bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Criteria for Pellet-Dispersing Warheads
Authors: Knollman Gilbert C. , Moder Joseph J.
Published: November 2008

A warhead is presumed to be so designed as to provide a radial dispersion of small pellets without significantly altering their collective forward motion. Thus, at the moment of target interception, the pellets are taken as randomly distributed over either a circular or an elliptical lamina, and those distributions that lead to optimum target-kill probabilities are derived. Design criteria are noted that tend to yield the largest over-all kill probability. Target and lamina size, individual pellet mass, over-all mass, kill probability of a single pellet that hits the target, and the random errors of predicting target position and of placing the pellet array at that position are all taken into account. An assessment is made of the basic proposition that the kill probability of every pellet striking the target is the same, independent of the number of previous hits, thereby some “limits of applicability” are established for the present study. In conclusion, an adaptation of the mathematical results to a shotgun-bird system is presented.
Pellet-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: McNolty Frank W.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents an analysis of a simple but interesting random collision process. The problem involves the effectiveness of pellets against target objects. Appropriate probability density functions are derived from the physical conditions and are used to discuss various properties of the random collision process and the effectiveness of the pellets. No new statistical techniques are provided in the paper and it is perhaps noteworthy that such simple, well-known methods can be employed to investigate so many aspects of an interesting problem.
Multiple Triggers and Lot Sizes
Authors: Winters Peter R.
Published: November 2008

This paper gives a way of handling the inventory decisions as to when to make more (trigger point) and how much to make (lot size) of products that are stocked in more than one location. Many factory warehouse systems consist of a factory, a central warehouse, and regional warehouses. Triggering a production run of a joint lot depends on the inventory situation at each warehouse. Models are developed for the joint triggering, and joint lot size and its distribution, numerical examples and graphs are given for the trigger, along with references for the numerical methods. The models in the paper are for a simplified system, and references are given for extension of the theory.
Some Problems in the Theory of Intra-Urban Location
Authors: Harris Britton
Published: November 2008

A scientific understanding of urban-metropolitan structure and function is becoming increasingly important for metropolitan planning decisions and for governmental policy development, especially in the field of transportation. There is a strong coincidence between the needs of policy makers for adequate information about the implications of alternatives, and the interest of scientists in explaining the development of cities. Theories of urban form and intra-urban location are examined in some detail. It is concluded that existing theories of urban form are largely descriptive and taxonomic, while existing theories of locational behavior may be inadequate to deal with the inflexibilities and nonlinearities that arise in the urban framework. An adequate explanation and theory of metropolitan growth and structure depends on the accumulation of considerably more knowledge as to the behavior of locational decision makers, and the ways in which metropolitan policy impinges on their decisions. Some of the problems of this analysis are explored. Different types of models applicable to the urban system are considered and the particular model under development at the Penn Jersey. Transportation Study is sketched in relation to criteria developed. The implementation of models of the type discussed is related to questions of data collection, computer technology, mathematical formulation, and other operations-research concepts.
Letter to the Editor—Toward Establishment of a Role for Operations Research in Economic Development Programs
Authors: Johnson Ellis A.
Published: November 2008

This note reports on a professional initiative designed to bring about a closer relationship of potential performers and users of operations-research services in behalf of deliberate programs of industrialization.
Letter to the Editor—Development Programming
Authors: Dogrusoz Halim
Published: November 2008

In view of the current interest in PERT and related methods, this letter has been prepared to indicate a more general optimizing approach to development problems. A development problem is one involving any large-scale nonrepetitive complex of activities. Examples include construction projects, area development, product and weapon systems development, national development plans, and so on.
A Traffic Counting Distribution
Authors: Oliver Robert M.
Published: November 2008

A traffic counting distribution is derived in which a minimum spacing or headway between units of traffic is taken into account. A comparison is made between this probability distribution and the Type I Counter distribution derived by W. Feller. Explicit expressions are derived for the mean and variance of count as well as the probability that the interval of interest is completely filled by vehicles.
Comments on the Highway-Crossing Problem
Authors: Herman Robert , Weiss George
Published: November 2008

A discussion is given of the gap acceptance problem confronting a driver at a stop sign who is attempting to cross a single lane of traffic. This problem is discussed in the light of a gap acceptance probability that is taken in the form α(t) = 0 when t < T and 1 − α(t) = exp[−λ(t − T)] when t > T, rather than a step function as has been considered in the past. Some experimental information is discussed concerning the values of the parameters λ and T in such situations. This information coupled with theoretical considerations allows one to estimate quantities such as mean delay time, probability of zero delay, and highway transparency. Comments are made concerning the influence of car performance on road crossing and on entering highways.
Parallel Sequencing and Assembly Line Problems
Authors: Hu T. C.
Published: November 2008

This paper deals with a new sequencing problem in which n jobs with ordering restrictions have to be done by men of equal ability. Assume every man can do any of the n jobs. The two questions considered in this paper are (1) How to arrange a schedule that requires the minimum number of men so that all jobs are completed within a prescribed time T, and (2) if m men are available, arrange a schedule that completes all jobs at the earliest time.
Letter to the Editor—Note on a Paper by Hanssmann
Authors: Mediate Anthony , Zionts Stanley
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this note is to present a corrected version of Table I, the iteration of the example considered, and another observation about the paper “Determination of Optimal Capacities of Service for Facilities with a Linear Measure of Inefficiency,” Opns Res. 5, 713–717 (1957).
Letter to the Editor—A Criterion for Realism in War Games
Authors: Zimmerman R. E.
Published: November 2008

The author has been in the business of constructing rules for war games (i.e., games with human players) for some years. The search for “realism” has been arduous and always frustrating. Since the author must usually adopt a pragmatic attitude towards this elusive property and make do with whatever is at hand, the search for truly general criteria for realism has been sometimes desperate. Over the last several years one such criterion has slowly emerged. It is only a necessary condition, not a sufficient one. Therefore it is only a weak criterion for realism, but appears to be a strong test for a lack of realism. Special purpose games can probably be imagined for which the theorem does not apply.
Several fibroblast growth factors are expressed during pre-attachment bovine conceptus development and regulate interferon-tau expression from trophectoderm
Authors: Cooke Flavia N T , Pennington Kathleen A , Yang Qien , Ealy Alan D
Published: November 2008

The trophectoderm-derived factor interferon tau (IFNT) maintains the uterus in a pregnancy-receptive state in cattle and sheep. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are implicated in regulatingIFNTexpression and potentially other critical events associated with early conceptus development in cattle. The overall objectives of this work were to identify the variousFGFsand FGF receptors (FGFRs) expressed in elongating pre-attachment bovine conceptuses and determine if these FGFs regulate conceptus development and/or mediate IFNT production.In vitro-derived bovine blastocysts andin vivo-derived elongated conceptuses collected at day 17 of pregnancy express at least fourFGFRsubtypes (R1c,R2b,R3c,R4). In addition, transcripts forFGF1,2, and10but notFGF7are present in elongated bovine conceptuses. The expression pattern ofFGF10most closely resembled that ofIFNT, with both transcripts remaining low in day 8 and day 11 conceptuses and increasing substantially in day 14 and day 17 conceptuses. Supplementation with recombinant FGF1, 2 or 10 increasedIFNTmRNA levels in bovine trophectoderm cells and bovine blastocysts and increased IFNT protein concentrations in trophectoderm-conditioned medium. Blastocyst development was not affected by any of the FGFs. In summary, at least four FGFRs reside in pre- and peri-attachment bovine conceptuses. Moreover, conceptuses express at least three candidate FGFs during elongation, the time of peakIFNTexpression. These findings provide new insight for how conceptus-derived factors such as FGF1, 2, and 10 may controlIFNTexpression during early pregnancy in cattle.
Desempenho de cultivares de jiló em casa de vegetação
Authors: Novo Maria do Carmo de Salvo Soares , Trani Paulo Espíndola , Rolim Glauco de Souza , Bernacci Luís Carlos
Published: November 2008

O experimento foi instalado em vasos plásticos, em casa de vegetação em Campinas (SP). Duas cultivares comerciais de jiló - Solanum gilo Raddi - (Comprido Verde-Claro e Esmeralda) e duas introduzidas pelo IAC (Bernacci e Cardoso) foram avaliadas em relação ao desenvolvimento vegetativo e à produtividade. As mudas foram produzidas em bandejas de poliestireno com 128 células e, o transplantio foi realizado aos 40 dias após a semeadura quando estavam no estádio de quatro a cinco folhas definitivas. Aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após o transplantio, avaliaram-se o número de folhas, a altura, a área foliar e as biomassas fresca e seca da parte aérea. Após o início da frutificação, semanalmente, foram colhidos os frutos e avaliaram-se diâmetros, comprimentos e biomassa fresca. As cultivares de jiló Esmeralda e Comprido Verde-Claro produziram frutos mais precoces em relação às cultivares Bernacci e Cardoso. Estas últimas produziram frutos por período mais prolongado. O jiló 'Cardoso' foi o mais produtivo quanto ao número total de frutos e à biomassa fresca total. As cultivares Bernacci e Cardoso da coleção do IAC, com potencial para o melhoramento genético, podem ainda ser utilizadas no sistema de produção de subsistência ou na agricultura familiar que são os sistemas tradicionais de cultivo de jiló.
Diversidade de espécies e ocorrência estacional de afídeos (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em um pomar de citros em Taiúva, SP
Authors: Rocha Kelly Cristina Gonçalves , Busoli Antonio Carlos , Veronezzi Fábio Rogério B.
Published: November 2008

Os afídeos são importantes pragas em citros como vetores de vírus fitopatogênicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade de espécies de afídeos alados e a ocorrência estacional dos afídeos em um pomar de citros localizado em Taiúva, SP. Para as coletas de afídeos foram utilizadas armadilhas do tipo bandejas amarelas com água e placas adesivas amarelas. Foram realizadas quatro amostragens semanais em cada estação climática, durante o ano agrícola de 2004/2005. Foram capturados exemplares de afídeos das espécies: Aphis gossypii Glover, Aphis spiraecola Patch, Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy e Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscombe), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, Uroleucon ambrosie (Thomas) e Acyrthosiphon bidenticola Smith. As espécies A. spiraecola e T. citricida foram as mais abundantes, sendo caracterizadas como espécies comuns em todo o período avaliado. Coletaram-se mais afídeos alados no outono/2004, em relação às demais estações e maior quantidade e diversidade de espécies de afídeos foi obtida em bandejas com água.
Escritos, imagens e artefatos: ou a viagem de Thevet à França Antártica
Authors: Raminelli Ronald José
Published: November 2008

Por meio de escritos, imagens e artefatos, frei André Thevet, cosmógrafo do rei da França, recriava plantas, animais, povos e geografia do Novo Mundo. Os recursos gráficos e as coleções permitiam-no mobilizar informações, comprovar seus registros escritos e, por certo, disponibilizar esses dados ao rei, nobres e demais curiosos. Os avanços da imprensa tornaram possível o conhecimento sobre mundos distantes, saber que atingia, cada vez mais, um público mais vasto, enquanto as coleções permaneceram restritas ao circuito aristocrático. Pretende-se, portanto, investigar os "elementos americanos" escolhidos e recolhidos por Thevet para testemunhar sua viagem e torná-la presente, ou representada, para seus contemporâneos.
Integrar sociedade e natureza na luta contra a fome no século XXI
Authors: Abramovay Ricardo
Published: November 2008

A compreensão do mundo contemporâneo exige um olhar naturalista do qual a obra de Josué de Castro é uma das mais importantes expressões: pensar de maneira articulada a vida social e a reprodução do ambiente natural em que se apóia - incluindo aí a natureza do próprio homem, seu corpo - é a pedra de toque do método geográfico praticado em Geografia da Fome. Esse método é importante não apenas para estudar aquelas regiões onde a fome se abate severamente sobre a vida da população, mas oferece uma importante chave de leitura dos problemas alimentares que se anunciam para o século XXI, quando a população mundial deverá ter um aumento de quase 50%. Os desafios produtivos dos próximos anos - que este artigo procura expor de maneira sumária - não poderão ser enfrentados com base nas técnicas que caracterizaram a Revolução Verde. Eles exigem uma compreensão refinada dos vínculos entre sistemas sociais e sistemas ecológicos, para a qual a obra de Josué de Castro é uma inspiração fundamental.
Artificial insemination system without estrous observation in suckled beef cows
Authors: Borges Luiz Felipe Kruel , Ferreira Rogério , Siqueira Lucas Carvalho , Bohrer Rodrigo Camponogara , Borstmann Jacson William , Oliveira João Francisco Coelho de , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias
Published: November 2008

The aim was to develop a timed artificial insemination (TAI) system in suckled beef cows. Cows (n=227), 60-80 days postpartum, received estradiol benzoate (5mg) and a vaginal device containing 250µg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; day 0). On day six, cloprostenol (125µg) and eCG (400IU) were administrated and calves were weaned for 88h. The devices were removed on day seven (BioRep group) or on day eight (TAI group). All cows of TAI group and cows of BioRep group that did not exhibit standing estrus received GnRH (100µg) on day 9. In experiment I, the follicular growth was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasound exams, from day 6 to day 9. The average size of the dominant follicle on day nine was 11.1±0.99mm (BioRep, n=7) and 11.5±0.65mm (TAI, n=7) and all animals ovulated. In experiment II, the BioRep group cows (n=106) were observed for estrous behavior after withdrawal of the device, twice a day for 48h, and inseminated 12h after detection. In the TAI group (n=107), the devices were withdrawn on day eight and after 24h these cows and those from the BioRep group, which were not stand in estrus, received 100µg of GnRH and TAI 16h later. The pregnancy rates were 57.6% (BioRep) and 52.3% (TAI). In conclusion, an increase on MPA exposure time did not affect the follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates and allow TAI without estrous observation. Furthermore, the treatment for eight days provides an efficient TAI system in suckled beef cows.
Transcriptional cooperation between NF-κB p50 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β regulates Nur77 transcription in Leydig cells
Authors: El-Asmar Bassam , Giner Xavier C , Tremblay Jacques J
Published: November 2008

Expression of steroidogenic enzyme-encoding genes in testicular Leydig cells is complex and involves several transcription factors including the orphan nuclear receptor NUR77 (NR4A1) and the bZIP factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (EBPβ). How these transcription factors are integrated into a functional network, however, remains to be fully understood. Here, we report that the transcription factor C/EBPβ can activate the Nur77 promoter as revealed by transient transfections in MA-10 Leydig cells. Through 5′ progressive deletions and site-directed mutagenesis, the C/EBPβ-mediated activation of the Nur77 promoter was found to be dependent on a novel species-conserved C/EBP element located at −110 bp. We also demonstrate using electromobility shift assay that C/EBPβ specifically binds to this element. Furthermore, we report a functional cooperation between C/EBPβ and the p50 subunit of NF-κB that involves a previously uncharacterized κB element located at −18 bp. Promoter analysis revealed that either the C/EBP or the κB element was sufficient to sustain the C/EBPβ-p50 cooperation thus suggesting that both factors physically interact. Altogether, our results provide new data regarding Nur77 transcription in testicular Leydig cells in addition to providing new insights into the interplay between transcription factors involved in Leydig cell gene expression and function.
Child visual discourse: The use of language, gestures, and vocalizations by deaf preschoolers1
Authors: Tomaszewski Piotr
Published: November 2008

Child visual discourse: The use of language, gestures, and vocalizations by deaf preschoolers1

This exploratory study examined the linguistic activity and conversational skills of deaf preschoolers by observing child-child dyads in free-play situations. Deaf child of deaf parents - deaf child of deaf parents (DCDP-DCDP) pairs were compared with deaf child of hearing parents - deaf child of hearing parents (DCHP-DCHP) pairs. Children from the two groups were videotaped during dyadic peer interactions in a naturalistic play situation. The findings indicated that deaf children were able to engage in successful communicative interaction. However, statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of deaf preschoolers with regard to some categories of communicative behaviors from the point of view of sign and spoken languages (Polish Sign Language and Polish). For example, DCHP were found to be less actively than DCDP through using speech. The results of this study suggest that intervention efforts should be focused on improving the language learning environment by facilitating signing by the parents and increasing their skills in visual-gestural strategies.
How to estimate the randomness in random sequence generation tasks?
Authors: Barbasz Jakub , Stettner Zbigniew , Wierzchoń Michal , Piotrowski Krzysztof , Barbasz Anna
Published: November 2008

How to estimate the randomness in random sequence generation tasks?

The aim of the paper was to discuss the accuracy of the multiple indexes used for random sequences generation results calculation. In the first part of the paper the models explaining deviations from randomness were presented. The key role of the structural limitations interpretation was suggested. Secondly, the multiple indexes of the deviation from randomness used in random sequence generation task studies were presented. The authors concluded that too many indexes are used in the studies of deviation from randomness. In order to avoid such problems two indexes were proposed: entropy and correlation function. The last part of the paper presents the preliminary version of the mathematical of random sequences generation in which the limited capacity of the short-term memory assumption was introduce.
Contemporary Ancestors of de Bry, Hobbes, and Milton
Authors: Nyquist Mary
Published: November 2008

By means of rhetorically patterned negation that is central to early modern proto-evolutionary, Euro-colonial discourses, indigenous American societies appear historically remote as well as culturally deficient. Yet if Americans are the contemporary ancestors of early modern Europeans, what place, if any, do they have within Christian redemptive history? This question does not concern Hobbes, whose state of nature is inextricably bound up with the historical anteriority of ‘savage’ societies. By contrast, de las Casas and Montaigne, who idealize civil privation, find praiseworthy continuities between American practices and those of ancient Israel or early Christianity. Both de Bry and Milton indirectly address allochronism by representing present-day Americans in connection with the Fall of a Europeanized Adam and Eve. Like de Bry's well-known engraving, Paradise Lost identifies fallen Eve and Adam with their American counterparts yet at the same time clearly distinguishes them. Milton's ‘American,’ however, remains unambiguously anterior to the epic's present. Lacking the complexly rendered subjective experience of Adam's shame and the awareness of loss the epic speaker shares with readers, Paradise Lost's ‘American’ does not benefit from the divinely initiated process of regeneration associated with clothing. By implication, indigenous Americans are dependent on outside intervention if they are to enter the Christian fold and, indeed, the forward movement of human history.
Milton among the Pragmatists
Authors: Hawkes David
Published: November 2008

Appropriating Milton as an exponent of a distinctively American way of thinking has become something of an American tradition. Milton has been invoked in religion, politics, and most recently in philosophy, specifically as an advocate of American pragmatism and its postmodern descendant, the neo-pragmatism routinely associated with Stanley Fish in the 1980s and 1990s. For Fish, the appeal of pragmatism lies in the intellectual freedom afforded by its anti-essentialist implications. The problem is, however, that in his endless appetite for indeterminacy, Fish tends to de-historicize Milton's logocentrism and do violence to his belief in an objective, knowable truth. Ironically, a clear understanding of Milton's historical otherness makes it possible to turn the tables and articulate serious doubts about the disinterestedness of pragmatism and the achievements of American liberalism.
Liberty before and after Liberalism: Milton's Shifting Politics and the Current Crisis in Liberal Theory
Authors: Mohamed Feisal G.
Published: November 2008

The current crisis in American liberal theory marks a shift away from the critique of individualism to an exploration of the urgent challenges posed by cultural pluralism. Appeals by various ‘fundamentalist’ constituencies to the overriding authority of essential truths generated outside the consensus of the polity have the power to destroy toleration and the liberal nature of the polity. A study of Milton proves invaluable in helping to evaluate the viability of one prominent solution, for texts like A Treatise of Civil Power seem to sketch out what Paul Kahn calls a ‘liberalism of faith,’ that is, the constitution of secure domains within the polity for the contemplation and practice of truths alien to the consensus. The example of Milton suggests, however, just how fallible a solution, and how ultimately illiberal, such an extension of liberalism might be.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Characterization and Current Application in Orthopaedic Tissue Repair
Authors: Tapp Hazel , Hanley Edward N. , Patt Joshua C. , Gruber Helen E.
Published: November 2008

Orthopaedic tissues, such as bone, cartilage, intervertebral disc and tendon, contain cells that are difficult to culture and stimulate in vitro for repair of damaged tissue. Stem cells have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into many tissue types. Recent progress in stem cell research has led to an enthusiastic effort to utilize stem cells for orthopaedic tissue regeneration. Due to ease of harvest and abundance, adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (ASC) are an attractive, readily available adult stem cell that has become increasingly popular for use in many stem cell applications. Recent progress has been made in characterizing ASC and looking mechanistically at gene expression and cellular pathways involved in differentiation. This review focuses on (i) the characterization of ASC through expression of appropriate surface markers; (ii) modulation of in vitro differentiation of ASC through different scaffolds, growth factors, and media; and (iii) the use of ASC in orthopaedic tissue repair. Strategies for repair involve the use of differentiated or undifferentiated, fresh or passaged ASC, in conjunction with appropriate choice of media, growth factors and scaffolds. Recent in vivo studies utilizing ASC are discussed giving results on defect repair and potential for clinical orthopaedic tissue regeneration.
Hyperlipidemic Chicken as a Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Ayala Ignacio , Castillo Antonia Martín , Adánez Gracia , Fernández-Rufete Ana , Pérez Bartolomé García , Castells Maria T.
Published: November 2008

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is part of the spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), currently the most common cause of abnormal liver tests. Given the difficulty of studying all the factors involved in it in human populations, studies in animal models might provide crucial insights in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis. Several physiological features predispose birds to fat deposition in the liver. The present study was conceived to explore the possibilities of the chicken fed a cholesterol and fat enriched diet as a model for steatohepatitis. We used two different diets: a standard growing mash (control group) and a standard growing mash enriched with 2% cholesterol and 20% palm oil (hyperlipidemic group). We investigated the effect of feeding a cholesterol and fat enriched diet, on plasma lipid levels, liver enzymes and hepatic histopathology. Semiquantitative and quantitative assessment by image analysis was performed to determine changes in lipid deposits and inflammatory infiltration. Statistically significant increases were observed in all plasma lipid parameters, liver macroscopic features, fat deposits and cell-ballooning of hepatocytes between control and hyperlipidemic animals. Significant differences were also observed in the inflammatory infiltration parameters (number of foci, density, area and maximal diameter). Results show that diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are associated with severe impairment of liver histology (fat accumulation, inflammation and cell-ballooning), reproducing histological features of human NAFLD. This model, which is easy and reproducible, offers economic and technical advantages. Furthermore, the reversibility of the pathologic changes makes it suitable for drug intervention studies of steatohepatitis.
Time and Dose Dependence of Pluronic Bioactivity in Hyperthermia-Induced Tumor Cell Death
Authors: Krupka Tianyi M. , Dremann David , Exner Agata A.
Published: November 2008

Pluronic block copolymers have been shown to sensitize cancer cells resulting in an increased activity of antineoplastic agents. In the current study we examined a new application of Pluronic bioactivity in potentiating hyperthermia-induced cancer cell injury. DHD/K12/TRb rat adenocarcinoma cells were exposed to low-grade hyperthermia at 43°C with or without Pluronic P85 or Pluronic L61. A range of Pluronic doses, pre-exposure and heat exposure durations were investigated, and the test conditions were optimized. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measurement of intracellular ATP and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Both P85 and L61 in synergy with heat reduced cell viability appreciably compared to either heat or Pluronic alone. Under optimal conditions, P85 (10 mg/ml, 240 mins) combined with 15 mins heat reduced intracellular ATP to 60.1 ± 3.5% of control, while heat alone and P85 without heat caused a negligible decrease in ATP of 1.2% and 3.8%, respectively. Similarly, cells receiving 120 mins pre-exposure of L61 (0.3 mg/ml) showed reduction in intracellular ATP to 14.1 ± 2.1% of control. Again, heat or L61 pre-exposure alone caused a minor decrease in levels of intracellular ATP (1.5% and 4.4%, respectively). Comparable results were observed when viability was assessed by mitochondrial enzyme activity. Survival studies confirmed that the loss of viability translates to a long-term reduction in proliferative activity, particularly for L61 treated cells. Based on these results, we conclude that Pluronic is effective in improving hyperthermic cancer treatment in vitro by potentiating heat-induced cytotoxicity in a concentration and time dependent manner.
Intercourse between cell wall and cytoplasm exemplified by arabinogalactan proteins and cortical microtubules
Authors: Driouich Azeddine , Baskin Tobias I.
Published: November 2008

How does a plant cell sense and respond to the status of its cell wall? Intercourse between cell wall and cytoplasm has long been supposed to involve arabinogalactan proteins, in part because many of them are anchored to the plasma membrane. Disrupting arabinogalactan proteins has recently been shown to disrupt the array of cortical microtubules present just inside the plasma membrane, implying that microtubules and arabinogalactan proteins interact. In this article, we assess possibilities for how this interaction might be mediated. First, we consider microdomains in the plasma membrane (lipid rafts), which have been alleged to link internal and external regions of the plasma membrane; however, the characteristics and even the existence of these domains remains controversial. Next, we point out that disrupting the synthesis of cellulose also can disrupt microtubules and consider whether arabinogalactan proteins are part of a network linking microtubules and nascent microfibrils. Finally, we outline several signaling cascades that could transmit information from arabinogalactan proteins to microtubules through channels of cellular communication. These diverse possibilities highlight the work that remains to be done before we can understand how plant cells communicate across their membranes.
Occurrence of zearalenone in wheat kernels infected with Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Neuhof T. , Koch M. , Rasenko T. , Nehls I.
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of zearalenone in wheat kernels contaminated with this
mycotoxin. Kernels from a sample of a wheat harvest affected by Fusarium culmorum were sorted into six groups
according to their visual attributes. Milled portions of these groups were analysed by high-performance liquid
chromatography with fluorescence and diode array detection. The clean-up was performed with an immunoaffinity
column after methanol/water (4:1, v/v) extraction. The zearalenone content of the unsorted kernel fraction was
74 µg/kg. The group of healthy-looking kernels was contaminated with only 6 µg/kg of zearalenone. The groups of
kernels that appeared shrunken and chalky white, damage routinely caused by Fusarium, were contaminated with
170 and 117 µg/kg, respectively. A remarkably high level of zearalenone contamination, 2,184 µg/kg, was observed
for the group of reddish kernels. An association between the presence of the red pigment aurofusarin and high levels
of zearalenone was found. Therefore, this pigment may be used as a marker of high zearalenone content.
The fate of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in wheat and maize during commercial breakfast cereal production
Authors: Scudamore K. , Patel S.
Published: November 2008

A study of the changes undergone by Fusarium mycotoxins present in maize and wheat at intake during the processing
of commercial grain samples into breakfast cereals was carried out. Natural concentrations of deoxynivalenol and
zearalenone in wheat were mostly low although higher levels of fumonisins occurred in maize. An exhaustive cleaning
regime was used for wheat received from UK farms that reduced deoxynivalenol levels by about 50%, although this
varied considerably between consignments. During processing to manufacture two commercial breakfast cereals,
further loss of deoxynivalenol was minimal. However, this was significantly greater in a product from which excess
aqueous cooker effluent was drained, suggesting that loss was due to solution of the mycotoxin in the cooking liquor
rather than to hydrolysis. It is estimated that deoxynivalenol present at the EC maximum limit of 1,250 µg/kg in intake
wheat would be reduced to about 700 and 400 µg/kg respectively for the 2 types of whole-wheat breakfast cereals
examined during processing. Maize flaking grits were inherently low in mycotoxin concentrations compared to the
raw maize so that the mycotoxin levels in the cereal ingredient for cornflakes used in this manufacturing process
were unlikely to approach EC regulatory levels. In processing these grits, fumonisins were reduced further by at
least 93% although no reduction of deoxynivalenol occurred. It is estimated that fumonisins and deoxynivalenol at
the EC maximum limits in raw maize of 4,000 µg/kg and 1,750 µg/kg would be reduced to about 17 µg/kg and 288
µg/kg respectively in corn flakes made by the traditional cooking process used in the UK.
Generation of recombinant alpaca VHH antibody fragments for the detection of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A
Authors: van Houwelingen A. , De Saeger S. , Rusanova T. , Waalwijk C. , Beekwilder J.
Published: November 2008

To develop sensor technologies based on genetically engineered recognition elements, recombinant antibodies
characterised by high stability are a prerequisite. Here we describe the first successful isolation of recombinant
alpaca single-domain antibody fragments with high affinity to the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA). Variable domains
(VHH) of heavy-chain antibodies binding to OTA were cloned from an immunised alpaca. Selected VHH clones
clustered in four major groups, based on protein sequence similarity. Six representative VHH antibody fragments
were produced in Escherichia coli and characterised for their sensitivity and specificity by indirect competitive
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. OTA concentrations causing 50% inhibition (IC50) ranged from 12 ng/ml
for antibody fragment OCH-62 to 442 ng/ml for antibody fragment OCH-40. The IC50 of OCH-62 for ochratoxin
B, an OTA analogue, was 476 ng/ml. No significant cross-reactivity was observed with common food constituents
with structural similarities with parts of OTA, such as L-phenylalanine and coumarin. The performance of OCH-62
for detection of OTA in food matrices was comparable to the performance in buffer (white wine: IC50=17 ng/ml;
red wine: IC50=21 ng/ml; instant coffee: IC50=17 ng/ml). In a membrane-based flow-through immunoassay, used
for fast visual screening of samples, OCH-62 showed a cut-off level of 10 ng/ml OTA. Thereby, OCH-62 ranked
among the best recombinant antibody fragments described for mycotoxins and is an excellent candidate for the
design of food contamination sensors based on nanotechnology.
Asymmetric potentials and motor effect: a homogenization approach
Authors: Souganidis Panagiotis E. , Perthame Benoît
Published: November 2008

We provide a mathematical analysis for the appearance of motor effects, i.e., the concentration (as Dirac masses) at one side of the domain, for the solution of a Fokker–Planck system with two components, one with an asymmetric potential and diffusion and one with pure diffusion. The system has been proposed as a model for motor proteins moving along molecular filaments. Its components describe the densities of different conformations of proteins.

Contrary to the case with two asymmetric potentials, the case at hand requires a large number of periods in order for the motor effect to occur. It is therefore posed as a homogenization problem where the diffusion length is at the same scale as the period of the potential.

Our approach is based on the analysis of a Hamilton–Jacobi equation arising, at the zero diffusion limit, after an exponential transformation of the phase functions. The homogenization procedure yields an effective Hamiltonian whose properties are closely related to the concentration phenomena.
Asymmetric post‐natal development of superior cervical ganglion of paca (Agouti paca)
Authors: Abrahão Luciana Maria Bigaram , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Sasahara Tais Harumi de Castro , Gomes Sílvio Pires , Oliveira Felipe da Roza , Ladd Fernando Vagner Lobo , Ladd Aliny Antunes Barbosa Lobo , de Melo Mariana Pereira , Machado Márcia Rita Fernandes , Melo Samanta Rios , Ribeiro Antonio Augusto Coppi Maciel
Published: November 2008

Functional asymmetry has been reported in sympathetic ganglia. Although there are few studies reporting on body side‐related morphoquantitative changes in sympathetic ganglion neurons, none of them have used design‐based stereological methods to address this issue during post‐natal development. We therefore aimed at detecting possible asymmetry‐related effects on the quantitative structure of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) from pacas during ageing, using very precise design‐based stereological methods. Forty (twenty left and twenty right) SCG from twenty male pacas were studied at four different ages, i.e. newborn, young, adult and aged animals. By using design‐based stereological methods the total volume of ganglion and the total number of mononucleate and binucleate neurons were estimated. Furthermore, the mean perikaryal volume of mononucleate and binucleate neurons was estimated, using the vertical nucleator. The main findings of this study were: (1) the right SCG from aged pacas has more mononucleate and binucleate neurons than the left SCG in all other combinations of body side and animal age, showing the effect of the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and animal age, and (2) right SCG neurons (mono and binucleate) are bigger than the left SCG neurons (mono and binucleate), irrespective of the animal age. This shows, therefore, the exclusive effect of asymmetry (right side). At the time of writing there is still no conclusive explanation for some SCG quantitative changes exclusively assigned to asymmetry (right side) and those assigned to the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and senescence in pacas. We therefore suggest that forthcoming studies should focus on the functional consequences of SCG structural asymmetry during post‐natal development. Another interesting investigation would be to examine the interaction between ganglia and their innervation targets using anterograde and retrograde neurotracers. Would differences in the size of target organs explain ganglia structural asymmetry?
Expression of Androgen, Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Cho Li‐Chen , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang
Published: November 2008

Hormone receptors play important roles in breast cancer. We investigated the expression of hormone receptors in breast cancer to evaluate the importance of hormone receptors in the clinicopathology of breast cancer. Androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression characteristics were evaluated using immunohistochemistry stain, comparing patient age, tumor size and axillary lymph node status for 23 pure mucinous and 105 non‐mucinous infiltrating ductal carcinomas in the human female breast. Mucinous carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis occurred less frequently than non‐mucinous carcinoma (11.8% vs. 55.2%; p = 0.01). Compared with the non‐mucinous type, mucinous carcinoma specimens showed less AR expression (21.7% vs. 51.4%; p = 0.01) but more ER expression (78.3% vs. 52.4%; p = 0.02). In addition, AR expression was also associated with ER and/or PR coexpression (37/74, 50%) in infiltrating ductal carcinoma. But only three of 20 (15%) mucinous carcinoma specimens with AR expression had associated ER and/or PR coexpression. Our findings revealed that mucinous carcinoma samples from the breast show distinct clinicopathologic and hormone receptor expression features compared to non‐mucinous carcinoma.
Delayed Surgery in a Complex Trauma Patient with Aortic Rupture, Blunt Head Trauma and Liver Laceration: a Case Report
Authors: Lin Hsing‐Lin , Lee Wei‐Che , Chen Chao‐Wen , Kuo Liang‐Chi , Chan Hon‐Man
Published: November 2008

Aortic rupture is a critical condition in trauma patients. Most patients are killed at the scene of the accident. A patient who survives long enough to reach hospital also has a high risk of rupture during management. We report a patient who was transferred from a municipal hospital with the emergency complex of blunt head trauma and chest and abdominal contusion. Chest computed tomography scan revealed aortic rupture. Liver laceration with hemodynamic stability and brain concussion were also diagnosed in the emergency room. She was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit without emergency surgery. She received aorta repair after 5 days of observation. After the operation, the patient recovered very well. Delayed surgery for aortic rupture as a treatment choice may be of benefit in selected complex trauma cases.
Primary Urethral Plasmacytoma: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gokce Ozgur , Acar Omer , Tunc Murat , Kilicaslan Isin , Esen Tarik , Ozcan Faruk
Published: November 2008

Plasmacytomas of the urethra are extremely rare neoplasias; they may occur as isolated tumors or concomitantly with generalized multiple myeloma. Herein, we describe the clinical presentation and characteristics of a patient with primary plasmacytoma of the urethra. A 51‐year‐old man presented with terminal hematuria and a palpable penile mass. Magnetic resonance urethrography revealed a 3‐cm long stenotic segment along which the urethral mucosa was found to be irregular. On urethroscopy, papillary mucosal projections extending to the presphincteric area were noted. Lesions were found to be composed primarily of neoplastic plasma cells capable of producing mainly lambda light chain. Upon diagnosis, the patient received external beam radiation therapy targeting the pelvic region. The lesion diminished in size progressively during the treatment course. He was disease‐free after 6 months. Although it is a relatively rare disease, primary urethral plasmacystoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of urethral tumors and radiation therapy should be an integral part of the treatment strategy.
Exercise Behavior in Asthmatic Children: Effects of a Summer Camp Fitness Program in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Hung‐Liang , Wang Shing‐Yaw , Chen Wu‐Yuan , Chen Chung‐Hey
Published: November 2008

This quasiexperimental study aimed to examine the effects of a swimming‐focused summer camp program on self‐efficacy and exercise behavioral change in schoolchildren with asthma and their parental support. Forty‐one asthmatic schoolchildren were recruited from a medical center and an asthma education association in southern Taiwan. The participants in the summer camp program were assigned to the experimental group; the control group comprised those who did not attend the summer camp program. Each child was paired with a parent. A total of 16 child‐parent pairs in the experimental group and 25 pairs in the control group were followed‐up. This 1.5‐day asthma summer camp program included 20 minutes of health education in physical activity, two sessions of swimming practice for the children, and a 2‐hour conference with the parents. The outcome measures included an Exercise Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, Stages of Exercise Behavior Change Questionnaire, and a Parental Support for Exercise Questionnaire. Before implementing the program, the two groups differed significantly in terms of the severity of their asthma, as well as their pre‐camp test scores of exercise self‐efficacy. Therefore, asthma severity levels and scores from the pre‐camp exercise self‐efficacy test were selected as two ANCOVA covariates. The adjusted means for stages of exercise behavior change on the 2‐month post‐camp test were significantly different between the two groups, F(1, 37) = 5.88 and p = 0.02. Compared with the control group, subjects who attended the summer camp reported more regular exercise behavior at the 2‐month post‐camp test. Thus, a summer camp program with swimming instruction can enhance the exercise behavior of schoolchildren with asthma. This program is highly recommended for managing schoolchildren with asthma.
Value of Gallium‐67 Scanning in Monitoring Therapeutic Effectiveness in a Patient with Relapsing Polychondritis
Authors: Chang Ming‐Che , Tsai Shih‐Chuan , Lin Wan‐Yu
Published: November 2008

We present a 57‐year‐old man who had low‐grade fever and painful, swollen and erythematous ears. Gallium‐67 citrate scintigraphy (gallium scan) performed prior to the commencement of treatment showed increased gallium uptake in bilateral external ears, neck, mediastinum and bilateral pulmonary hili. The results of ultrasonography of both ears were compatible with the diagnosis of chondritis. The patient's clinical condition and laboratory data improved after a course of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and steroids. Gallium scan performed after treatment showed a diminished uptake in the external ears, neck, and mediastinum. Gallium scintigraphy is a valuable tool for evaluating inflammatory activity and monitoring therapeutic response in patients with relapsing polychondritis.
Local liquid crystal alignment on patterned micrograting structures photofabricated by two photon excitation direct laser writing
Authors: Lee Chee Heng , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Miura Yusuke , Fujii Akihiko , Ozaki Masanori
Published: November 2008

The authors demonstrate local alignment of nematic liquid crystal through the fabrication of local micrograting structures by curing an ultraviolet curable material via a two-photon excitation laser-lithography process. A local twisted-nematic region was prepared using one rubbed and one fabricated micrograting surface and the resulting cell was observed with a polarizing optical microscope. The polarization optical micrographs of the locally fabricated region suggest that liquid crystal molecules align parallel to the grating structure and that local alignment is achieved. We evaluate the anchoring energies of the fabricated microgratings by the torque balance method.
Dust as a versatile matter for high-temperature plasma diagnostic
Authors: Wang Zhehui , Ticos Catalin M.
Published: November 2008

Dust varies from a few nanometers to a fraction of a millimeter in size. Dust also offers essentially unlimited choices in material composition and structure. The potential of dust for high-temperature plasma diagnostic is largely unfulfilled yet. The principles of dust spectroscopy to measure internal magnetic field, microparticle tracer velocimetry to measure plasma flow, and dust photometry to measure heat flux are described. Two main components of the different dust diagnostics are a dust injector and a dust imaging system. The dust injector delivers a certain number of dust grains into a plasma. The imaging system collects and selectively detects certain photons resulted from dust-plasma interaction. One piece of dust gives the local plasma quantity, a collection of dust grains together reveals either two-dimensional (using only one or two imaging cameras) or three-dimensional (using two or more imaging cameras) structures of the measured quantity. A generic conceptual design suitable for all three types of dust diagnostics is presented.