specimens were thermal shocked by water quenching and the critical quench temperatures (ΔTC) were compared with those of a baseline SiC composition. The behavior of the ABS was predicted by R parameter calculations while the behavior of the baseline material was predicted by the R′ calculations due to its higher thermal conductivity (87 W·(m·K)‐1) as compared with the ABS materials (∼30 W·(m·K)−1). The highest critical quench temperature for ABS was ∼415°C with the lowest at 360°C, while the critical quench temperature for the baseline material was 450°C. Using temperature dependent data over an appropriate temperature range (room temperature to the predicted ΔTC), the R parameters of the ABS materials were within 15°C of predictions. The baseline material was ∼1.7 times higher than predicted and this was attributed to the high‐thermal conductivity of the material resulting in soft thermal shock during quench testing.
Formation of Oxide Films on ZrB2–15 vol% SiC Composites During Oxidation: Evolution with Time and Temperature
Authors: Karlsdottir Sigrun N. , Halloran John W.
Published: May 2009

The evolution of convection cells features that form in oxide films on ZrB2–SiC composites are quantified by the number population, size, and distribution in oxide films on ZrB2–15 vol% SiC oxidized at temperatures between 1500° and 1600°C for various oxidation times. The number of convection cells per unit area increases after short exposure times of the oxidation at 1550°C, but then decreases slowly with increasing time. The results indicate that these convection cells are transient, they form and transport boria–silica–zirconia liquid to the surface but with increasing exposure time the increasing amount of flowing viscous SiO2‐rich liquid submerges them and they become extinct.
Hydrodynamic Interaction of Particles in Al2O3 Slurries Prepared by Different Milling Methods
Authors: Hotta Yuji , Shirai Takashi , Sato Katsuya , Yilmaz Huseyin , Watari Koji
Published: May 2009

The surface state of vapor‐phase‐synthesized nonhydrated Al2O3 particles after milling was investigated quantitatively. The amount and kind of materials generated were different depending on the milling methods used and the ball grinding media. Gibbsite and bayerite were formed on the surface of Al2O3 particles in ball and planetary ball millings, respectively. On the other hand, wet‐jet milling led to an undamaged Al2O3 particle surface as compared with other milling methods that use ball grinding media, in which the hydration reaction on the particle surface was also suppressed. In this work, the hydrodynamic interaction between Al2O3 particles in slurries prepared by various milling methods was investigated by rheological behavior characterization. From the creep and recovery measurements, it was found that the ball‐milled and planetary ball‐milled slurries behaved elastically. In the case of the wet‐jet‐milled slurry, the strain was proportional to the measurement time, indicating that the slurry had a liquid‐like behavior. The creep compliance values of the ball‐milled, planetary ball‐milled, and wet‐jet‐milled slurries were 5.2 × 10−3, 1.5 × 10−3, and 14.8 × 103 Pa−1, respectively, indicating that the fluidity of planetary ball‐milled slurry was lower than that of the ball‐milled one. The fluidity of the wet‐jet‐milled slurry was fairly strong as compared with the ball‐milled and planetary ball‐milled ones. Moreover, the dynamic viscoelastic properties of the resulting slurries were measured at low strains in order to examine the rheology at long time scales. The behavior of the wet‐jet‐milled slurry in poly(acrylic acid) (PAA‐NH4+) solution was similar to that of the PAA‐NH4+‐only solution. Therefore, it was found that the wet‐jet‐milled particles were more mobile in the slurry, with liquid‐like behavior, and the attractive interaction between particles was very weak as compared with the ball‐milled and planetary ball‐milled ones.
Growth of Cement Hydration Products on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Makar Jonathan M. , Chan Gordon W.
Published: May 2009

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were distributed on the surface of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) grains. The OPC/SWCNT composite was then hydrated at a 0.5 w/c ratio. The effects of the SWCNT on the early hydration process were studied using isothermal conduction calorimetry, high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The observed behavior of the composite samples was compared with both OPC sonicated without SWCNT and previously published data on as‐delivered OPC. The SWCNT were found to accelerate the hydration reaction of the C3S in the OPC. The morphology of both the initial C3A and the C3S hydration products were found to be affected by the presence of the SWCNT. In particular, the nanotubes appeared to act as nucleating sites for the C3S hydration products, with the nanotubes becoming rapidly coated with C–S–H. The resulting structures remained on the surface of the cement grains while those in the sonicated and as‐delivered OPC samples grew out from the grain surfaces to form typical C–S–H clusters. Classical evidence of reinforcing behavior, in the form of fiber pullout of the SWCNT bundles, was observed by 24 h of hydration.
Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of PZT Composite Thick Films with Variable Solution to Powder Ratios
Authors: Wu Dawei , Zhou Qifa , Shung Koping Kirk. , Bharadwaja Srowthi N. , Zhang Dongshe , Zheng Haixing
Published: May 2009

The use of PZT films in sliver‐mode high‐frequency ultrasonic transducers applications requires thick, dense, and crack‐free films with excellent piezoelectric and dielectric properties. In this work, PZT composite solutions were used to deposit PZT films >10 μm in thickness. It was found that the functional properties depend strongly on the mass ratio of PZT sol–gel solution to PZT powder in the composite solution. Both the remanent polarization,Pr, and transverse piezoelectric coefficient,e31,f, increase with increasing proportion of the sol–gel solution in the precursor. Films prepared using a solution‐to‐powder mass ratio of 0.5 have a remanent polarization of 8 μC/cm2, a dielectric constant of 450 (at 1 kHz), ande31,f=−2.8 C/m2. Increasing the solution‐to‐powder mass ratio to 6, the films were found to have remanent polarizations as large as 37 μC/cm2, a dielectric constant of 1250 (at 1 kHz) ande31,f=−5.8 C/m2.
Microwave Synthesis of Homogeneous YAG Nanopowder Leading to a Transparent Ceramic
Authors: Wang Jieqiang , Zheng Shaohua , Zeng Rong , Dou Shixue , Sun Xudong
Published: May 2009

A homogeneous and extremely fine yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) precursor powder was synthesized from solutions with a low [urea]/[metal ions] ratio under microwave irradiation, and pure phase YAG was directly crystallized from it at 1173 K. In the presence of sulfate ions, a fibrillar precursor that takes on a dendritic skeleton was generated, and easily dispersible YAG nanopowder with a particle size of 20–30 nm was obtained at 1373 K. A transparent YAG ceramic with fine grains was sintered from this YAG nanopowder at 1973 K for 10 min in a graphite furnace. At the wavelength of 1060 nm, the in‐line light transmittance of the YAG ceramic is up to 67%. The mechanism behind the influence of the microwave irradiation and sulfate ions on the characteristics of YAG is thoroughly discussed.
Assessment of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit hypofunction in mice as a model for schizophrenia
Authors: Halene T. B. , Ehrlichman R. S. , Liang Y. , Christian E. P. , Jonak G. J. , Gur T. L. , Blendy J. A. , Dow H. C. , Brodkin E. S. , Schneider F. , Gur R. C. , Siegel S. J.
Published: May 2009

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a pivotal role in excitatory neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and brain development. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests a dysregulation of NMDAR function and glutamatergic pathways in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We evaluated electrophysiological and behavioral properties of NMDAR deficiency utilizing mice that express only 5–10% of the normal level of NMDAR NR1 subunit. Auditory and visual event related potentials yielded significantly increased amplitudes for the P20 and N40 components in NMDAR deficient (NR1neo−/−) mice suggesting decreased inhibitory tone. Compared to wild types, NR1neo−/− mice spent less time in social interactions and showed reduced nest building. NR1neo−/− mice displayed a preference for open arms of a zero maze and central zone of an open field, possibly reflecting decreased anxiety‐related behavioral inhibition. However, locomotor activity did not differ between groups in either home cage environment or during behavioral testing. NR1neo−/− mice displayed hyperactivity only when placed in a large unfamiliar environment, suggesting that neither increased anxiety nor non‐specific motor activation accounts for differential behavioral patterns. Data suggest that NMDAR NR1 deficiency causes disinhibition in sensory processing as well as reduced behavioral inhibition and impaired social interactions. The behavioral signature in NR1neo−/− mice supports the impact of impaired NMDAR function in a mouse model with possible relevance to negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Promoter and functional polymorphisms of HTR2C and suicide victims
Authors: Videtič Alja , Peternelj Tina T. , Zupanc Tomaž , Balažic Jože , Komel Radovan
Published: May 2009

In Europe, the countries with the highest suicide rates form a so‐called J‐curve, which starts in Finland and extends down to Slovenia—a country with one of the world's highest suicide rates. So far, the strongest association between suicide and genes has been shown for the serotonergic system. A functional polymorphism 68G>C (Cys23Ser) and a promoter polymorphism–995G>A of serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) have already been investigated, but no associations with suicide were determined. In the present study 334 suicide victims and 211 controls of Slovenian origin were genotyped for the above‐mentioned polymorphisms using standard methods. In the case of the polymorphism–995G>A no association with suicide was found. However, a significant association was observed between female suicide victims and polymorphism 68G>C. The significance remained when we combined alleles of female and male populations. An excess of GG genotype and allele G was observed. However, no statistically important differences were present when only males were analyzed. Haplotype analysis on female population showed marginal association of haplotype G‐C with suicide. The present study speaks for the plausible implication of the HTR2C in suicide susceptibility.
Insufficient energy and nutrient intake in children with motor disability
Authors: Kilpinen‐Loisa P , Pihko H , Vesander U , Paganus A , Ritanen U , Mäkitie O
Published: May 2009

Aim: Children with motor disabilities are at increased risk of compromised bone health due to impaired weight bearing. Poor nutritional status may be an additional risk factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate energy and nutrient intakes in children with motor disability.

Patients and Methods: Fifty‐four children with motor disability (cerebral palsy in 59%) were included. Three‐day food diaries were collected and analysed. The results were compared with recommended dietary allowances for age and sex.

Results: The median age was 10.9 years. The median energy intake was 76% of the recommendation and <80% in 57% of children. Of the total energy, 17% was from protein, 32% from fat and 50% from carbohydrates. The medians were for calcium intake 142% and for vitamin D intake 76% of the recommendation; serum 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D concentrations were low (median 46 nmol/L). Children with low energy intake were shorter and lighter and had more severe motor disability than children with sufficient energy intake.

Conclusion:Insufficient energy and nutrient intake is common in children with motor disability. This may have adverse health effects especially when associated with low vitamin D intake. Energy and vitamin D supplements should be considered.
Differences in the Spinal Command of Ejaculation in Rapid Ejaculating Rats
Authors: Borgdorff Aren J. , Rössler Anne-Sophie , Clément Pierre , Bernabé Jacques , Alexandre Laurent , Giuliano François
Published: May 2009

Introduction

It has been hypothesized that lifelong premature ejaculation is part of a biological variation in the intravaginal ejaculation latency, but what causes this variation remains poorly understood.

Aim

The aim of this study is to elucidate whether variations in ejaculation latencies in an experimental rat model for premature ejaculation are linked to differences in the spinal command of ejaculation.

Main Outcome Measures

Electrical microstimulation of the spinal generator for ejaculation revealed an accelerated expulsion phase in rapid ejaculating rats.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were categorized as “sluggish,”“normal,” or “rapid” ejaculators on the basis of their ejaculation frequency in sexual mating tests. One to three weeks after selection, males were urethane anesthetized and electrically microstimulated in the spinal generator for ejaculation, evoking ejaculation. Bulbospongiosus muscle electromyographic and intraluminal vas deferens pressure were measured simultaneously, representing, respectively, the expulsion and emission phase in ejaculation.

Results

Electrical microstimulation of the spinal generator for ejaculation evoked ejaculation in “sluggish” (N = 9), “normal” (N = 13), and “rapid” (N = 11) ejaculating rats. Vas deferens contraction (emission phase) was evoked at different stimulation strengths, but response properties were not statistically different between “sluggish,”“normal,” and “rapid” ejaculator rats. Bulbospongiosus muscle contractions (expulsion phase) following microstimulation was significantly accelerated in “rapid” rats as compared with “sluggish” and “normal” rats. The total duration of bulbospongiosus muscle contractions remained unchanged between the three ejaculator groups.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first scientific evidence supporting a neurophysiological difference between “rapid,”“normal,” and “sluggish” ejaculators, expressed as an accelerated expulsion phase in “rapid” ejaculator rats. This bridges the gap between a sexual behavior trait and the spinal command of ejaculation.
Defining and Marketing “Local” Foods: Geographical Indications for US Products
Authors: Giovannucci Daniele , Barham Elizabeth , Pirog Richard
Published: May 2009

What are local foods? If you do not know your local producer, then how can you know whether the product you are purchasing is local? These questions are at the heart of an emerging debate in the United States about authenticity and the value of local eating. In the United States, from the menus of its elite restaurants, to urban farmer markets, to the procurement strategy of its largest corporation, “local” is fast becoming an important food category. Several distinct forces drive its popularity and yet, in the absence of certain credence attributes to assure what indeed is local, its future is uncertain. This article explores what defines “local” and how the term is protected in trade. It suggests that intellectual property protection is underdeveloped to foster local food product designations. Cases in the United States illustrate that some viable mechanisms do exist to ensure the specific provenance of a food but that in large interconnected markets these mechanisms present some notable challenges for both producers and consumers. In its review of different approaches to protecting and fostering local food systems, the article finds that geographical indications (GIs) may be more conducive to local food systems because they are not owned but rather attributed, and, in this way, even smaller producers have access to the marketing potential of a GI label. Improving approaches to GIs in the United States, perhaps learning from the sui generis systems in other countries, could further the development, protection, and success of local products.
Regulating nanotechnologies: sizing up the options
Authors: Stokes Elen
Published: May 2009

Although nanotechnologies create new and innovative opportunities in many industrial and technological sectors, they present a number of regulatory challenges. There is evidence to suggest that some nanomaterials may pose risks of harm to health and the environment. The nature of these risks, however, is profoundly uncertain. In the first part of this paper, I show that legislative provisions currently used to regulate nanomaterials are ill-equipped for this purpose. In light of this, I proceed in the second part to examine how risks from nanomaterials ought to be regulated. Using what loosely may be described as a cost–benefit analytical framework, I appraise alternative regulatory options and draw initial conclusions about which is likely to prove the most cost-effective.
Oestradiol and SERM treatments influence oestrogen receptor coregulator gene expression in human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Dieli‐Conwright C. M. , Spektor T. M. , Rice J. C. , Todd Schroeder E.
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Oestrogen receptors (ER) are present in human skeletal muscle (hSkM) cells; however, the function of the receptor is currently unknown. We investigated the influence of oestradiol and selective ER modulators [tamoxifen (TAM), raloxifene (RAL)] on ER coregulator mRNA expression in hSkM.

Methods:  Human skeletal muscle cells were treated with 10 nm oestradiol, 5 μm TAM and 10 μm RAL over a 24‐h period. Following the treatment period, mRNA expression was quantified using real‐time PCR to detect changes in ER‐α, ER‐β, steroid receptor coactivator (SRC), silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT), MyoD, GLUT4 and c‐fos.

Results:  ER‐α mRNA expression increased with all three drug treatments (P < 0.05) while there was no change in mRNA expression of ER‐β in hSkM cells. mRNA expression of SRC increased and SMRT decreased with oestradiol, TAM and RAL in hSkM cells (P < 0.05). Importantly, mRNA expression of MyoD increased with oestradiol and decreased with TAM and RAL in hSkM cells (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of GLUT4 increased with oestradiol and RAL and decreased with TAM in hSkM cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These findings are novel in that they provide the first evidence that oestradiol and selective ER modulators influence ER‐α function in hSkM cells. This demonstrates the importance of the ER and alterations in its coregulators, to potentially prevent sarcopenia and promote muscle growth in postmenopausal women using these forms of hormone replacement therapy.
Identification of Biomarkers in Human Head and Neck Tumor Cell Lines That Predict For In Vitro Sensitivity to Gefitinib
Authors: Hickinson D. Mark , Marshall Gayle B. , Beran Garry J. , Varella‐Garcia Marileila , Mills Elizabeth A. , South Marie C. , Cassidy Andrew M. , Acheson Kerry L , McWalter Gael , McCormack Rose M. , Bunn Paul A. , French Tim , Graham Alex , Holloway Brian R. , Hirsch Fred R. , Speake Georgina
Published: May 2009

Potential biomarkers were identified for in vitro sensitivity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in head and neck cancer. Gefitinib sensitivity was determined in cell lines, followed by transcript profiling coupled with a novel pathway analysis approach. Eleven cell lines were highly sensitive to gefitinib (inhibitor concentration required to give 50% growth inhibition [GI50] < 1 μM), three had intermediate sensitivity (GI50 1–7 μM), and six were resistant (GI50 > 7 μM); an exploratory principal component analysis revealed a separation between the genomic profiles of sensitive and resistant cell lines. Subsequently, a hypothesis‐driven analysis of Affymetrix data (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) revealed higher mRNA levels for E‐cadherin (CDH1); transforming growth factor, alpha (TGF‐α); amphiregulin (AREG); FLJ22662; EGFR; p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6); glutathione S‐transferase Pi (GSTP1); and ATP‐binding cassette, subfamily C, member 5 (ABCC5) in sensitive versus resistant cell lines. A hypothesis‐free analysis identified 46 gene transcripts that were strongly differentiated, seven of which had a known association with EGFR and head and neck cancer (human EGF receptor 3 [HER3], TGF‐α, CDH1, EGFR, keratin 16 [KRT16], fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF2], and cortactin [CTTN]). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbant assay analysis confirmed Affymetrix data, and EGFR gene mutation, amplification, and genomic gain correlated strongly with gefitinib sensitivity. We identified biomarkers that predict for in vitro responsiveness to gefitinib, seven of which have known association with EGFR and head and neck cancer. These in vitro predictive biomarkers may have potential utility in the clinic and warrant further investigation.
ACUTE RENAL FAILURE: METHODS OF TREATMENT IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Authors: Zyga Sofia , Sarafis Paul , Stathoulis John , Kolovos Peter , Theophilopoulos Dimitris
Published: May 2009

Patients who are treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) show the need of recovery of their renal function. The reason is that, in this particular cohort of patients, we have to maintain the necessary balance between body fluids, electrolytes, and acid‐base, try to suspend further renal damage and purify the patient's blood to better accept the given therapy. In this paper, we try to demonstrate all the methods that can be used depending on the patient's condition, the therapist's preferences and the hospital's capabilities.
OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR QUALITY OF FLUIDS IN DIALYSIS –THE NEED FOR STANDARDISATION
Authors: Nystrand Rolf
Published: May 2009

Recommendations/guidelines regarding the microbiological and chemical quality of fluids in dialysis are increasing in numbers, both nationally and internationally. As dialysis is a worldwide issue, with many elements being similar regardless of geographical area, it is logical to have the same quality requirements on fluids used in dialysis. At present, there are large differences between the different documents. This situation makes studies where several nations participate more difficult to interpret as the fluids used in dialysis are crucial for the dialysis session.

A special situation applies for substitution fluid produced ‘On‐Line’ for haemodiafiltration (HDF) and haemofiltration (HF), where some recommendations are questionable from a scientific standpoint.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is in the process of finishing a collection of standards including guideline for fluids in dialysis (water, concentrates, dialysis fluid, substitution fluid) and equipment used for water preparation. To have the same quality for reference worldwide will facilitate the interpretation of international studies as well as give dialysis patients treatments based on the same quality baseline.
Architectural Office Post–Occupancy Evaluation
Authors: Shepley Mardelle McCuskey , Zimmerman Kelly Na'amah , Boggess May M. , Lee You Jin
Published: May 2009

Researchers conducted a post–occupancy evaluation at the new location of a 174–person architectural firm in Boston. Interviews of the 11–member design team were conducted to determine the original primary design intentions for the project. Three design intentions were identified and tested in the completed office, openness, community, and flexibility, in addition to an evaluation of satisfaction regarding the two spaces. Seventy subjects responded to a six–page questionnaire. The evaluation revealed that the staff was more satisfied with the new office than the old and that the design intentions was generally met. Input was provided regarding potential modifications to the physical environment.
Large-Area Synthesis of High-Quality and Uniform Graphene Films on Copper Foils
Authors: Li Xuesong , Cai Weiwei , An Jinho , Kim Seyoung , Nah Junghyo , Yang Dongxing , Piner Richard , Velamakanni Aruna , Jung Inhwa , Tutuc Emanuel , Banerjee Sanjay K. , Colombo Luigi , Ruoff Rodney S.
Published: May 2009

Growing Graphene

The highest quality graphene samples, single-atom-thick layers of carbon, are suspended flakes exfoliated from graphite, but these samples are very small in size (square micrometers). For many electronics applications, larger areas are needed.

Li
et al.

(p.
1312
, published online 7 May) show that graphene grows in a self-limiting way on copper films as large-area sheets (one square centimeter) from methane through a chemical vapor deposition process. The films, which are mainly one layer in thickness, can be transferred to other substrates and have electron mobilities as high as 4300 square centimeters per volt second.
THE DRINFEL'D DOUBLE AND TWISTING IN STRINGY ORBIFOLD THEORY
Authors: KAUFMANN RALPH M. , PHAM DAVID
Published: May 2009

This paper exposes the fundamental role that the Drinfel'd double D(k[G]) of the group ring of a finite group G and its twists Dβ(k[G]), β ∈ Z3(G,k*) as defined by Dijkgraaf–Pasquier–Roche play in stringy orbifold theories and their twistings. The results pertain to three different aspects of the theory. First, we show that G-Frobenius algebras arising in global orbifold cohomology or K-theory are most naturally defined as elements in the braided category of D(k[G])-modules. Secondly, we obtain a geometric realization of the Drinfel'd double as the global orbifold K-theory of global quotient given by the inertia variety of a point with a G action on the one hand and more stunningly a geometric realization of its representation ring in the braided category sense as the full K-theory of the stack [pt/G]. Finally, we show how one can use the co-cycles β above to twist the global orbifold K-theory of the inertia of a global quotient and more importantly, the stacky K-theory of a global quotient [X/G]. This corresponds to twistings with a special type of two-gerbe.
ORIENTABILITY AND REAL SEIBERG–WITTEN INVARIANTS
Authors: TIAN GANG , WANG SHUGUANG
Published: May 2009

We investigate the Seiberg–Witten theory in the presence of real structures. Certain conditions are obtained so that integer-valued real Seiberg–Witten invariants can be defined. In general, we study properties of the real Seiberg–Witten projection map from the point of view of Fredholm map degrees.
SYNCHRONIZATION IN RANDOM GEOMETRIC GRAPHS
Authors: DÍAZ-GUILERA ALBERT , GÓMEZ-GARDEÑES JESÚS , MORENO YAMIR , NEKOVEE MAZIAR
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we study the synchronization properties of random geometric graphs. We show that the onset of synchronization takes place roughly at the same value of the order parameter as a random graph with the same size and average connectivity. However, the dependence of the order parameter on the coupling strength indicates that the fully synchronized state is more easily attained in random graphs. We next focus on the complete synchronized state and show that this state is less stable for random geometric graphs than for other kinds of complex networks. Finally, a rewiring mechanism is proposed as a way to improve the stability of the fully synchronized state as well as to lower the value of the coupling strength at which it is achieved. Our work has important implications for the synchronization of wireless networks, and should provide valuable insights for the development and deployment of more efficient and robust distributed synchronization protocols for these systems.
HYPERCHAOTIC SYNCHRONIZATION UNDER SQUARE SYMMETRY
Authors: VIDAL GERARD , MANCINI HÉCTOR
Published: May 2009

We study two identical hyperchaotic oscillators symmetrically coupled. Each oscillator represents a codimension-2 Takens–Bogdanov bifurcation under square symmetry, and was used to model a convection experiment in a time-dependent state. In the coupled system, the Lyapunov exponents behavior against the coupling parameter is used to detect changes in the dynamics, and the synchronization state is controlled by checking the phase planes. Complete synchronization is achieved without chaos suppression in a coupling parameter interval. Outside this window, complete synchronization cannot be generally achieved. As a consequence of a bubbling transition, synchronization is obtained only for some particular values of the initial conditions.
DYNAMICS OF DELAY-COUPLED EXCITABLE NEURAL SYSTEMS
Authors: DAHLEM M. A. , HILLER G. , PANCHUK A. , SCHÖLL E.
Published: May 2009

We study the nonlinear dynamics of two delay-coupled neural systems each modeled by excitable dynamics of FitzHugh–Nagumo type and demonstrate that bistability between the stable fixed point and limit cycle oscillations occurs for sufficiently large delay times τ and coupling strength C. As the mechanism for these delay-induced oscillations, we identify a saddle-node bifurcation of limit cycles.
CONSTRUCTING CHAOTIC POLYNOMIAL MAPS
Authors: ZHANG XU , SHI YUMING , CHEN GUANRONG
Published: May 2009

This paper studies the construction of one-dimensional real chaotic polynomial maps. Given an arbitrary nonzero polynomial of degree m (≥ 0), two methods are derived for constructing chaotic polynomial maps of degree m + 2 by simply multiplying the given polynomial with suitably designed quadratic polynomials. Moreover, for m + 2 arbitrarily given different positive constants, a method is given to construct a chaotic polynomial map of degree 2m based on the coupled-expansion theory. Furthermore, by multiplying a real parameter to a special kind of polynomial, which has at least two different non-negative or nonpositive zeros, the chaotic parameter region of the polynomial is analyzed based on the snap-back repeller theory. As a consequence, for any given integer n ≥ 2, at least one polynomial of degree n can be constructed so that it is chaotic in the sense of both Li–Yorke and Devaney. In addition, two natural ways of generalizing the logistic map to higher-degree chaotic logistic-like maps are given. Finally, an illustrative example is provided with computer simulations for illustration.
KNOT POINTS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL MAPS AND RELATED PROPERTIES
Authors: TRAMONTANA F. , GARDINI L. , FOURNIER-PRUNARET D. , CHARGE P.
Published: May 2009

We consider the class of two-dimensional maps of the plane for which there exists a whole one-dimensional singular set (for example, a straight line) that is mapped into one point, called a "knot point" of the map. The special character of this kind of point has been already observed in maps of this class with at least one of the inverses having a vanishing denominator. In that framework, a knot is the so-called focal point of the inverse map (it is the same point). In this paper, we show that knots may also exist in other families of maps, not related to an inverse having values going to infinity. Some particular properties related to focal points persist, such as the existence of a "point to slope" correspondence between the points of the singular line and the slopes in the knot, lobes issuing from the knot point and loops in infinitely many points of an attracting set or in invariant stable and unstable sets.