bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cleft palate defect of Dlx1/2−/− mutant mice is caused by lack of vertical outgrowth in the posterior palate
Authors: Jeong Juhee , Cesario Jeffry , Zhao Yangu , Burns Lorel , Westphal Heiner , Rubenstein John L.R.
Published: September 2012

Background: Mice lacking the activities of Dlx1 and Dlx2 (Dlx1/2−/−) exhibit cleft palate, one of the most common human congenital defects, but the etiology behind this phenotype has been unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the morphological, cellular, and molecular changes caused by inactivation of Dlx1 and Dlx2 as related to palate development. Results:
Dlx1/2−/− mutants exhibited lack of vertical growth in the posterior palate during the earliest stage of palatogenesis. We attributed this growth deficiency to reduced cell proliferation. Expression of a cell cycle regulator Ccnd1 was specifically down‐regulated in the same region. Previous studies established that the epithelial‐mesenchymal signaling loop involving Shh, Bmp4, and Fgf10 is important for cell proliferation and tissue growth during palate development. This signaling loop was disrupted in Dlx1/2−/− palate. Interestingly, however, the decreases in Ccnd1 expression and mitosis in Dlx1/2−/− mutants were independent of this signaling loop. Finally, Dlx1/2 activity was required for normal expression of several transcription factor genes whose mutation results in palate defects. Conclusions: The functions of Dlx1 and Dlx2 are crucial for the initial formation of the posterior palatal shelves, and that the Dlx genes lie upstream of multiple signaling molecules and transcription factors important for later stages of palatogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 241:1757–1769, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodiesel synthesis from Jatropha curcas L. oil and ethanol in a continuous centrifugal contactor separator
Authors: Abduh Muhammad Yusuf , van Ulden Wouter , Kalpoe Vijay , van de Bovenkamp Hendrik H. , Manurung Robert , Heeres Hero J.
Published: September 2012

The synthesis of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Jatropha curcas L. oil was studied in a batch reactor and a continuous centrifugal contactor separator (CCCS) using sodium ethoxide as the catalyst. The effect of relevant process variables like rotational speed, temperature, catalyst concentration, and molar ratio of ethanol to oil was investigated. Maximum yield of FAEE was 98 mol% for both the batch (70°C, 600 rpm, 0.8% w/w of sodium ethoxide) and CCCS reactor configuration (60°C, 2100 rpm, 1% w/w of sodium ethoxide, oil feed 28 mL/min). The volumetric production rate of FAEE in the CCCS at optimum conditions was 112 kgFAEE/m3liquid · min.

Practical applications: The Jatropha curcas L. shrub produces a non‐edible oil in yields up to 1.5 ton/(ha. y), which is known to be suitable for biodiesel synthesis. We here report an experimental study on the synthesis of jatropha biodiesel using ethanol instead of methanol as the alcohol source. Ethanol is accessible from biomass by fermentation and as such a green alternative for methanol. In addition, it is more readily available in developing countries than methanol. Biodiesel synthesis was performed in a CSSS, a continuous device that integrates reaction and separation. The device has potential to be applied in small scale mobile biodiesel technology due to its compact size, robustness, flexibility in operation, and high volumetric productivities.
Field observations of wave refraction and propagation pathways on coral reef platforms
Authors: Mandlier Philipp G.
Published: September 2012

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the refraction and propagation of ocean waves across two coral reef platforms in the Maldives, central Indian Ocean. A total of seven pressure sensors were deployed on each reef to quantify temporal and spatial variations in wave characteristics across the platform surfaces. Directional wave properties were calculated from high frequency (2 Hz) wave and current records obtained at two locations on each reef and corroborate theoretically predicted propagation pathways derived from an analytical wave refraction model. Results demonstrate that reef geometry critically controls the refraction and propagation behaviour of incident swell across the reef structures. Differences in the magnitude of refraction (approximately 57° and 14°) observed on each reef can be attributed to variations in platform shape and orientation to incident waves. Results demonstrate that reef flat wave patterns define the segmentation of platform surfaces into distinctive high and low wave energy zones. Furthermore, wave focussing has been identified as a major mechanism controlling the transformation of wave energy across the reefs. Results provide the first field‐based validation of wave refraction and convergence on coral reefs and have significant implications for sedimentation processes and the formation of platform deposits. Reef configurations which promote marked wave convergence are more likely to retain sediment on the reef surface, whereas platforms that induce less refraction and changes in the direction of incident waves have a higher potential for the off‐reef evacuation of sediment over leeward reef margins. Results of wave measurements substantiate such projections and provide a first order explanation for the existence and absence of a coral cay on the two study reefs. The study presents empirical evidence of wave refraction and convergence on coral reefs and establishes a baseline for future investigations of hydrodynamic process controls on platform sedimentation and island formation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depressive symptoms and associated factors in an older Spanish population positively screened for disability
Authors: Damian Javier , de Pedro‐Cuesta Jesús , Almazán Javier , Comín‐Comín Magdalena , Quintanilla Miguel A. , Lobo Antonio
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To measure the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with a comprehensive set of variables and to study the potential modifying effects of sex and age.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, subjects who tested positive to the 12‐item World Health Organization disability screening tool were selected from a probabilistic sample of persons aged 65 years or older in a rural area of Spain. Measurements included EURO‐D depression scale, socio‐demographics, habits, anthropometrics, medical history, cognition, disability, functional dependence, self‐rated health and pain. Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between depression and variables. The modifying effects of age and sex were assessed.

Results

Prevalence (95% CI) of current depressive symptoms among the 438 participants was 35.8% (31.3–40.3%). Depressive symptomatology was higher among women (aOR = 2.98). An inverse association was observed with alcohol (aORs of 0.52 and 0.27 for consumption of 1–2 and >2 standard units/day, respectively, versus abstainers). Depressive symptomatology was associated with heart failure (aOR = 4.24), urinary incontinence (aOR = 2.68), ischemic heart disease (aOR = 1.87), poor self‐rated health and pain. Sex and age modified the effect of several variables.

Conclusion

Prevalence of depressive symptoms, albeit high, was less than expected. The consistently strong negative association between depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption warrants further in‐depth research. Awareness of effect modification by key variables, such as sex and age, may enable the probability of suffering depression to be more accurately assessed, with a view to performing a potential diagnostic work‐up. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purposeful Instruction: Mixing Up The “I,” “We,” and “You”
Authors: Grant Maria , Lapp Diane , Fisher Douglas , Johnson Kelly , Frey Nancy
Published: September 2012

This article discusses the flexible nature of the gradual release of responsibility (GRR) as a frame for inquiry‐based science instruction. Given the mandate for the use of text‐supported learning (Common Core Standards), theGRRcan be used to allow students to learn as scientists as they collaboratively develop testable questions and experiments that direct them to look at real‐world issues. Through various configurations of modeling, guided instruction, collaborative efforts, and independent work, teachers are able establish an environment where investigative inquiry learning thrives.
Arsenic adsorption from contaminated water on Fe(III)‐coordinated amino‐functionalized poly(glycidylmethacrylate)‐grafted TiO2‐densified cellulose
Authors: Anirudhan Thayyath Sreenivasan , Divya Lekshmi , Parvathy Jayasree
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study is to determine the sorptive potential of a novel anion exchanger, Fe(III)‐coordinated amino‐functionalized poly(glycidylmethacrylate)‐grafted TiO2‐densified cellulose (AM‐Fe‐PGDC) for arsenic(V) removal from aqueous solutions by batch technique.

RESULTS: The adsorbent was characterized using infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and potentiometric titrations. The effective pH for removal was 6.0. The adsorption rate was influenced by initial metal ion concentration and contact time. The equilibrium was achieved within 1.5 h and follows a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption capacity for As(V) calculated using the Langmuir isotherm equation was 105.47 mg g−1. The AM‐Fe‐PGDC developed was used to remove As(V) from simulated groundwater. Regeneration experiments were attempted for four cycles using 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl solution.

CONCLUSION: It was found that AM‐Fe‐PGDC is very efficient for the removal of As(V) from aqueous solutions. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
High knee valgus in female subjects does not yield higher knee translations during drop landings: A biplane fluoroscopic study
Authors: Torry Michael R. , Shelburne Kevin B. , Myers Casey , Giphart J. Erik , Pennington W. Wesley , Krong Jacob P. , Peterson Daniel S. , Steadman J. Richard , Woo Savio L.‐Y.
Published: September 2012

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of peak knee valgus angle and peak knee abductor moment on the anterior, medial, and lateral tibial translations (ATT, MTT, LTT) in the “at risk” female knee during drop landing. Fifteen female subjects performed drop landings from 40 cm. Three‐dimension knee motion was simultaneously recorded using a high speed, biplane fluoroscopy system, and a video‐based motion analysis system. Valgus knee angles and knee abduction moments were stratified into low, intermediate, and high groups and peak ATT, MTT, and LTT were compared between these groups with ANOVA (α = 0.05). Significant differences were observed between stratified groups in peak knee valgus angle (p < 0.0001) and peak knee abduction moment (p < 0.0001). However, no corresponding differences in peak ATT, LTT, and MTT between groups exhibiting low to high‐peak knee valgus angles (ATT: p = 0.80; LTT: p = 0.25; MTT: p = 0.72); or, in peak ATT (p = 0.61), LTT (p = 0.26) and MTT (p = 0.96) translations when stratified according to low to high knee abduction moments, were found. We conclude that the healthy female knee is tightly regulated with regard to translations even when motion analysis derived knee valgus angles and abduction moments are high. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 257–267, 2013
The virtual water content of major grain crops and virtual water flows between regions in China
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kun , Wu Pu‐Te , Wang Yu‐Bao , Zhao Xi‐Ning
Published: September 2012

Background

The disproportionate distribution of arable land and water resources has become a bottleneck for guaranteeing food security in China. Virtual water and virtual water trade theory have provided a potential solution to improve water resources management in agriculture and alleviate water crises in water‐scarce regions. The present study evaluates the green and blue virtual water content of wheat, maize and rice at the regional scale in China. It then assesses the water‐saving benefits of virtual water flows related to the transfer of the three crops between regions.

Results

The national average virtual water content of wheat, maize and rice were 1071 m3 per ton (50.98% green water, 49.02% blue water ), 830 m3 per ton (76.27% green water, 23.73% blue water) and 1294 m3 per ton (61.90% green water, 38.10% blue water), respectively. With the regional transfer of wheat, maize and rice, virtual water flows reached 30.08 Gm3 (59.91% green water, 40.09% blue water). Meanwhile, China saved 11.47 Gm3 green water, while it consumed 7.84 Gm3 more blue water than with a no‐grain transfer scenario in 2009.

Conclusion

In order to guarantee food security in China, the government should improve water productivity (reduce virtual water content of crops) during the grain production process. Meanwhile, under the preconditions of economic feasibility and land‐water resources availability, China should guarantee the grain‐sown area in southern regions for taking full advantage of green water resources and to alleviate the pressure on water resources. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of novel liquid ester‐phenolic antioxidant based on dipentaerythritol
Authors: Zhang Letao , Cai Guoxing , Eli Wumanjiang
Published: September 2012

A new ester‐phenolic antioxidant based on dipentaerythritol was synthesised via a series of esterification reactions. The first esterification of dipentaerythritol with 3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid was carried out, and then the second esterification affords the final ester‐phenolic antioxidant by the reaction of the first esterification intermediates with isostearic acid. This antioxidant is functional complex which can act as not only antioxidant but also synthetic ester lubricant. The ester‐phenolic antioxidant was characterised with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rotary bomb oxidation test (RBOT) and thermogravimetric (TG)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The FTIR analytical results confirmed the chemical structure of the as‐synthesised antioxidant. RBOT demonstrated that this phenolic antioxidant has excellent antioxidant efficiency. The analytical results of TG/DSC showed that this antioxidant had low volatility and good thermal stability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel cell therapy for stress urinary incontinence, short‐term outcome
Authors: Shirvan Maliheh Keshvari , Alamdari Daryoush Hamidi , Mahboub Mohammadreza Darabi , Ghanadi Alireza , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: September 2012

Aims

The aim of this study was the safety assessment of urethra injections of autologous total nucleated cells (TNCs) along with platelets, which focused on the outcome over a 6 month period.

Methods

An open, prospective study was conducted on 9 patients with severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI). At the baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after external urethral sphincteric and submucosal injections of autologous TNCs along with platelets, the patients were assessed according to cough tests, Q‐Tip tests, urodynamics, 1 hr pad tests, upper tract ultrasonography (UTU), post voiding residue (PVR), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary incontinence (ICIQ‐UI), and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire‐Quality of Life (ICIQ‐QOL). On the 3rd month post‐injection, the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) were measured in one patient with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD; the baseline: ALPP < 60 and MUCP < 30 cmH2O).

Results

No complications were observed after injection. At 6‐months' follow up (F/U), all the patients considered themselves clinically cured with eight women completely continent and one marked improvement. Mean age was 48.9 ± 13.8 years. Before the injection, urodynamics, UTU, and PVR were normal and cough tests, 1 hr pad tests were positive in patients. At 1, 3, and 6 months post‐injection, there was a significant improvement in ICIQ‐UI, ICIQ‐QOL (P < 0.05). UTU and PVR were normal, cough tests, and 1 hr pad tests were negative, except for ISD patient with severe coughs (at month 3: ALPP = 92 and MUCP > 30 cmH2O).

Conclusion

Cell therapy consisting of intrasphincteric and submucosal injections of autologous TNCs along with platelets in SUI patients is a feasible and safe procedure. The results point out those subjects cured or with marked improvement after 6 months F/U. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 377–382, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construct validity of an instrument to measure neuropathic pain in women with bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Arya Lily A. , Harvie Heidi S. , Andy Uduak U. , Cory Lori , Propert Kathleen J. , Whitmore Kristene
Published: September 2012

Aims

To determine the construct validity of an instrument to measure neuropathic pain in women with bladder pain syndrome (BPS). Our hypothesis is that neuropathic, bladder, and bowel pain represent different constructs in women with BPS.

Methods

Secondary planned analysis of a prospective cross‐sectional study of 150 women with BPS. The relationship between neuropathic pain, urinary, and bowel symptoms was assessed.

Results

The correlation of the total neuropathic pain score with total urinary and bowel symptom scores was low to moderate (r = 0.28–0.49). The correlation of specific neuropathic pain items with bladder and bowel pain was also low to moderate (r = 0.12–0.36). Women with neuropathic pain had significantly higher scores for urinary urgency, bladder pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation than women with non‐neuropathic pain (all P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Somatosensory neuropathic pain and “visceral” bladder and bowel pain represent separate but related constructs in women with BPS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 424–427, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A uniform multiscale method for 2D static and dynamic analyses of heterogeneous materials
Authors: Zhang H.W. , Liu H. , Wu J.K.
Published: September 2012

A uniform extended multiscale finite element method is developed for solving the static and dynamic problems of heterogeneous materials in elasticity. To describe the complex deformation, a multinode two‐dimensional coarse element is proposed, and a new approach is elaborated to construct the displacement base functions of the coarse element. In addition, to improve the computational accuracy, the mode base functions are introduced to consider the effect of the inertial forces of the structure for dynamic problems. Furthermore, the orthogonality between the displacement and mode base functions is proved theoretically, which indicates that the proposed multiscale method can be used for the static and dynamic analyses uniformly. Numerical experiments show that the mode base functions almost do not work for the static problems, while they can improve the computational accuracy of the dynamic problems significantly. On the other hand, it is also found that the number of the macro nodes of the multinode coarse element has a great influence on the accuracy of the numerical results for both the static and dynamic analyses. Numerical examples also indicate that the uniform extended multiscale finite element method can obtain sufficiently accurate results with less computational cost compared with the standard FEM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diet and Oral Health of Populations that Inhabited Central Argentina (Córdoba Province) during Late Holocene
Authors: Fabra M. , González C. V.
Published: September 2012

The aim of this work is to study, from a bioarchaeological perspective, the diet and oral health of the populations that inhabited Central Argentina in two periods which would reflect changes in subsistence strategies: earlier late Holocene (ca. 2500–1500 years BP) and later late Holocene (ca.1500–400 years BP). The sample is composed by 83 adult individuals from 47 archaeological sites. We considered five non‐specific indicators of stress, infectious and degenerative diseases: hypoplasia of dental enamel, dental caries, abscesses, antemortem teeth loss, and calculus. We also considered hypercementosis, dens in dens, and agenesis. We test intraobserver error by means of intraclass correlation coefficient and analysis of variance of repeated measures. We calculated prevalence by sex, age, geographic subregion, and chronological period. We applied Chi‐square (X2) to test statistical significance of observed differences. Considering the sample as a whole, low prevalence of dental caries (10.27%), abscesses (16.52%), and hypoplasia (10.84%) are coincident with values observed for populations with mixed or hunter‐gathering subsistence strategy. In later late Holocene, high incidence of caries should be considered as indicator of consumption of C4 vegetables or other carbohydrate‐rich vegetables, such as legumes of Prosopis sp. Also, moderate values of dental enamel hypoplasia should be related with metabolic‐systemic stress episodes. Summarizing, these results are coincident with isotopic, archaeological, and ethnohistorical evidences which suggest climatic, social, and demographic pressures that might have affected the lifestyle of these populations before the Spanish conquest. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Sunghir 3 Upper Paleolithic Juvenile: Pathology versus Persistence in the Paleolithic
Authors: Cowgill L. W. , Mednikova M. B. , Buzhilova A. P. , Trinkaus E.
Published: September 2012

The Mid Upper Paleolithic Sunghir 3 late juvenile early modern human, from the most elaborate burial in the Pleistocene, had pathologically foreshortened and anteriorly bowed femora and, based on her dental enamel hypoplasias and transverse lines, sustained severe and persistent systemic stress throughout her decade of life. Her modest femoral and tibial asymmetry and her femoral bicondylar angles indicate non‐pathological patterns of posture and locomotion. The levels of rigidity for her weight‐bearing tibiae and the non‐dominant left arm reflect normal weight‐bearing and manipulation. These indicators are combined with an elevated level of right humeral strength, leading to pronounced humeral diaphyseal asymmetry, combined with elevated muscular insertion asymmetry. In combination with marked upper limb muscle markings and normal levels of bone formation, these reflections of her robustness indicate that she was fully mobile and participated actively in the tasks of her social group. There is no indication of the skeletal hypotrophy/atrophy that would be associated with less than full participation in the mobility and subsistence of her social group. As such, Sunghir 3 joins a growing list of developmentally or degeneratively pathological Late Pleistocene humans who nonetheless remained mobile and active. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating a community resource for protein science
Authors: Berman Helen M.
Published: September 2012

Helen Berman is the recipient of the Protein Society 2012 Carl Branden Award

In addition to being one of the early pioneers in protein crystallography, Carl Brändén made significant contributions to science education with his elegant and beautifully illustrated book Introduction to Protein Structure (Brändén and Tooze, New York: Garland, 1991). It is truly an honor to receive this award in their names. This award and the 40th anniversary of the Protein Data Bank (PDB; Berman et al., Structure 2012;20:391–396) have given me an opportunity to reflect on the various components that have contributed to building a resource for protein science and to try to quantify the impact of having PDB data openly available.
Characterisation of field‐evolved resistance to chlorantraniliprole in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, from China
Authors: Wang Xingliang , Khakame Shem K , Ye Chao , Yang Yihua , Wu Yidong
Published: September 2012

Background

Chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide belong to the new chemical class of diamide insecticides. High levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole rapidly evolved in field populations of Plutella xylostella from southern China. An investigation was made of diamide cross‐resistance, as well as inheritance, stability and metabolic mechanisms of chlorantraniliprole resistance in field populations of P. xylostella from southern China.

Results

Three field populations of P. xylostella collected from southern China in 2011 showed high levels of cross‐resistance between chlorantraniliprole (18–1150‐fold) and flubendiamide (15–800‐fold) when compared with a susceptible reference strain. Genetic analysis showed that chlorantraniliprole resistance in the ZC population was autosomal and incompletely recessive. In the absence of selection pressure, resistance to chlorantraniliprole in the ZC population declined from 2040‐fold (G1) to 25‐fold (G7). The ZC‐R strain (derived by selection from ZC) exhibited 670‐fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole, which is synergised by known metabolic inhibitors such as PBO, DEM and DEF at low levels.

Conclusion

Field‐evolved resistance to chlorantraniliprole in P. xylostella confers strong cross‐resistance to flubendiamide, so both compounds should be well separated and not alternated in resistance management strategies. High‐level resistance to chlorantraniliprole in the ZC population was incompletely recessive and not stable. Metabolic detoxification was involved in chlorantraniliprole resistance in the ZC‐R strain to some extent, but target‐site resistance could not be excluded. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Drag produced by trapped lee waves and propagating mountain waves in a two‐layer atmosphere
Authors: Teixeira M.A.C. , Argaín J.L. , Miranda P.M.A.
Published: September 2012

The surface drag force produced by trapped lee waves and upward propagating waves in non‐hydrostatic stratified flow over a mountain ridge is explicitly calculated using linear theory for a two‐layer atmosphere with piecewise‐constant static stability and wind speed profiles. The behaviour of the drag normalized by its hydrostatic single‐layer reference value is investigated as a function of the ratio of the Scorer parameters in the two layers l2/l1 and of the corresponding dimensionless interface height l1H, for selected values of the dimensionless ridge width l1a and ratio of wind speeds in the two layers. When l2/l1 → 1, the propagating wave drag approaches 1 in approximately hydrostatic conditions, and the trapped lee wave drag vanishes. As l2/l1 decreases, the propagating wave drag progressively displays an oscillatory behaviour with l1H, with maxima of increasing magnitude due to constructive interference of reflected waves in the lower layer. The trapped lee wave drag shows localized maxima associated with each resonant trapped lee wave mode, occurring for small l2/l1 and slightly higher values of l1H than the propagating wave drag maxima. As l1a decreases, i.e. the flow becomes more non‐hydrostatic, the propagating wave drag decreases and the regions of non‐zero trapped lee wave drag extend to higher l2/l1. These results are confirmed by numerical simulations for l2/l1 = 0.2. In parameter ranges of meteorological relevance, the trapped lee wave drag may have a magnitude comparable to that of propagating wave drag, and be larger than the reference single‐layer drag. This may have implications for drag parametrization in global climate and weather‐prediction models. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Unsupervised classification and analysis of objects described by nonparametric probability distributions
Authors: Emilion Richard
Published: September 2012

Various objects can be summarily described by probability distributions: groups of raw data, paths of stochastic processes, neighborhoods of an image pixel and so on. Dealing with nonparametric distributions, we propose a method for classifying such objects by estimating a finite mixture of Dirichlet distributions when the observed distributions are assumed to be outcomes of a finite mixture of Dirichlet processes. We prove the consistency of such a classification by using the mutual singularity of two distinct Dirichlet processes and the martingale convergence theorem. Moreover, this consistency allows us to use some standard data analysis and statistical methods for analyzing the class labels of these objects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
The Causes and Consequences of Churn in Entrepreneurs’ Personal Networks
Authors: Vissa Balagopal , Bhagavatula Suresh
Published: September 2012

This study examines the causes and consequences of churn in technology entrepreneurs’ (ego) core personal networks. Churn refers to the change in the composition of an entrepreneur's core personal network due to the entry of new network contacts (alters) or exit of existing network contacts. We draw on recent research describing networking styles to examine how a focal entrepreneur's networking actions affects churn in his/her core personal network and thereby increases his/her venture's portfolio of exchange partners. We find that entrepreneurs whose networking actions involve establishing greater interpersonal knowledge when interacting with strangers or relationally embedding ties with existing alters experience lesser network churn. In contrast, entrepreneurs whose networking actions involved greater time pacing of interactions with existing alters experienced greater network churn. The longitudinal empirical analysis on a sample of Indian high technology entrepreneurs operating business‐to‐business ventures provides support for our theoretical framework. We contribute to the entrepreneurial networks literature by systematically examining the dynamics of technology entrepreneurs’ core personal networks and their venture‐level consequences. Copyright © 2012 Strategic Management Society.
Low lysine diet in glutaric aciduria type I – effect on anthropometric and biochemical follow‐up parameters
Authors: Boy Nikolas , Haege Gisela , Heringer Jana , Assmann Birgit , Mühlhausen Chris , Ensenauer Regina , Maier Esther M. , Lücke Thomas , Hoffmann Georg F. , Müller Edith , Burgard Peter , Kölker Stefan
Published: September 2012

Background

Metabolic treatment in glutaric aciduria type I (GA‐I) including a low lysine diet with lysine‐free, tryptophan‐reduced amino acid supplements (AAS), carnitine supplementation and early start of emergency treatment during putatively threatening episodes of intermittent febrile illness dramatically improves the outcome and thus has been recommended by an international guideline group (Kölker et al, J Inherit Metab Dis 30:5–22, 2007). However, possible affection of linear growth, weight gain and biochemical follow‐up monitoring has not been studied systematically.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients (n = 29 asymptomatic, n = 4 dystonic) with GA‐I who have been identified by newborn screening in Germany from 1999 to 2009 were followed prospectively during the first six years of life. Dietary treatment protocols, anthropometrical and biochemical parameters were longitudinally evaluated.

Results

Mean daily intake as percentage of guideline recommendations was excellent for lysine (asymptomatic patients: 101 %; dystonic patients: 103 %), lysine‐free, tryptophan‐reduced AAS (108 %; 104 %), energy (106 %; 110 %), and carnitine (92 %; 102 %). Low lysine diet did not affect weight gain (mean SDS 0.05) but mildly impaired linear growth in asymptomatic patients (mean SDS −0.38), while dystonic patients showed significantly reduced weight gain (mean SDS −1.32) and a tendency towards linear growth retardation (mean SDS −1.03). Patients treated in accordance with recent recommendations did not show relevant abnormalities of routine biochemical follow‐up parameters.

Interpretation

Low lysine diet promotes sufficient intake of essential nutrients and anthropometric development in asymptomatic children up to age 6 year, whereas individualized nutritional concepts are required for dystonic patients. Revised recommendations for biochemical monitoring might be required for asymptomatic patients.
Comparative binding, endocytosis, and biodistribution of antibodies and antibody‐coated carriers for targeted delivery of lysosomal enzymes to ICAM‐1 versus transferrin receptor
Authors: Papademetriou Jason , Garnacho Carmen , Serrano Daniel , Bhowmick Tridib , Schuchman Edward H. , Muro Silvia
Published: September 2012

Targeting lysosomal enzymes to receptors involved in transport into and across cells holds promise to enhance peripheral and brain delivery of enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) for lysosomal storage disorders. Receptors being explored include those associated with clathrin‐mediated pathways, yet other pathways seem also viable. Well characterized examples are that of transferrin receptor (TfR) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), involved in iron transport and leukocyte extravasation, respectively. TfR and ICAM‐1 support ERT delivery via clathrin‐ vs. cell adhesion molecule‐mediated mechanisms, displaying different valency and size restrictions. To comparatively assess this, we used antibodies vs. larger multivalent antibody‐coated carriers and evaluated TfR vs. ICAM‐1 binding and endocytosis in endothelial cells, as well as in vivo biodistribution and delivery of a model lysosomal enzyme required in peripheral organs and brain: acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), deficient in types A‐B Niemann Pick disease. We found similar binding of antibodies to both receptors under control conditions, with enhanced binding to activated endothelium for ICAM‐1, yet only anti‐TfR induced endocytosis efficiently. Contrarily, antibody‐coated carriers showed enhanced binding, engulfment, and endocytosis for ICAM‐1. In mice, anti‐TfR enhanced brain targeting over anti‐ICAM, with an opposite outcome in the lungs, while carriers enhanced ICAM‐1 targeting over TfR in both organs. Both targeted carriers enhanced ASM delivery to the brain and lungs vs. free ASM, with greater enhancement for anti‐ICAM carriers. Therefore, targeting TfR or ICAM‐1 improves lysosomal enzyme delivery. Yet, TfR targeting may be more efficient for smaller conjugates or fusion proteins, while ICAM‐1 targeting seems superior for multivalent carrier formulations.
NORM Survey in Argentina
Authors: Canoba A.C.
Published: September 2012

A survey programme was initiated several years ago with the aim of estimating the incidence of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) exposure for workers in the oil and gas industry, gold mining, spas, and a tourist cavern in Argentina. This work presents the procedures, methods employed, and results to date from the survey, including protection and remedial actions recommended when deemed necessary. Radium isotope concentrations measured in some samples were well above the exemption values established by IAEA Standards. Elevated radon levels (above the action level established for workplaces) were detected in the gas facilities, the gold mine, and the tourist cavern. The pertinent authorities and the facilities were informed of the detected values in order to take actions to reduce concentrations. In terms of the spas, almost all values for geothermal waters were below the corresponding guidance levels. Some regulatory aspects for the management of NORM are suggested.
Impact of complexity and computer control on errors in radiation therapy
Authors: Fraass B.A.
Published: September 2012

A number of recent publications in both the lay and scientific press have described major errors in patient radiation treatments, and this publicity has galvanised much work to address and mitigate potential safety issues throughout the radiation therapy planning and delivery process. The complexity of modern radiotherapy techniques and equipment, including computer-controlled treatment machines and treatment management systems, as well as sophisticated treatment techniques that involve intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, respiratory gating, and others, leads to concern about safety issues related to that complexity. This article illustrates the relationship between complexity and computer control, and various safety problems and errors that have been reported, and describes studies that address the issue of these modern techniques and whether their complexity does, in fact, result in more errors or safety-related problems. Clinical implications of these results are discussed, as are some of the ways in which the field should respond to the ongoing concerns about errors and complexity in radiation therapy.
NORM situation in non-uranium mining in China
Authors: Liu H. , Pan Z.
Published: September 2012

The Ministry of Environmental Protection in China is responsible for regulatory control on radiation protection from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). The natural radiation caused by human activities is a major contributor to public and occupational exposure in China. This paper introduces the first national census on pollution sources (target year 2007) in China, and describes NORM sites in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, one of the largest rare earth deposits in China. The ores are rich in radioactive elements, with a concentration of ThO2 of 0.01–0.05% and concentration of U3O8 of 0.0005–0.002%. The large amount of NORM residues is regulated and controlled. After treatment of the waste water, it is discharged into tailing ponds and then pumped directly to milling plants for re-use. The waste gas after off-dust cleaning is discharged into the environment. A substantial amount of blast furnace iron slag from the waste treatment is transformed into cement, concrete, and bricks, or used directly for highway construction. This raises a serious environmental concern. As a result, environmental radiation monitoring and assessment have been introduced recently. Regulatory control of NORM is very important in order to take effective measures to lower the dose.
Biological basis for protection of the environment
Authors: Larsson C-M.
Published: September 2012

The approach to protection of the environment may vary considerably depending on ethical basis, methodological approach, and identification of endpoints and protective targets. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reviewed these issues in Publication 91, ‘A framework for assessing the impact of ionising radiation on non-human species’, published in 2003. At the same time, ICRP proposed that a possible future ICRP system addressing environmental assessment and protection would focus on biota, that the system should be effect-based so that any reasoning about adequate protection would be derived from firm understanding of harm at different exposure levels, and that the system should be based on data sets for Reference Animals and Plants. ICRP has thus chosen to approach environmental protection on the basis of biology, and further developed the approach in Publications 103, 108 and 114. This paper explores the biological basis for the ICRP system of environmental protection from the viewpoints of: the effects endpoints of concern; the hierarchy of biological organisation; adequate and appropriate protective targets; and the derivation of benchmark dose (rates) to guide protective efforts.
Radioactive waste management in France: safety demonstration fundamentals
Authors: Ouzounian G. , Voinis S. , Boissier F.
Published: September 2012

The main challenge in development of the safety case for deep geological disposal is associated with the long periods of time over which high- and intermediate-level long-lived wastes remain hazardous. A wide range of events and processes may occur over hundreds of thousands of years. These events and processes are characterised by specific timescales. For example, the timescale for heat generation is much shorter than any geological timescale. Therefore, to reach a high level of reliability in the safety case, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the sequence of events and processes likely to occur over the lifetime of the repository. It then becomes possible to assess the capability of the repository to fulfil its safety functions. However, due to the long periods of time and the complexity of the events and processes likely to occur, uncertainties related to all processes, data, and models need to be understood and addressed. Assessment is required over the lifetime of the radionuclides contained in the radioactive waste.
Report of ICRP Task Group 80: ‘Radiological protection in geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste’
Authors: Weiss W.
Published: September 2012

The report of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Task Group 80 entitled ‘Radiological protection in geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste’ updates and consolidates previous ICRP recommendations related to solid waste disposal (ICRP Publications 46, 77, and 81). The recommendations given in this report apply specifically to geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste. The report explains how the 2007 system of radiological protection, described in ICRP Publication 103, can be applied in the context of the geological disposal of long-lived solid radioactive waste. The report is written as a self-standing document. It describes the different stages in the lifetime of a geological disposal facility, and addresses the application of relevant radiological protection principles for each stage depending on the various exposure situations that can be encountered. In particular, the crucial factor that influences application of the protection system over the different phases in the lifetime of a disposal facility is the level of oversight that is present. The level of oversight affects the capability to reduce or avoid exposures. Three main time frames have to be considered for the purpose of radiological protection: time of direct oversight when the disposal facility is being implemented and active oversight is taking place; time of indirect oversight when the disposal facility is sealed and indirect oversight is being exercised to provide additional assurance on behalf of the population; and time of no oversight when oversight is no longer exercised because memory is lost.
Vaginal acidity enhancement with a 3% acetic acid gel prior to misoprostol treatment for pregnancy termination in the midtrimester
Authors: Abd‐El‐Maeboud Karim H.I. , Ghazy Abbas , Ibrahim Ahmed , Hassan Nashwa , El‐Bohoty Ahmed , Gamal‐El‐Din Islam
Published: September 2012

Objective

To investigate whether enhancing vaginal acidity improves the success of medical abortions in the midtrimester.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted with 48 women with missed midtrimester abortions. Twice daily, the study participants (n = 24) were treated with a 3% acetic acid gel and the controls (n = 24) with a placebo gel, starting 2 days prior to initiating the misoprostol treatment. The primary outcome measures were the rates of successful abortion within 24 and 48 hours. Secondary measures included gel tolerability and adverse effects of the misoprostol treatment.

Results

The success rates were higher in the study group, within both 24 hours (11/23 vs 3/24;P= 0.011) and 48 hours (18/23 vs 6/24;P< 0.001). Among the women with a vaginal pH of 5 or higher at baseline, acidic gel was also associated with higher success rates within 24 hours (8/13 vs 2/15;P< 0.01) and 48 hours (13/13 vs 3/15;P< 0,001). The vaginal gels were well tolerated and the misoprostol treatment produced no serious adverse effects.

Conclusion

A 3% acetic acid gel appears to be an effective and safe preparatory adjuvant to vaginal misoprostol treatment for midtrimester medical abortions, especially in women with a vaginal pH of 5 or higher.

www.controlledtrials.com: ISRCTN75746444
Sociodemographic characteristics and food habits of organic consumers – a study from the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Petersen Sesilje B , Rasmussen Morten A , Strøm Marin , Halldorsson Thorhallur I , Olsen Sjurdur F
Published: September 2012

Objective

To develop a basis for building models that can examine the impact of organic food (OF) choices on maternal and offspring health, including identification of factors associated with OF consumption and underlying dietary patterns.

Design

Dietary intake was collected for the preceding month from an FFQ in mid-pregnancy and information on sociodemographic characteristics was collected from telephone interviews during pregnancy. From a question about OF consumption in the FFQ, including six food categories, an OF preference index was calculated. Latent variables that captured the variability in OF choices in relation to dietary intake were defined.

Setting

The Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC), 1996–2002.

Subjects

Pregnant women from DNBC (n 60 773).

Results

We found that frequent OF use was highly associated with age, occupational status, urbanization, smoking and vegetarianism. By principal components analysis we identified two eating patterns, a ‘Western dietary pattern’ and a ‘Prudent dietary pattern’, that explained 14·2 % of the variability in data. Frequent OF users consumed a more ‘prudent’ diet compared with non-users and had significantly higher intakes of vegetables (+67 %), fibre (+13 %) and n-3 fatty acids (+11 %) and less saturated fat (−8 %).

Conclusions

Frequent OF users seemed to have a healthier lifestyle than non-users. These findings highlight a major challenge in observational studies examining the impact of OF consumption on health due to potentially irremediable confounding factors.
The future of humanitarian action: an ICRC perspective
Authors: McGoldrick Claudia
Published: September 2012

The evolving global environment in which humanitarian actors operate is posing profound challenges, both in terms of the increasing complexity of major crises and their impact on affected people, and in terms of the changes within the humanitarian sector itself as it tries to respond. This article gives one perspective of what the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) considers to be some of the key challenges facing humanitarian action now and in the coming years, and how the institution aims to address these challenges while remaining faithful to its fundamental principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
The emerging concept of humanitarian diplomacy: identification of a community of practice and prospects for international recognition
Authors: Régnier Philippe
Published: September 2012

In recent years the term ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ has become fashionable among humanitarian organizations in general, and within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in particular. However, the very idea of ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ is not uncontroversial, owing to the imprecise and contested nature of the term, and to its unclear operational application. The present article proposes to explore the definitions and scope of action of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as some of the challenges that it faces, with a view to preparing the way for its eventual recognition by the international community.