bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wet climate during the ‘Little Ice Age’ in the arid Tarim Basin, northwestern China
Authors: Weiguo Liu  , Zhonghui Liu  , Zhisheng An  , Xulong Wang  , Hong Chang
Published: November 2010

A relatively cold period, the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA), just prior to the current warm period, has been documented from many regions of the globe. However, hydrological changes (wet/dry conditions) during the LIA appear to be very different across different climatic regimes, suggesting that the position, strength and/or pattern of atmospheric circulation could have changed significantly in the past. Therefore, paleohydrological studies may have some implications for potential future hydrological changes in an anticipated warming world. In this study, we investigated hydrological changes over the last ~800 years in the arid Tarim Basin, northwestern China. We used carbon isotopes of plant remains (mainly leaves) from a 10.5 m long aeolian sand sediment section to evaluate changes in dry/wet conditions. The average value of carbon isotopes of plant remains during the LIA period (~AD 1490 to 1890) is −26.0‰, ranging from −28.2‰ to −23.6‰, much lower than values before (average of −24.3‰, from −25.5‰ to −22.4‰) and after this period (average of −22.8‰, −24.6‰ to −21.6‰). Although other environmental factors could also affect carbon isotopes to some degree, such consistent, large negative isotopic excursions of up to 6‰ strongly suggest a wetter climatic condition in the study area at that time, which is also consistent with two silty clay layers, indicating a wet depositional environment, found around AD 1560 and AD 1625 during the LIA period. This inference is consistent with previous studies suggesting a relatively wet period during the LIA in the Tarim Basin and possibly extending to the western central Asia region, but appears to be opposite to hydrological changes in regions that are today dominated by Asian monsoon systems. This pattern of regional hydrological changes may be related to possible changes in the trajectory or strength of the westerlies and/or the orographic effect in this region, as previous studies suggested.
Impacts of human activity on the late-Holocene development of the subaqueous Yangtze delta, China, as shown by magnetic properties and sediment accumulation rates
Authors: Zhanghua Wang  , Maotian Li  , Ruihu Zhang  , Chencheng Zhuang  , Yan Liu  , Saito Yoshiki , Jianlei Xie  , Baocheng Zhao
Published: November 2010

Development of the Yangtze delta during the late Holocene, and its relationship to human activities in the drainage basin, was analyzed using data from 16 cores collected from distributaries to the prodelta. We used AMS 14C dating and digital elevation model (DEM) data from marine charts from 1864 through 2005 to determine ages and estimate sediment accumulation rates. The results demonstrate that the latest major subaqueous delta front formed within the past c. 0.8 cal. ka and features remarkably high accumulation rates (1—4 cm/yr) in comparison with those of previous delta fronts. We also examined the temporal distribution of grain size and magnetic susceptibility in all 16 cores. Results show soil-derived superparamagnetic (SP) minerals generally occur, and even dominate, in the recent ( c. 1.7 cal. ka) Yangtze delta fine-grained sediment, as shown by high values of frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (both χFD and χFD%). Rock-derived magnetite dominates generally in the river channel and delta front sand bodies as a result of hydrodynamic sorting, but is also enriched in both fine and coarse-grained sediment formed more recently ( c. 0.8 cal. ka), as evidenced by rising values of mass specific magnetic susceptibility (χLF). SP grains were deposited as early as the late Neolithic, possibly indicating local deforestation associated with the use of fire at that time. We suggest major deforestation in the drainage basin started c. 1.7 cal. ka BP, and intensified after c. 0.8 cal. ka BP when both χLF and χFD show the highest values. We therefore conclude that upland deforestation and cultivation as a result of the migration of human populations from northern China since c. 1.7 cal. ka BP resulted in increased sediment discharge of the Yangtze and played an important role in recent delta construction.
Oxidative stress increases in carbon monoxide poisoning patients
Authors: Kavakli Havva Sahin , Erel Ozcan , Delice Orhan , Gormez Gizem , Isikoglu Semra , Tanriverdi Fatih
Published: November 2010

Objective: Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in toxicological cases. In this study, we aimed to find out more about the pathophysiology of COP by investigating the effects of COP on oxidative stress parameters such as total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Methods: Eighty-eight patients admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with acute COP and 35 healthy adults as control group were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from all COP patients at the time of initial emergency department evaluation to determine the oxidative stress parameters. Then, serum levels of total antioxidant status and total oxidant status levels were measured. Results: A total of 88 patients poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO; mean age 37.1 ± 18.2 years; 54’% women) were enrolled. TOS and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in COP patients were increased when compared to control group (p = 0.001). TOS, oxidative stress index (OSI) and COHb levels in COP patients were significantly lower after the treatment. (respectively, p = 0.016; p = 0.023; p = 0.001). On the other hand, no statistical differences were observed in TAS levels of study and control group as well as there were no changes with treatment. Conclusion: Measurements of TOS, TAS and OSI levels may be useful markers to find out the pathophsiology of COP.
Imagining public engagement
Authors: Besley John C.
Published: November 2010

Two separate studies look at how student samples conceptualize public engagement. The first study involves the quantitative analysis of an open-ended survey question and finds that participants have a range of ideas about what public decision-makers might do to consult the public but that most of these mechanisms involve very little opportunity for actual consultation. The second introduces a “draw a meeting test” and finds substantial homogeneity in how participants envisage this specific mechanism of public engagement. As with study 1, however, participants see little opportunity for citizens to have substantive opportunity for meaningful engagement with decision-makers. Overall, the research highlights the potential utility of broader research focused on how citizens envisage public meetings that includes testing the impact of public engagement perceptions on willingness to engage.
Effect of Finite Cracking on the Magneto-electric Coupling Properties of Magneto-electro-elastic Composite Laminates
Authors: Wang B.L. , Han J.C.
Published: November 2010

Magneto-electro-elastic composites can be developed in the form of a composite laminate by alternating the ferromagnetic layers and ferroelectric layers during stacking. Presence of interfacial crack may influence the magneto-electro-mechanical coupling behavior of magneto-electro-elastic materials considerably. This article establishes an analytical model for the analysis of interfacial crack problem in a layered magneto-electro-elastic medium. Unlike most existing studies, this article focuses on the magneto-electro-elastic laminate of finite size both in the thickness and the length directions. According to the boundary conditions, the mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields in the cracked magneto-electro-elastic laminate are formulated by singular integral method. The effect of interfacial cracking on the effective properties of the magneto-electro-elastic composites is studied. In addition, the crack tip field intensity factors are also given as they are not available in open literature.
Gas Leakage in Buried Gas Pipe Based on Wavelet Analysis for Vibro-Coustic Signal in a Long Duct
Authors: Moon Yoo-Sung , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: November 2010

Gas leakage is often caused by the mechanical impact forces of construction equipment. In a long duct with large diameter, acoustic waves caused by the impact force are transferred to a far distance through the medium inside the duct. This wave is very complex since it includes an acoustic wave and solid wave. In general, the solid wave is attenuated faster than the acoustic wave in a buried duct because it is damped out by the soil covering the duct. The acoustic wave is propagated to the far distance with direct and reflective waves on the wall. The directive wave is non-dispersive and the reflected waves are dispersive due to the cavity modes of the duct. The typical correlation method has used both dispersive and non-dispersive waves to estimate the arrival time delay. Thus this method induces a degree of error for leak detection. In this article, time-frequency method is developed to classify the wave speed of direct waves (non-dispersive waves) and the reflective waves (dispersive waves), respectively. It can determine the leak location with more accuracy than the correlation method.
Environmental Durability of Fabric-Reinforced Shape-Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Tandon G.P. , Goecke K. , Cable K. , Baur J.
Published: November 2010

This study is a baseline assessment of the environmental durability of current state-of-the-art, fabric-reinforced shape-memory (SM) materials being considered for morphing applications. Tensile dog-bone-shaped specimens are cut along three different directions, namely, along (0°), perpendicular (90°), and oblique (45°) to the planar orientation of the fabric. The elastomeric response and shape memory properties before and after simulated environmental exposure to moisture, lubrication oil, and UV radiation are measured. Weight loss of the as-received and conditioned specimens is monitored and the dog-bone-shaped specimens are subjected to recovery following fixation. Parameters being investigated include modulus in the glassy and rubbery state, stored strain, shape fixity, recovery stress, and unconstrained shape recovery. There is a twofold decrease in the composite stiffness as the material is cycled between room and elevated (above the glass transition) temperature. At room temperature, the 0-degree specimen has the maximum stiffness (5.8 GPa), failure strength (94 MPa), and failure strain (5.4%), while above the Tg, the 90-degree specimen has the least stiffness (∼18 MPa) and largest strain to failure (>200%). Thus, the composite exhibits large deformation in its rubbery state. Parameters which are strongly affected by the damage developed during the first SM cycle include rubbery and glassy (or unloading) moduli values measured during the second SM cycle, while smaller changes are observed in shape fixity and recovery properties.
A Non-linear Optimal Control Design using Narrowband Perturbation Feedback for Magnetostrictive Actuators
Authors: Oates William S. , Zrostlik Rick , Eichhorn Scott , Smith Ralph
Published: November 2010

Non-linear optimal and narrowband feedback control designs are developed and experimentally implemented on a magnetostrictive Terfenol-D actuator. The non-linear optimal control design incorporates a non-linear and hysteretic ferromagnetic homogenized energy model within an optimal control formulation to reduce displacement tracking errors and increase bandwidth. Improvements in robustness in the steady-state regime are achieved by utilizing narrowband feedback. A narrowband filter is implemented by treating the nonlinear and hysteretic magnetostrictive constitutive behavior as higher-order harmonic disturbances which are mitigated by tuning the narrowband filter to penalize these harmonics for displacement tracking control problems. The control designs are then combined into a hybrid optimal controller with perturbation narrowband feedback. Both transient and steady-state tracking control is assessed to illustrate performance attributes in different operating regimes. Narrowband perturbation feedback is shown to mitigate errors in the steady-state operating regime, while non-linear optimal control provides enhanced tracking control in the transient regime. The hybrid control design is relevant to a broad number of smart material actuators that exhibit non-linear and hysteretic field-coupled constitutive behavior.
Segmented Reinforcement Variable Stiffness Materials for Reconfigurable Surfaces
Authors: Mcknight Geoffrey , Doty Robert , Keefe Andrew , Herrera Guillermo , Henry Chris
Published: November 2010

Reconfigurable and morphing structures may provide a range of new functionalities such as optimization over broad operational conditions and multi-mission capability. This article introduces a new generic approach to achieving large strains in materials with high elastic moduli (5-30 GPa). The work centers on creating variable stiffness composite materials which exhibit a controllable change in elastic modulus (bending or axial) and large reversible strains (5-15%). We have performed a simulation study to better understand the implication of various geometric design parameters on the elastic and deformation behavior. Using this information, a series of prototype materials were prepared using a commercial shape memory polymer, and measurements on these materials indicate a controllable change in stiffness as a function of temperature with large reversible strain accommodation. We have fabricated and tested several design variations of laminar morphing materials which exhibit structural stiffness values of 8-12 GPa, changes in modulus of 15-77x and large reversible axial of 2-10%. Results indicate that significant controllable changes in stiffness are possible. Further, agreement between simulations and prototype material properties indicate that simulations may be used an effective screening tool to specify micromechanical design variations for specific application requirements.
Older Homebound Women: Negotiating Reliance on a Cane or Walker
Authors: Porter Eileen J. , Benson Jacquelyn J. , Matsuda Sandy
Published: November 2010

Canes and walkers are commonly characterized as assistive devices that serve the same purpose: as walking aides. These general views were reappraised and tempered in this descriptive phenomenological study with 40 older women (aged 85 to 98 years) who were unable to leave their homes without help. The purpose was to describe the phenomena of negotiating reliance on canes and walkers as walking devices and the lifeworld context underlying each phenomenon. Relative to lifeworld, there were differences between coming to terms with using a cane and coming to terms with using a walker. Data revealed similarities and distinctions between the basic intentions of relying on canes and walkers and the associated purposes served by canes and walkers. Participants did not view either device as consistently assistive. Findings evoke opportunities for dialogue among older persons, scholars, practitioners, and designers of these devices about coming to terms with such devices and relying on them.
Elevated Child Maltreatment Rates in Immigrant Families and the Role of Socioeconomic Differences
Authors: Euser Eveline M. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Prinzie Peter , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: November 2010

Are immigrant families at elevated risk for child maltreatment, and if so, what role do socioeconomic and family composition factors play? In a national prevalence study on child maltreatment in the Netherlands, child maltreatment cases were reported by 1,121 professionals from various occupational branches. Maltreating families were compared to a national representative family sample on immigrant status and parental educational level and family composition factors. The authors differentiated between traditional immigrant families who immigrated as labor migrants from Turkey, Morocco, Suriname, and the Antillean Islands, and nontraditional immigrant families who more recently immigrated from countries with severe economic hardships or political turmoil (refugees). Traditional immigrant and nontraditional immigrant families were both significantly overrepresented among maltreating families, but this overrepresentation disappeared for the traditional immigrants after correction for educational level of the parents. Nontraditional immigrant families, however, remained at increased risk for child maltreatment even after correction for educational level. It is proposed that interventions to prevent child maltreatment in immigrant families should focus on decreasing socioeconomic risks associated with low levels of education.
A Review of Perioperative Statin Therapy for Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Skrlin Sara , Hou Vivian
Published: November 2010

The leading cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality after major noncardiac surgery is cardiovascular complications. Clinical trials of lipid-lowering 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have shown improved cardiovascular outcomes; therefore, statins have become a mainstay in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Retrospective trials and a small number of prospective randomized trials indicate that statin use may be beneficial during the perioperative period. In addition to the effects on serum lipid levels, statins influence inflammatory, thrombotic, and vasodilatory cellular pathways; and thus, their beneficial effects are not limited to patients with hypercholesterolemia. This review will (1) examine the evidence for using perioperative statin therapy in the noncardiac surgical patient (2) explore the possible consequences of statin withdrawal, and (3) revisit the evidence for the safety of statin use. Further studies are still needed to establish the optimal dosage as well as timing and length of statin therapy perioperatively.
The Relative Use of Contextual and Temporal Reference Price Components in Hotel and Airline Purchases
Authors: Karande Kiran , Magnini Vincent P.
Published: November 2010

Do consumers rely more on past prices paid or competitor’s prices when evaluating hotel or airline prices? This research addresses this question by examining the relative use of contextual reference price components versus temporal reference price components for telephone, Internet-proprietary (e.g., Hilton.com), and Internet-third party (Expedia.com) hotel and airline purchases. Furthermore, the effects of brand loyalty, purchase frequency, and the likelihood of unavailability on the balance between contextual and temporal cues are also explored. A scale is developed to measure temporal and contextual cues. Results indicate that contextual cues dominate over temporal cues the most with Internet-third party, less with Internet-proprietary, and least with telephone purchase situations. Also, the study finds that contextual cues dominate the most over temporal cues for infrequent purchasers and for nonbrand loyal purchasers.
Taking a compassionate turn for workers with multiple sclerosis (MS): Towards the facilitation of management learning
Authors: Vickers Margaret
Published: November 2010

The case study of a worker with multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered using multiple texts that enable differing viewpoints and a more complete understanding of lived experience to emerge. The texts include: (1) antenarrative; (2) a constructed vignette; (3) a constructed reflective journal; and (4) a constructed reflective and reflexive dialogue. These representational texts offer multiple viewpoints as exemplars and aids to management learning enabling more creative and compassionate responses for those who might suffer in organizational life.
Exploration and Validation of the Dimensions of Stigma
Authors: Bresnahan Mary , Jie Zhuang
Published: November 2010

Stigma research is hampered by lack of consensus about the number of dimensions making up the stigma construct and what these dimensions measure. Two studies were conducted testing the dimensionality of stigma. Using 105 items proposed to measure stigma in previous research, the first study ( N = 307) conducted an exploratory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method of factor extraction. Results supported five factors that were designated as labeling, negative attribution, separation, status loss, and controllability. Using these factors, a second study ( N = 263) demonstrated support for the goodness of fit of the proposed 5-dimensional stigma model.
How to evaluate quality of care from the perspective of people with dementia: An overview of the literature
Authors: van Baalen Angela , Vingerhoets Ad J.J.M. , Sixma Herman J. , de Lange Jacomine
Published: November 2010

This article reviews the literature on the inclusion of the perspective of people with dementia when evaluating quality of care. The few identified relevant studies suggest that there is consensus that people with mild to moderate dementia are able to talk about their experiences with care with clarity and insight. A minimum level of orientation to place, attention and language skills in the person with dementia are important for a successful subjective evaluation. On the basis of the relevant literature, we additionally formulated practical guidelines useful when one aims to collect information with interviewing, self-administered questionnaires, or focus groups from people with dementia to assess quality of care. In people with mild to moderate dementia, assessment of quality of care can best be done by individual interviewing and focus groups. Further research is needed to ascertain what people with dementia find important in relation to quality of care.
Applying a strength-based intervention for dyads with mild to moderate memory loss: Two case examples
Authors: Yarry Sarah J. , Judge Katherine S. , Orsulic-Jeras Silvia
Published: November 2010

Managing and coping with the symptoms of dementia and memory loss is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes for both persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Research has indicated beneficial results in using dementia-management interventions to impact positively on mental health outcomes for caregivers and address cognitive and functional issues for persons with dementia. However, most intervention programmes to date have primarily worked with each care partner separately, rather than implementing a single intervention protocol that targets both members of the caregiving dyad. This article provides a description of a newly designed intervention that includes both care partners. Using a Strength-Based Approach, the dyadic intervention identifies and builds upon both care partners’ current abilities to address their specific care needs. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of using a Strength-Based Approach. The discussion highlights the extent to which core intervention skills can be tailored to fit a range of care needs.
Increased illuminance at the workplace: Does it have advantages for daytime shifts?
Authors: Wilhelm B. , Weckerle P. , Durst W. , Fahr C. , Röck R.
Published: November 2010

An increased illuminance at the workplace is often said to be linked to an increase in productivity. We investigated this relationship in 23 workers on a production line in a car factory. Measurements of visual performance (visual acuity, colour vision and contrast sensitivity), a physiological assessment of alertness and subjective assessments of four parameters of well-being were made during the daytime shift under three illuminances (500 lux, 1500 lux and 2500 lux). The physiological alertness results and all but one of the subjective parameters showed no significant differences between the three illuminance conditions. Subjective alertness was the only parameter that was rated to be significantly greater at 2500 lux than at 500 lux. The utilisation of higher illuminances in the workplace should be carefully considered before being implemented.
Control of wireless-networked lighting in open-plan offices
Authors: Wen Y-J. , Agogino AM
Published: November 2010

This paper presents an energy-efficient lighting control system for open-plan offices with two novel features: A versatile ‘plug-and-play’ wireless-networked sensing and actuation system, and a control method incorporating multiple management strategies to provide occupant-specific lighting. Workstation-based wireless photosensors are employed to measure task illuminance, and individual addressability of wireless-enabled dimmable luminaires increases the freedom of the lighting system to fulfil various lighting requirements. Daylight harvesting, occupancy control and light level tuning strategies are formulated into an optimisation problem that generates light outputs for each luminaire to produce the desired lighting at each workstation with minimal energy usage. A pilot study of the wireless-networked lighting system implemented in a small open-plan office has shown more than 60% energy savings potential compared to conventional practice without any control.
Understanding Inconsistent Step-Length Asymmetries Across Hemiplegic Stroke Patients
Authors: Roerdink Melvyn , Beek Peter J.
Published: November 2010

Background. In hemiplegic gait, step length typically differs in magnitude between paretic and nonparetic sides. However, the direction of step-length asymmetry varies across stroke patients. Objective. The study sought to understand directional variations in step-length asymmetry in terms of asymmetries in forward foot placement relative to the trunk and trunk progression. Methods. A total of 10 hemiplegic stroke patients and 9 healthy elderly controls walked at a self-selected comfortable speed while pelvic and heel marker positions were recorded. Step length, forward foot placement relative to the trunk, and trunk progression of paretic and nonparetic steps were quantified, as well as the asymmetries therein. Results. The 3 asymmetry indices in question varied within individual patients and occasionally fell within control reference ranges, whereas directional variations across stroke patients were observed for asymmetries in step length and forward foot placement only. Despite heterogeneity in asymmetry across patients, step-length asymmetry was determined by the sum of asymmetries in forward foot placement and trunk progression. Asymmetries in trunk progression and forward foot placement were negatively correlated. No significant association was observed between step-length asymmetry and any other asymmetry index. Conclusions. Step-length asymmetry was accounted for by asymmetries in forward foot placement and trunk progression, whereas their relative contribution accounted for directional variations in step-length asymmetry. Partitioning of step-length asymmetry further helped to identify individual impairments and compensatory gait strategies. An encompassing hemiplegic gait evaluation should therefore include an assessment of foot positioning relative to the trunk.
The Goldberg Variations 1: Assessing the academic quality of multidimensional linear texts and their re-emergence in multimedia publications
Authors: Jakubowicz Andrew , van Leeuwen Theo
Published: November 2010

After an introduction on the recent history of academic publishing in non-linear media, the article compares two versions of an academic publication by the American sociologist David Theo Goldberg. The two versions deal with the same subject matter, but one is a traditional scholarly article, the other published in an online journal in a non-linear format. While the academic article constructs a tight, linear argument, subordinating a range of themes to a single key theme, the non-linear text gives all themes equal weight, accommodates a greater amount of evidence and documentation, and has more scope for multimodality.
The Role of National Narratives in Reconciliation: The Case of Mohammad al-Dura
Authors: Auerbach Yehudith , Lowenstein Hila
Published: November 2010

The article examines the place of national narratives and metanarratives in reconciliation between parties to an identity conflict and the role the media play in this process. The article introduces a conceptual framework demonstrating the relationship between metanarrative and national narratives and applies it to the case of Mohammad al-Dura in September 2000. It analyses items from two Israeli newspapers ( Yediot Aharonot and Ha’aretz) and three Palestinian newspapers ( al-Quds, Alayam, and al-Hayat al-Jadida) as well as news reports published online by two Israeli portals, YNET and WALLA!, and the talkbacks received in response to the coverage. The analysis illustrates the role the media, and more specifically Palestinian regular media and the Israeli talkbacks, have played in amplifying the national narratives and reinforcing the colliding metanarratives. On the other hand, the Israeli media have, by and large, proved the article’s thesis that narratives in an identity conflict can be handled differently. By deconstructing the narrative to its constitutive components, raising questions regarding the reliability of one’s own national/official version, and showing readiness to incorporate the narrative of the “other” into one’s own narrative, the media have played a potentially positive role in the reconciliation process between Israelis and Palestinians.
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes’ Use of Nonprescription Medication
Authors: Wolf Douglas A. , Miller Thomas W. , Pescatello Linda S. , Barnes Christopher
Published: November 2010

Background:

Athletes are known to use over-the-counter pain medication. However, the frequency of such use among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I-A football athletes is unknown.

Hypothesis:

NCAA Division I-A football athletes who use nonprescription analgesics for pain misuse these medications.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The football players (N, 144) who met the criteria and agreed to participate were from 8 NCAA Division I-A schools. The participants were administered the Over the Counter Drug Screen for Athletes, which measures attitudes toward the use of a spectrum of substances.

Results:

Among football athletes surveyed who took nonprescription analgesics for football-related pain, 37% reported taking more than the recommended dose. This was slightly higher than the 28% of players who stated they have not taken nonprescription analgesics for football-related pain. Thirty-four percent of all athletes reported using more than the recommended dose of nonprescription analgesics. Athletes who purchased their own nonprescription analgesics communicated poorly regarding nonprescription analgesics use. Those lacking knowledge about nonprescription analgesics and those using nonprescription analgesics in anticipation of pain or to avoid missing a practice or game were most likely to misuse nonprescription analgesics.

Conclusion:

NCAA Division I-A football athletes who use nonprescription analgesics for athletic competition do not misuse nonprescription analgesics.
Implicit Delegation of Responsibility
Authors: vanDellen Michelle R. , Baker Evander
Published: November 2010

In everyday life, people often exert self-control not only for their own sake but also for the sake of close others. Here, the authors examine the specific case of joint self-control—when multiple people must simultaneously exert self-control for mutual success—in the context of close relationships. The authors test the hypothesis that people use situational cues to determine if one member of the relationship bears more responsibility for exerting self-control than the other. In this article, the authors test the specific cue of past behavior and find in two studies that participants who exert self-control on behalf of the relationship on a preliminary task continue to exert self-control on behalf of the relationship on a secondary task compared to those who exerted less self-control on the preliminary task. The authors explain these results by focusing on the role that expectations about behaviors play in contributing effort to a difficult or unpleasant task.
Abdominal Sonographic Findings in Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Attalla Bakhieta Ibrahim
Published: November 2010

Sickle cell anemia causes systemic abnormalities related to hemolysis, anemia, and other hemoglobin abnormalities. This review describes the categories relating to abnormalities as well as the sonographic appearance visualized in the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidney. Increased awareness of hepatobiliary complications will enable more accurate diagnosis of pathology associated with sickle cell anemia.
Postbiopsy Arteriovenous Fistula in Renal Transplant: Two Cases of Spontaneous Resolution
Authors: Araújo Nordeval , Mendes Renata
Published: November 2010

Spontaneous outcomes of percutaneous biopsy-related arteriovenous fistulas in renal allografts instead of embolization are reported by describing two cases of postbiopsy arteriovenous fistula followed by color Doppler sonography (CDS). One patient developed gross hematuria, but no intervention was required. Doppler application showed spontaneous resolution in both cases but later in the patient with hematuria. Both cases support close observation, including CDS, as another alternative to early embolization.
Sonographic Findings in Sudanese Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Attalla Bakhieta Ibrahim
Published: November 2010

This study aims to evaluate the type and prevalence of abdominal sonographic abnormalities in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Ninety patients were screened by abdominal sonography. The sonographic abnormal findings were 91% in the liver, 62.2% in the spleen, 14.4% in the gallbladder, and 4.4% in the kidneys. Sonographic imaging revealed hepatomegaly in 79 (87.8%) patients. Three patients (3.3%) had hypoechoic liver lesions. One patient had multiple hypoechoic liver lesions that proved to be an abscess. Gallstones were reported in 10 patients, the youngest of whom was 2.5 years old. The overall prevalence of gallstones was 11.1%, and it increased with age. Two patients (2.2%) had thickened gallbladder wall, and only 1 patient (1.1%) had a sludged gallbladder. Autosplenectomy (asplenia) was detected in 43 (47.8%) patients. Seven (7.8%) patients had hypoechoic lesions. Hyperechoic lesions with spleenomegaly were found in 6 (6.6%) patients. Normal renal echogenecity was reported in 86 (95.6%) patients, 3 (3.3%) patients reported focal hyperechoic lesions, and 1 patient (1.1%) reported an anechoic lesion. In conclusion, abdominal sonographic imaging of patients with SCA revealed a high prevalence of abnormalities in the liver, gallbladder, and spleen but a low prevalence in the kidney.
Human ASPM participates in spindle organisation, spindle orientation and cytokinesis
Authors: Higgins Julie , Midgley Carol , Bergh Anna-Maria , Bell Sandra M , Askham Jonathan M , Roberts Emma , Binns Ruth K , Sharif Saghira M , Bennett Christopher , Glover David M , Woods C Geoffrey , Morrison Ewan E , Bond Jacquelyn
Published: November 2010

Background

Mutations in the A bnormal Sp indle M icrocephaly related gene (ASPM) are the commonest cause of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) a disorder characterised by a small brain and associated mental retardation. ASPM encodes a mitotic spindle pole associated protein. It is suggested that the MCPH phenotype arises from proliferation defects in neural progenitor cells (NPC).

Results

We show that ASPM is a microtubule minus end-associated protein that is recruited in a microtubule-dependent manner to the pericentriolar matrix (PCM) at the spindle poles during mitosis. ASPM siRNA reduces ASPM protein at the spindle poles in cultured U2OS cells and severely perturbs a number of aspects of mitosis, including the orientation of the mitotic spindle, the main determinant of developmental asymmetrical cell division. The majority of ASPM depleted mitotic cells fail to complete cytokinesis. In MCPH patient fibroblasts we show that a pathogenic ASPM splice site mutation results in the expression of a novel variant protein lacking a tripeptide motif, a minimal alteration that correlates with a dramatic decrease in ASPM spindle pole localisation. Moreover, expression of dominant-negative ASPM C-terminal fragments cause severe spindle assembly defects and cytokinesis failure in cultured cells.

Conclusions

These observations indicate that ASPM participates in spindle organisation, spindle positioning and cytokinesis in all dividing cells and that the extreme C-terminus of the protein is required for ASPM localisation and function. Our data supports the hypothesis that the MCPH phenotype caused by ASPM mutation is a consequence of mitotic aberrations during neurogenesis. We propose the effects of ASPM mutation are tolerated in somatic cells but have profound consequences for the symmetrical division of NPCs, due to the unusual morphology of these cells. This antagonises the early expansion of the progenitor pool that underpins cortical neurogenesis, causing the MCPH phenotype.
Optogenetic in vivocell manipulation in KillerRed-expressing zebrafish transgenics
Authors: Teh Cathleen , Chudakov Dmitry M , Poon Kar-Lai , Mamedov Ilgar Z , Sek Jun-Yan , Shidlovsky Konstantin , Lukyanov Sergey , Korzh Vladimir
Published: November 2010

Background

KillerRed (KR) is a novel photosensitizer that efficiently generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in KR-expressing cells upon intense green or white light illumination in vitro, resulting in damage to their plasma membrane and cell death.

Results

We report an in vivo modification of this technique using a fluorescent microscope and membrane-tagged KR (mem-KR)-expressing transgenic zebrafish. We generated several stable zebrafish Tol2 transposon-mediated enhancer-trap (ET) transgenic lines expressing mem-KR (SqKR series), and mapped the transposon insertion sites. As mem-KR accumulates on the cell membrane and/or Golgi, it highlights cell bodies and extensions, and reveals details of cellular morphology. The photodynamic property of KR made it possible to damage cells expressing this protein in a dose-dependent manner. As a proof-of-principle, two zebrafish transgenic lines were used to affect cell viability and function: SqKR2 expresses mem-KR in the hindbrain rhombomeres 3 and 5, and elsewhere; SqKR15 expresses mem-KR in the heart and elsewhere. Photobleaching of KR by intense light in the heart of SqKR15 embryos at lower levels caused a reduction in pumping efficiency of the heart and pericardial edema and at higher levels - in cell death in the hindbrain of SqKR2 and in the heart of SqKR15 embryos.

Conclusions

An intense illumination of tissues expressing mem-KR affects cell viability and function in living zebrafish embryos. Hence, the zebrafish transgenics expressing mem-KR in a tissue-specific manner are useful tools for studying the biological effects of ROS.
Application of alternative models to identify QTL for growth traits in an F2 Duroc x Pietrain pig resource population
Authors: Choi Igseo , Steibel Juan P , Bates Ronald O , Raney Nancy E , Rumph Janice M , Ernst Catherine W
Published: November 2010

Background

A variety of analysis approaches have been applied to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in experimental populations. The initial genome scan of our Duroc x Pietrain F2 resource population included 510 F2 animals genotyped with 124 microsatellite markers and analyzed using a line-cross model. For the second scan, 20 additional markers on 9 chromosomes were genotyped for 954 F2 animals and 20 markers used in the first scan were genotyped for 444 additional F2 animals. Three least-squares Mendelian models for QTL analysis were applied for the second scan: a line-cross model, a half-sib model, and a combined line-cross and half-sib model.

Results

In total, 26 QTL using the line-cross model, 12 QTL using the half-sib model and 3 additional QTL using the combined line-cross and half-sib model were detected for growth traits with a 5% false discovery rate (FDR) significance level. In the line-cross analysis, highly significant QTL for fat deposition at 10-, 13-, 16-, 19-, and 22-wk of age were detected on SSC6. In the half-sib analysis, a QTL for loin muscle area at 19-wk of age was detected on SSC7 and QTL for 10th-rib backfat at 19- and 22-wk of age were detected on SSC15.

Conclusions

Additional markers and animals contributed to reduce the confidence intervals and increase the test statistics for QTL detection. Different models allowed detection of new QTL which indicated differing frequencies for alternative alleles in parental breeds.
Genome wide analysis of DNA copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity (CNNLOH) and its relation to gene expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Nan , Clifford Robert J , Yang Howard H , Wang Chaoyu , Goldstein Alisa M , Ding Ti , Taylor Philip R , Lee Maxwell P
Published: November 2010

Background

Genomic instability plays an important role in human cancers. We previously characterized genomic instability in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) in terms of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and copy number (CN) changes in tumors using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 500K array in 30 cases from a high-risk region of China. In the current study we focused on copy number neutral (CN = 2) LOH (CNNLOH) and its relation to gene expression in ESCC.

Results

Overall we found that 70% of all LOH observed was CNNLOH. Ninety percent of ESCCs showed CNNLOH (median frequency in cases = 60%) and this was the most common type of LOH in two-thirds of cases. CNNLOH occurred on all 39 autosomal chromosome arms, with highest frequencies on 19p (100%), 5p (96%), 2p (95%), and 20q (95%). In contrast, LOH with CN loss represented 19% of all LOH, occurred in just half of ESCCs (median frequency in cases = 0%), and was most frequent on 3p (56%), 5q (47%), and 21q (41%). LOH with CN gain was 11% of all LOH, occurred in 93% of ESCCs (median frequency in cases = 13%), and was most common on 20p (82%), 8q (74%), and 3q (42%). To examine the effect of genomic instability on gene expression, we evaluated RNA profiles from 17 pairs of matched normal and tumor samples (a subset of the 30 ESCCs) using Affymetrix U133A 2.0 arrays. In CN neutral regions, expression of 168 genes (containing 1976 SNPs) differed significantly in tumors with LOH versus tumors without LOH, including 101 genes that were up-regulated and 67 that were down-regulated.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that CNNLOH has a profound impact on gene expression in ESCC, which in turn may affect tumor development.
Stimulatory effect of Echinacea purpurea extract on the trafficking activity of mouse dendritic cells: revealed by genomic and proteomic analyses
Authors: Yin Shu-Yi , Wang Wen-Hsin , Wang Pei-Hsueh , Aravindaram Kandan , Hwang Pei-Ing , Wu Han-Ming , Yang Ning-Sun
Published: November 2010

Background

SeveralEchinaceaspecies have been used as nutraceuticals or botanical drugs for "immunostimulation", but scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic use is still controversial. In this study, a phytocompound mixture extracted from the butanol fraction (BF) of a stem and leaf (S+L) extract ofE. purpurea([BF/S+L/Ep]) containing stringently defined bioactive phytocompounds was obtained using standardized and published procedures. The transcriptomic and proteomic effects of this phytoextract on mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were analyzed using primary cultures.

Results

Treatment of BMDCs with [BF/S+L/Ep] did not significantly influence the phenotypic maturation activity of dendritic cells (DCs). Affymetrix DNA microarray and bioinformatics analyses of genes differentially expressed in DCs treated with [BF/S+L/Ep] for 4 or 12 h revealed that the majority of responsive genes were related to cell adhesion or motility (Cdh10,Itga6,Cdh1,Gja1andMmp8), or were chemokines (Cxcl2, Cxcl7)or signaling molecules (Nrxn1, PkceandAcss1). TRANSPATH database analyses of gene expression and related signaling pathways in treated-DCs predicted the JNK, PP2C-α, AKT, ERK1/2 or MAPKAPK pathways as the putative targets of [BF/S+L/Ep]. In parallel, proteomic analysis showed that the expressions of metabolic-, cytoskeleton- or NF-κB signaling-related proteins were regulated by treatment with [BF/S+L/Ep].In vitroflow cytometry analysis of chemotaxis-related receptors andin vivocell trafficking assay further showed that DCs treated with [BF/S+L/Ep] were able to migrate more effectively to peripheral lymph node and spleen tissues than DCs treated as control groups.

Conclusion

Results from this study suggest that [BF/S+L/Ep] modulates DC mobility and related cellular physiology in the mouse immune system. Moreover, the signaling networks and molecules highlighted here are potential targets for nutritional or clinical application ofEchinaceaor other candidate medicinal plants.
Nucleosome structure incorporated histone acetylation site prediction in arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Chen , Liu Hui , Li Jiang , Deng Youping , Shi Tieliu
Published: November 2010

Background

Acetylation is a crucial post-translational modification for histones, and plays a key role in gene expression regulation. Due to limited data and lack of a clear acetylation consensus sequence, a few researches have focused on prediction of lysine acetylation sites. Several systematic prediction studies have been conducted for human and yeast, but less for Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results

Concerning the insufficient observation on acetylation site, we analyzed contributions of the peptide-alignment-based distance definition and 3D structure factors in acetylation prediction. We found that traditional structure contributes little to acetylation site prediction. Identified acetylation sites of histones in Arabidopsis thaliana are conserved and cross predictable with that of human by peptide based methods. However, the predicted specificity is overestimated, because of the existence of non-observed acetylable site. Here, by performing a complete exploration on the factors that affect the acetylability of lysines in histones, we focused on the relative position of lysine at nucleosome level, and defined a new structure feature to promote the performance in predicting the acetylability of all the histone lysines in A. thaliana.

Conclusion

We found a new spacial correlated acetylation factor, and defined a ε-N spacial location based feature, which contains five core spacial ellipsoid wired areas. By incorporating the new feature, the performance of predicting the acetylability of all the histone lysines in A. Thaliana was promoted, in which the previous mispredicted acetylable lysines were corrected by comparing to the peptide-based prediction.
The small regulatory RNA molecule MicA is involved in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium biofilm formation
Authors: Kint Gwendoline , De Coster David , Marchal Kathleen , Vanderleyden Jos , De Keersmaecker Sigrid CJ
Published: November 2010

Background

LuxS is the synthase enzyme of the quorum sensing signal AI-2. In Salmonella Typhimurium, it was previously shown that a luxS deletion mutant is impaired in biofilm formation. However, this phenotype could not be complemented by extracellular addition of quorum sensing signal molecules.

Results

Analysis of additional S. Typhimurium luxS mutants indicated that the LuxS enzyme itself is not a prerequisite for a wild type mature biofilm. However, in close proximity of the luxS coding sequence, a small RNA molecule, MicA, is encoded on the opposite DNA strand. Interference with the MicA expression level showed that a balanced MicA level is essential for mature Salmonella biofilm formation. Several MicA targets known to date have previously been reported to be implicated in biofilm formation in Salmonella or in other bacterial species. Additionally, we showed by RT-qPCR analysis that MicA levels are indeed altered in some luxS mutants, corresponding to their biofilm formation phenotype.

Conclusions

We show that the S. Typhimurium biofilm formation phenotype of a luxS mutant in which the complete coding region is deleted, is dependent on the sRNA molecule MicA, encoded in the luxS adjacent genomic region, rather than on LuxS itself. Future studies are required to fully elucidate the role of MicA in Salmonella biofilm formation.