bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islet Amyloid and Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis): An Animal Model of Human Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: O'Brien T. D. , Wagner J. D. , Litwak K. N. , Carlson C. S. , Cefalu W. T. , Jordan K. , Johnson K. H. , Butler P. C.
Published: March 2010

To further characterize spontaneous diabetes mellitus in cynomolgus macaques ( Macaca fascicularis) as a model for human non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we evaluated the morphologic characteristics of the endocrine pancreas of 4 diabetic and 12 age-matched nondiabetic cynomolgus macaques. In addition, the cDNA-predicted amino acid sequence for islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) of this species was determined. Islet amyloid deposits exhibiting typical congophilia and green birefringence were found in 4/4 diabetic animals and in 8/12 nondiabetics. Islet amyloid deposits were significantly more extensive in the diabetic macaques ( P = 0.001), in which they occupied a mean of 60% of the islet area. In contrast, in the nondiabetic group the maximum islet area occupied by amyloid was 24% (group mean = 6.8%), with four animals having no detectable islet amyloid. Amyloid deposits consistently showed immunoreactivity for IAPP but not for insulin. Comparisons between group means for diabetic versus nondiabetic macaques showed significantly greater islet area ( P = 0.01, 85,390 versus 36,540 μm2) and significantly greater islet area fraction ( P = 0.02, 0.065 versus 0.032) for the diabetic group. The cDNA-predicted amino acid sequence for cynomolgus IAPP was identical to that previously reported for pig-tail macaques ( M. nemestrina) and had 92%, 86%, and 84% amino acid sequence identity with human, domestic cat, and murine IAPPs, respectively. These findings support the use of cynomolgus macaques as an animal model of human NIDDM.
Associations between Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, Hypothyroidism, and Thyroid Neoplasia in Beagles
Authors: Benjamin S. A. , Stephens L. C. , Hamilton B. F. , Saunders W. J. , Lee A. C. , Angleton G. M. , Mallinckrodt C. H.
Published: March 2010

The thyroids were evaluated in 276 control Beagles that were allowed to live out their full life span (≥ = 12 years) in a closed breeding colony. Lymphocytic thyroiditis was found in 26.3% of the dogs. This lesion was characterized by lymphoplasmacytic inflammation accompanied by follicular destruction. The thyroiditis was progressive, resulting in severe atrophy of follicular tissue, and 44 dogs (15.9%) were diagnosed as hypothyroid at the time of death. In accordance with the experimental protocol, hypothyroid dogs were not given thyroxine replacement therapy. There was a high degree of heritability for the hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid dogs had an increased risk for thyroid follicular epithelial neoplasia and, in particular, for follicular adenocarcinomas. Twenty-four of the 44 hypothyroid dogs (54.5%) had one or more follicular thyroid neoplasms, whereas only 53 of the 232 (22.8%) clinically euthyroid dogs had similar tumors. Multiple thyroid tumors were present in 14 of the 44 (31.8%) hypothyroid dogs but in only 12 of the 232 (5.2%) euthyroid dogs. One or more follicular adenocarcinomas were present in 15 of the 44 (34.1%) hypothyroid dogs but in only 16 of the 232 (6.9%) euthyroid dogs. There was no difference in prevalence of hypothyroidism or tumors between the sexes. The strong association between progressive lymphocytic thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and thyroid follicular neoplasia in these Beagles probably relates to promotion of residual follicular epithelium by chronic excess thyrotropin stimulation.
Immunohistochemical and Morphological Characterization of Spontaneously Occurring Pheochromocytomas in the Aging Mouse
Authors: Tischler A. S. , Sheldon W. , Gray R.
Published: March 2010

Pheochromocytomas in mice are rare tumors, and their expression of functional markers has not previously been assessed. In this study, 29 spontaneously occurring mouse pheochromocytomas were characterized morphologically and immunohistochemically to determine whether there are functional correlates to previously described morphological features and to provide a database for comparison with tumors that arise in genetically engineered animals. The tumors were derived from 28 mice 828-1,489 days old, of three genotypes. Considerable cytological and architectural polymorphism was observed both within and between tumors. Most of the tumor cells were comparable in size to normal chromaffin cells or were larger. Small basophilic cells, which are the predominant cell type in rat pheochromocytomas, were usually in the minority. All of the tumors and most of the cells within individual tumors expressed immunoreactive tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The tumors were variably positive for phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and chromogranin A (CGA). There did not appear to be a global association of specific cytological features with expression of TH, PNMT, or CGA, although cells of similar appearance often shared similar immunoreactivities within individual tumors. Small basophilic cells could be either PNMT-positive or PNMT-negative. The frequency, morphology, and immunophenotype of mouse pheochromocytomas suggest that the mouse may be more appropriate than the rat as a model for human adrenal medullary pathology. In addition, the expression of immunoreactive PNMT by mouse pheochromocytomas suggests that these tumors are a potential source of epinephrine-producing cell lines, for which adequate models currently do not exist.
Light Microscopic and Ultrastructural Changes in the Ceca of Chicks Inoculated with Human and Canine Serpulina pilosicoli
Authors: Muniappa N. , Duhamel G. E. , Mathiesen M. R. , Bargar T. W.
Published: March 2010

Light microscopic and ultrastructural changes were observed in chicks challenged with North American Serpulina pilosicoli, a weakly β-hemolytic intestinal spirochete (WBHIS) associated with human and canine intestinal spirochetosis. Chicks in control groups received trypticase soy broth or canine Serpulina innocens. The birds were necropsied at weekly intervals, and the ceca were processed for bacteriologic and pathologic examinations. No WBHIS were isolated from the ceca of chicks in the control groups, but WBHIS with genotypes similar to the parent isolates were isolated from the ceca of chicks inoculated with human and canine S. pilosicoli. Gross examination revealed no significant changes in the ceca of chicks at any time post-inoculation. Light microscopic examination revealed no spirochetal attachment in the ceca of chicks in control groups. In contrast, focal to diffuse thickening of the brush border of the surface epithelium along with dilation of the crypt lumina and mild focal lamina propria heterophil infiltration were present in the ceca of chicks inoculated with human and canine S. pilosicoli. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed focal to confluent spirochetal attachment mainly in the furrow region at the periphery of the crypt units. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed spirochetes attached to the brush border of the cecal epithelium, causing effacement of the microvilli and disruption of the terminal web microfilaments. The cecal epithelium of chicks inoculated with the canine S. pilosicoli also had caplike elevations of the apical membrane at the point of attachment of the spirochetes together with large numbers of vesicles in the cytoplasm immediately beneath the terminal web and evidence of spirochetal invasion beyond the mucosal barrier. The changes observed suggested that the mechanism of attachment of human and canine S. pilosicoli to the cecal epithelium of chicks was analogous to but different from that described previously for other attaching and effacing gastroenteric bacterial pathogens of human beings and animals.
Freedom of speech is non-negotiable
Authors: Buscombe Peta
Published: March 2010

Baroness Peta Buscombe, the newly appointed chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, clarifies the role of the PCC in the light of recent criticisms. She argues that the PCC was not set up as a “general regulator of all press behaviour” but that it was “primarily meant to deal with issues, both ethical and practical, that the law cannot capture. It therefore complements the law rather than competes with it. The PCC is at heart a complaints resolution and adjudication process”. She also explains how she has initiated a review of the Commission’s governance structures, which will be a “thorough, fundamental look at how the PCC matches up to the challenges posed by the media in the 21st century”.
Thou shalt sport a banana in thy pocket: Gendered body size ideals in advertising and popular culture
Authors: Ostberg Jacob
Published: March 2010

The present article addresses the issue of how idealized accounts of penis size — a bodily feature that plays a crucial role in how masculinity is constructed today — gets produced and reproduced through advertising and popular culture. The analysis shows that there are plenty of normative accounts of a particular penis size, despite a lack of explicit representations in mainstream cultural outlets. These normative messages are so ubiquitous that men in Western consumer cultures are bombarded with the archaic imperative: thou shalt sport a banana in thy pocket. Discourse analysis is used to illustrate the different sets of interpretive repertoires available that circumvent the taboos surrounding penis size in subtle and roundabout ways in order to create a sense of an ideal that should be adhered to. These sets of discourses function to give an ambivalent message in which males are caught in a discursive cross-fire where they are potentially made to feel anxious about their anxiousness and embarrassed about their embarrassedness.
Research as Response
Authors: Aasland Dag G.
Published: March 2010

In this article research is viewed as a response to a questioning from outside. Knowledge develops in steps, each step understood as a response to the questioning of the previous step. Today’s research is a conglomerate of responses to the questioning of yesterday’s research. Under the current conditions the questioning of knowledge and research is more directed towards the individual than before. The researcher is challenged to answer the questioning directed to his or her research. From this it is argued that the ability of the researcher to respond implies a responsibility. The content of this responsibility depends on the discourse in question. In business management the responsibility implies going into the discourse of corporate social responsibility. In social work it implies to address the question of a best possible use of resources. This question, however, cannot be answered by others. It has to be based on the language of the practitioners themselves.
Prising Open the Black Box
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: March 2010

There is a growing interest in critical realism and its application to social work. This article makes a case for adopting this philosophical position in qualitative social work research. More specifically, it suggests that there is a concordance between critical realist premises and action research with its cyclical inquiry and advancement of social change. This combination of philosophy and method, it is argued, promotes anti-oppressive social work research and illuminates the processes shaping outcomes in programme evaluations. Overall, the article underscores the importance of ‘depth’ in qualitative inquiry by conceiving the social world in terms of five interlacing, social domains.
Integrating Qualitative Evidence in Practice Guideline Development
Authors: Gould Nick
Published: March 2010

The production of practice guidelines is a relatively recent development in social work. Because of their antecedents in evidence-based medicine, methods for producing guidelines have been dominated by quantitative approaches to systematic reviewing with relatively little attention given to the integration of qualitative forms of knowledge. The under-representation of qualitative research, and dependence on meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, threatens to marginalize important perspectives such as process and implementation data, as well as the voice of service users. Increasing integration of health and social care services also requires that practice guidance incorporates forms of knowledge that are relevant to social care. This article describes methods used to develop the first two national practice guidelines for England and Wales (for dementia care and parent-education/training programmes) produced jointly by the Social Care Institute for Excellence and National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence. These guidelines demonstrate innovation in their approaches to incorporation of qualitative perspectives. Implications of these two exemplars are considered for future guideline development.
A Shoulder Health Survey: Correlating Behaviors and Comorbidities With Shoulder Problems
Authors: Kane Steven , Conus Sean , Haltom Douglas , Hirshorn Kurt , Pak Youngju , Vigdorchik Jonathan
Published: March 2010

Shoulder pain and loss of shoulder function are common complaints reported by a variety of patients. This article suggests that shoulder pain and loss of function are directly proportional to lifestyle choices, including smoking and obesity. To investigate possible relationships between lifestyle choices and shoulder health, the authors conducted an online survey combining the Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire, the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, and the Subjective Shoulder Rating System. Data were collected from 166 respondents. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. The data show a statistically significant correlation between decreased shoulder function and cigarette smoking and a similar correlation between decreased shoulder function, elevated cholesterol, and obesity.
Systematic Review of Rehabilitation Versus Operative Stabilization for the Treatment of First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocations
Authors: Godin Jonathan , Sekiya Jon K.
Published: March 2010

Context:

Primary anterior shoulder dislocation is a frequent injury in young active patients. Traditionally, conservative nonoperative primary treatment has been advocated for a majority of first-time dislocators, whereas operative stabilization has been reserved for recurrent dislocators or those involved in strenuous physical activity. Currently, no consensus exists on whether to treat a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation surgically.

Objective:

(1) To provide clinical recommendations regarding the therapeutic intervention for first-time anterior shoulder dislocators and (2) to determine if there is sufficient Level 1 or 2 evidence available for the establishment of a uniform, optimal treatment protocol.

Data Sources:

A systematic review of prospective randomized controlled trials with human participants was performed. PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and secondary references were appraised for studies published between 1994 and 2009.

Study Selection:

Inclusion criteria were English-language Level 1 or 2 studies involving the treatment of primary anterior shoulder dislocation. Exclusion criteria included non-English-language articles; Level 3, 4, or 5 studies; and studies examining treatment of recurrent/posterior shoulder dislocation or diagnoses other than primary anterior shoulder dislocations.

Data Extraction:

Each author conducted an independent quality appraisal of the included studies, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and biases, then reached consensus regarding their values.

Results:

Five randomized controlled trials were included, and they supported the use of operative management in a focused population. No long-term follow-up data were available describing the effects of surgical intervention or the development of osteoarthritis. Each study design had weaknesses that decreased the validity of the findings.

Conclusions:

While limited, the available evidence from randomized controlled trials supports operative stabilization as a reasonable alternative to nonoperative treatment for primary acute shoulder dislocation in young, active adults participating in highly demanding physical activities. Recommendations on the optimal surgical intervention cannot be provided. There is no conclusive evidence available to determine whether operative stabilization or conservative rehabilitation is superior for other patient or injury types.
Grain refinement and carbide precipitation in Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–C shape memory alloy fabricated by equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Zhang W. , Li N. , Wen Y. H. , Huang S. K.
Published: March 2010

The present paper studied the grain refinement and carbides precipitation in a Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–C alloy aged after equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The results show that after ECAP and subsequent aging, the average size of the grain is ∼10 μm. Meantime, defects introduced by ECAP can decrease the activation energy for nucleation of the carbides and thus more carbides are produced inside the grains and the grain boundary. Grain refinement together with second phase hardening effectively improves the strength of matrix. Consequently, the shape memory ratio of the alloy aged after ECAP is up to 89·4% when prestrain is 4·33%, being 40% higher than those aged without ECAP.
Finite element calculation of local variation in driving force for austenite to martensite transformation
Authors: Datta K. , Post J. , Dinsdale A.
Published: March 2010

The mechanics and thermodynamics of strain induced martensitic transformation are coupled for a metastable alloy steel and implemented in FE models of forming processes. The basic formulations are based on a 50 years old treaty by Patel and Cohen. The variation in Gibbs energy due to local variation in strain, strain rate, temperature and state of stress of a forming part is calculated by FE codes. The local variation in Gibbs energy gives a probabilistic image of the potential sites for strain induced martensitic transformations.
A study of recrystallisation textures in hot band of a continuous cast Al–Mn–Mg alloy
Authors: Zeng Q. , Wen X. Y. , Zhai T.
Published: March 2010

The hot band of a commercial continuous cast (CC) Al–Mg–Mn alloy was annealed at different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 510°C for 3 h. The evolution of microstructure and crystallographic texture was investigated during the annealing treatment. It was found that the recrystallised alloy exhibited a severely elongated grain structure and a texture that consisted of a new type of component ({113}〈110〉) and two fibre components (〈100〉//ND and 〈110〉//ND), the axes of which were along the normal direction of the rolling plane (ND) in 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 respectively. The 〈100〉//ND fibre was dominated by a ND rotated cube orientation {001}〈310〉, while the 〈110〉//ND fibre was mainly composed of Goss and P orientation ({011}〈566〉). The formation of the {113}〈110〉 texture and two fibre textures was likely to be attributed to the concurrent precipitation effect taking place upon heating in annealing treatment of the alloy.
Recrystallisation textures in cold rolled low carbon steel containing ferritic and bainitic microstructures
Authors: Xu W. , Ferry M.
Published: March 2010

Low carbon steel strip was heat treated to generate four different starting microstructures (fine and coarse polygonal ferrite, acicular ferrite and bainite) for investigating their influence on texture development during cold rolling and annealing. The starting materials were cold rolled to 50–90% reduction and annealed for various times in the temperature range 853–953 K. The resultant microstructures and textures were examined mainly by electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction. The initial microstructure strongly influenced the crystallographic rotation paths during cold rolling, whereby high strain deformation generated strong {223}〈110〉 texture components in the polygonal ferritic microstructures, whereas a strong {001}〈110〉 texture was produced in the acicular/bainitic microstructures. Subsequent annealing generated, to varying degrees, the classic {111}〈 uvw〉 ( γ-fibre) recrystallisation texture in all materials. Unexpectedly, coarse polygonal ferrite produced the strongest γ-fibre recrystallisation texture after 70–90% cold rolling reduction. Based on arguments involving the effect of carbon in solution, initial grain size and deformation textures on recrystallisation texture development, it was shown that a strong γ-fibre texture can indeed be generated in coarse polygonal ferrite.
Harmonic distortion reduction on seismic vibrators
Authors: Wei Zhouhong , Phillips Thomas F.
Published: March 2010

To improve seismic resolution using vibroseis, vibrators must output the ground-force energy with minimum harmonic distortion. Four main sources within the vibrator system cause the ground force to suffer severe harmonic distortion: the nonlinear servo-valve flow-pressure character-istics, the servo-valve characteristics near null, the fluctuations in the hydraulic pressure, and the nonlinear contact-stiffness between the baseplate and the ground. Modeling was undertaken to investigate and quantify harmonic distortion from each source. As a result, three modifications have been made to reduce the harmonic distortion of the ground force:
Zebrafish as a model for studying genetic aspects of epilepsy
Authors: Hortopan Gabriela A. , Dinday Matthew T. , Baraban Scott C.
Published: March 2010

Despite a long tradition of using rats and mice to model epilepsy, several aspects of rodent biology limit their use in large-scale genetic and therapeutic drug screening programs. Neuroscientists interested in vertebrate development and diseases have recently turned to zebrafish (Danio rerio) to overcome these limitations. Zebrafish can be studied at all stages of development and several methods are available for the manipulation of genes in zebrafish. In addition, developing zebrafish larvae can efficiently equilibrate drugs placed in the bathing medium. Taking advantage of these features and adapting electrophysiological recording methods to an agar-immobilized zebrafish preparation, we describe here our efforts to model seizure disorders in zebrafish. We also describe the initial results of a large-scale mutagenesis screen to identify gene mutation(s) that confer seizure resistance. Although the adaptation of zebrafish to epilepsy research is in its early stages, these studies highlight the rapid progress that can be made using this simple vertebrate species.
The evolution of cancer modeling: the shadow of stem cells
Authors: Vicente-Dueñas Carolina , Cobaleda César , Pérez-Losada Jesús , Sánchez-García Isidro
Published: March 2010

Cancer is a complex and highly dynamic process. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMs) that develop cancer are essential systems for dissecting the processes that lead to human cancer. These animal models provide a means to determine the causes of malignancy and to develop new treatments, thus representing a resource of immense potential for medical oncology. The sophistication of modeling cancer in mice has increased to the extent that now we can induce, study and manipulate the cancer disease process in a manner that is impossible to perform in human patients. However, all GEMs described so far have diverse shortcomings in mimicking the hierarchical structure of human cancer tissues. In recent years, a more detailed picture of the cellular and molecular mechanisms determining the formation of cancer has emerged. This Commentary addresses new experimental approaches toward a better understanding of carcinogenesis and discusses the impact of new animal models.
Selective Protonation/Iodination of Unsymmetrical Zirconacyclopentadienes
Authors: Igarashi Eri , Ren Shenyong , Kanno Ken-ichiro , Takahashi Tamotsu
Published: March 2010

Selective monohalogenation reaction of unsymmetrical zirconacyclopentadienes was developed by selective protonation and iodination reactions. Among the examined acids, acetic acid and acetylacetone showed the best yield and selectivity to afford the corresponding monoiododienes. For the zirconacyclopentadiene prepared from 3-hexyne and diphenylacetylene, the Et-bearing carbon–zirconium bond was selectively protonated with more than 90% selectivity.
Simple and Rapid Eco-friendly Synthesis of Cubic Octamethylsilsesquioxane Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Iwamura Takeru , Adachi Kaoru , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: March 2010

Octamethylsilsesquioxane (Me8Si8O12) having a cage structure was rapidly prepared by means of microwave-assisted sol–gel reaction of methyltrimethoxysilane as a trifunctional alkoxysilane with an aqueous basic solution in diglyme as a solvent. Moreover, octamethylsilsesquioxane was obtained as cubic particles in a good yield. Cubic octamethylsilsesquioxane could be formed under microwave irradiation owing to the formation of micelles which are organized by eight methyltrimethoxysilane molecules in diglyme.
Solid-state Synthesis of Sn2TiO4: A New Synthetic Strategy for Direct Synthesis of Sn2+ Compounds Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Ohara Shun , Takizawa Hirotsugu , Hayashi Yamato
Published: March 2010

Divalent tin compound, Sn2TiO4, was synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction of component oxides under 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation. The reaction rapidly proceeds with the diffusion of hot Sn2+ species toward TiO2 to form Sn2TiO4 within 1 min. A drastic enhancement of reaction kinetics could be achieved under thermally nonequilibrium conditions induced by strong coupling of SnO with microwave energy. This makes it possible to avoid the disproportionation reaction of SnO to Sn and SnO2, giving us a new synthetic strategy for direct synthesis of Sn2+ compounds.
Direct Observation of the Molecular Structural Changes during the Claisen Rearrangement Including the Transition State
Authors: Iwakura Izumi , Yabushita Atushi , Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: March 2010

The detailed processes in the Claisen rearrangement were observed. The process was vibrationally excited in the electronic ground state by a stimulated Raman process using a 5-fs pulse. The Claisen rearrangement was found to follow a three-step pathway. At first, the C4–O bond is weakened to generate a bis-allyl-like intermediate. Next, the formation of a weak C1–C6 bond results in the generation of an aromatic-like intermediate. Finally, C4–O breaking and C1–C6 formation occur simultaneously to generate the product.
Characterization of Free Radical Spin Adducts of 5-Diisopropyloxy-Phosphoryl-5-Methyl-1-Pyrroline-N-Oxide Using Mass Spectrometry and31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Zoia Luca , Argyropoulos Dimitris S.
Published: March 2010

5-Diisopropyloxy-phosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline- N-oxide (DIPPMPO) was used to trap a variety of free radicals and the stable compounds generated by the natural decomposition of the initially formed spin adducts were characterized by31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Initially, the starting spin trap DIPPMPO was completely characterized using GC-MS and its fragmentation pathway was studied in detail. Then, DIPPMPO was used to trap an oxygen-centered free radical (the hydroxyl radical•OH) and two carbon-centered free radicals (methyl•CH3and 1-phenyl-ethanol-1-yl•CCH3(OH)Ph radicals). The31P NMR signals were thus assigned and the structures of adducts were studied and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Overall, the fragmentation pathways of the radical adducts proceed mainly via the loss of the diisopropyloxy(oxido)phosphoranyl radical. For the specific case of trapping·OH radicals, it is possible to visualize the rearrangement of the nitroxide radical adduct to its nitrone form as invoked in the literature. This spin trapping technique, coupled with31P NMR and MS, provides a tool for the identification of short-lived and low molecular weight free radicals present in a variety of processes.
Molecular Ions and Protonated Molecules Observed in the Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Analysis of Steroids
Authors: Ray Andrew D. , Hammond Janet , Major Hilary
Published: March 2010

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) has often been used to ionise steroids in mass spectrometry, usually when interfaced to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, in positive ion mode, a dehydrated protonated molecule is often observed with a loss of structural information. The recently introduced technique of atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) has the advantage that the sample can be analysed directly and does not need to be interfaced to HPLC. Existing ionisation sources such as direct analysis in real time (DART) and desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) have shown the advantage of direct analysis techniques in a variety of applications. ASAP can be performed on commercial atmospheric pressure ionisation (API) mass spectrometers with only simple modifications to API sources. The samples are vaporised by hot nitrogen gas from the electrospray desolvation heater and ionised by a corona discharge. A range of commercially available steroids were analysed by ASAP to investigate the mechanism of ionisation. ASAP analysis of steroids generally results in the formation of the parent molecular ion as either the radical cation M+• or the protonated molecule MH+. The formation of the protonated molecule is a result of proton transfer from ionised water clusters in the source. However, if the source is dry, then formation of the radical cation is the primary ionisation mechanism.
An Analysis of Mixed Integer Linear Sets Based on Lattice Point Free Convex Sets
Authors: Andersen Kent , Louveaux Quentin , Weismantel Robert
Published: March 2010

A maximal lattice free polyhedron L has max-facet-width equal to w if [Formula: see text] for all facets [Formula: see text] of L, and [Formula: see text] for some facet [Formula: see text] of L. The set obtained by adding all cuts whose validity follows from a maximal lattice free polyhedron with max-facet-width at most w is called the wth split closure. We show the wth split closure is a polyhedron. This generalizes a previous result showing this to be true when w = 1. We also consider the design of finite cutting plane proofs for the validity of an inequality. Given a measure of “size” of a maximal lattice free polyhedron, a natural question is how large a size s* of a maximal lattice free polyhedron is required to design a finite cutting plane proof for the validity of an inequality. We characterize s* based on the faces of the linear relaxation of the mixed integer linear set.
Social problem solving in complicated grief
Authors: Maccallum Fiona. , Bryant Richard A.
Published: March 2010

Objectives. This study investigated social problem solving (SPS) and autobiographical memory specificity in complicated grief (CG).

Design. The study employed a cross‐sectional design, comparing the responses of bereaved individuals with and without CG.

Methods. Twenty‐one individuals with CG and twenty‐two No‐CG bereaved individuals completed a means‐ends problem‐solving (MEPS) task and a cue word autobiographical memory retrieval task (AMT).

Results. CG was associated with significantly poorer performance on the MEPS and AMT tasks. After controlling for levels of depression and post‐traumatic stress disorder, CG remained a significant independent predictor of MEPS scores. Categoric recall was not an independent predictor after controlling for symptoms.

Conclusions. This finding indicates that CG is associated with deficits in SPS, which may contribute to maintenance of deficits associated with CG.
Group rationale, collective sense: Beyond intergroup bias
Authors: Spears Russell
Published: March 2010

In this paper, I contest the view of the group as a source of bias and irrationality, especially prevalent within social psychology. I argue that this negative evaluation often arises by applying inappropriate standards, relating to the wrong level of analysis (often the individual level). Second, the image of the group as bad and biasing is often overstated. For example, the evidence suggests that intergroup discrimination, rather than being universal or generic, is often constrained, proportionate and reflects functional and rational strategies for managing threats and opportunities at the group level. Third, although the recent upsurge of interest in group emotions could be seen to reinforce the dualism between rationality and emotion, the contemporary functional approach argues for group emotions as augmenting rather than contradicting rationality. However, we should be wary (and weary) of narrow economic and individualist notions of rationality; group identity may offer the opportunity to redefine rationality in more collective and prosocial ways.
Social hierarchies and intergroup discrimination: The case of the intermediate status group
Authors: Caricati Luca , Monacelli Nadia
Published: March 2010

The study of status differences between groups has been an important topic in intergroup relations research. In this work, status differences are typically operationalized in dyadic terms: i.e., high versus low status. Based on the social identity approach, we conducted a minimal group experiment to investigate intergroup behaviours in a three‐group social hierarchy (high, intermediate, and low status; N =187). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and allocated resources in either limited or not limited resource conditions. Among others, results showed that participants in the intermediate status group were equally biased against both out‐groups when resources were limited, while they were more biased against the high than the low status group when resources were unlimited. The results point to distinct psychological processes that operate in intermediate status groups.
Shape-persistent rings and wheels
Authors: Höger Sigurd
Published: March 2010

Shape-persistent macrocycles based on the arylene-ethynylene backbone are synthetically challenging targets that can be obtained in good to high yields either by statistical or by template-supported oxidative Glaser coupling of the corresponding bisacetylenes. The macrocycles can be adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) to form well-ordered monolayers as visualized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Moreover, bithiophene-containing macrocycles are able to bind fullerenes at the electron-rich sites of the rings. One-dimensional tubular structures based on shape-persistent macrocycles can also be obtained by oxidative acetylene coupling. These contain intraannularly bound conjugated polymers and represent bichromophoric systems that allow an accumulation of excitation energy on the conjugated core. In the field of defined 2D objects we describe molecular spoked wheels with a lateral expansion of more than 5 nm. These compounds are highly rigid. In order to provide sufficient solubility, they contain peripheral substituents and additional substituents orthogonal to the plane of the molecules.
Building Character: Effects of Lay Theories of Self-Control on the Selection of Products for Children
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Anirban , Yeung Catherine W.M.
Published: March 2010

This research studies the effect of consumers’ lay theories of self-control on their choices of products for young children. The authors find that people who hold the implicit assumption that self-control is a small resource that can be increased over time (“limited-malleable theorists”) are more likely to engage in behaviors that may benefit children's self-control. In contrast, people who believe either that self-control is a large resource (“unlimited theorists”) or that it cannot increase over time (“fixed theorists”) are less likely to engage in such behaviors. Field experiments conducted with parents demonstrate that limited-malleable theorists take their children less frequently to fast-food restaurants, give their children unhealthful snacks less often, and prefer educational to entertaining television programs for them. Similar patterns are observed when nonparent adults make gift choices for children or while babysitting. The authors obtain these effects with lay theories both measured and manipulated and after they control for demographic and psychological characteristics, including own self-control. These results contribute to the literature on self-control, parenting, and consumer socialization.
Study on The Potential Risk Appraisal Method In Polymer Flooding
Authors: Zhao Hui , Luo Fuquan , Hou Jian , Zhang Xiansong , Cao Lin
Published: March 2010

Polymer flooding was an effective way in Enhanced Oil Recovery and has been applied in complex reservoirs such as offshore field. Polymer pilot test had been implemented to Bohai field which is the largest offshore field in China. It is necessary to estimate the risk of implementation of polymer flooding in offshore field due to the fact that the offshore operation is much more difficult and the cost is much higher than the onshore. Current method of risk evaluation for the polymer flooding can only be applied to one parameter so that it would underestimate the uncertainty of the prediction. Thus, we proposed a potential risk appraisal method in polymer flooding based on the Monte Carlo principle and inverse distance weighted method. Through determining the random distribution of the influencing parameters in polymer flooding and by means of stochastic simulation and statistical analysis, the potential appraisal index and risk index of polymer flooding were predicted. The result of example in Bohai field indicated that not only the probability distribution of technical index (EOR) and economic index (IRR) in polymer flooding were predicted but also the confidence intervals and expectations of these prediction indexes were obtained. As a result, the polymer flooding risk was quantitatively characterized through the risk index and the evaluation is more reasonable and comprehensive than the evaluation with other method. Also, the method could be used for the other EOR technology.
A Method for Integrating Response Surfaces into Optimization Models with Real Options: A Case Study in Gas Flooding
Authors: Purwar S. , Jablonowski C.J. , Nguyen; SPE Q.P.
Published: March 2010

The goal of a field development optimization process, or workflow, is to investigate various options and determine a course of action that will deliver the largest expected value from an asset. The analysis is often complicated by uncertainty in important inputs. Ideally, operators desire workflows and tools that integrate reservoir engineering and optimization principles in a fast-solving model that can be used to explore the full range of the uncertain inputs. This need is acute in the screening and concept selection stage where the primary objective is to determine the sensitivity of competing concepts to the sources of uncertainty. In these early stages, model results can be used to determine whether additional information should be collected, and to narrow down the number of competing options.

The objective of this research is the development of a workflow and tool that integrates reservoir response surfaces within a project optimization model that contains real options. The incorporation of real options is critical because a static view of capital investment and facility constraints causes a systematic undervaluation and can introduce error to development decisions. The new workflow and integrated reservoir-economic optimization tool developed in this research leverage methods and engineering work products that are already known to industry, for example experimental design (ED) and response surface methods (RSM).

A demonstration is provided for a gas flood project using a stylized reservoir. Specifically, we investigate the selection of initial well configurations and injection capacities while simultaneously accounting for the (real) option to update these decisions after production information is acquired in the early periods of production. The workflow is used to optimize the development of a gas flood. As a second step, the workflow is used to solve a value of information problem.
Economic Evaluation within the Scope of the Field Development and Application of the Gas-Assisted Gravity Drainage GAGD Process in an Actual Northern Louisiana Field
Authors: Paidin W.R. , Mwangi P. , Rao D.N.
Published: March 2010

The GAGD process was developed as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method that takes advantage of the naturally occurring gravity segregation of injected gas from crude oil, common in such processes as WAG. GAGD consists of placing horizontal producer wells near the bottom of the reservoir and injecting gas using (existing) vertical wells. It is proposed that the injected gas will rise to the top to form a gas cap while oil and water drain down to the horizontal producers. The work so far completed as part of the development of GAGD has encompassed a thorough literature review on the underlying mechanisms, selected scaled visual physical model experiments to confirm those mechanisms, and numerical simulations using commercial software to optimize the production configuration.

The final stage in the development of the GAGD process is the implementation in an actual field. To this end a detailed cash flow analysis will be performed in which selected economic indicators, such as the net present value, payout time, profit to investment ratio and rate of return, will be calculated for a specific Northern Louisiana field and given operating conditions. The operating conditions and resulting production profile have been optimized using numerical simulation and were used in the cash flow analysis. For the other input parameters, such as oil prices, capital and operational expenditures, and tax rate, the average values for Northern Louisiana will be used. The uncertainty in these parameters will be captured in a sensitivity study where their effect on the economic performance will be investigated.
Historic Considerations for Company Defence Valuations for Petroleum Assets
Authors: Jibunoh Kingsley O.
Published: March 2010

An independent petroleum asset valuation is normally commissioned by a target company in defence of a hostile takeover bid.

A substantive study of petroleum company defence asset valuations is lacking in the published literature in hydrocarbon economics and other relevant journals. This study evaluates takeover defence valuations in the period ranging from 1988- 2009 based on public domain data. The study focuses on assumptions for the key value metrics in the upstream valuations and how this has changed in the time period. This includes comparative reviews of publicly available data for four petroleum companies. This has been supplemented by published literature on assessment of value.
Improving Reserves Systems through Continuous Reserves Management
Authors: Loser Tim
Published: March 2010

Traditionally, "reserves season" starts sometime in the fall and occupies many man-weeks of effort for most oil and gas companies worldwide. With the new US Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines for reporting reserves beginning with fiscal year end 2009, this activity will only get more complicated unless new processes are developed.

This paper will present the concept of continuous reserves management where reserves are continuously reviewed and updated during the year. This review process is executed during the year by the engineers closest to the operation rather than at year end by a committee or coordinators not involved in the day-to-day activity. With continual management of the reserves and their revisions, the reserves committee will now have greater insight well before the end of year roll up allowing for better year end and budget decisions.

This process has yielded several advantages to those practicing this methodology which will be highlighted by this paper such as: No more October surprises: Insight on reserves numbers earlier in the process allows the corporation to provide proper guidance and make appropriate decisions throughout the year.Higher Confidence: By year end only small revisions are needed to make a final roll up of reserves, giving a higher confidence to executives and investors that the reserves numbers are accurate.Better Decisions: By having more accurate and timely access to reserves data during the year, decision makers will make better informed choices regarding development and portfolio decisions.Added Value: Increased frequency in evaluations and reviews, allows engineers to recognize opportunities for improvement and identify problems sooner.Time Management: Continuously updating and reviewing the reserves results in time savings throughout the year and removes the "all hands on deck" reserves team requirement allowing other high priority engineering projects to continue.
Editorial Vol.3(1) 2009
Authors: Kafle Hem Raj
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2806Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009
Journalism and media education in Nepal: A critical overview
Authors: Pant Laxman Datt
Published: March 2010

This article explores the relevance of journalism education in Nepal based on personal observations of university teaching-learning practices. In particular, I focus on the triangular relationship between corporate, educational socioeconomic challenges of journalism/media education. I also analyze the recent trend of journalism and mass communication education in Nepal shedding light on the challenges of Nepalese media education system especially in the university level. I further suggest how media educators help determine what news is (not), and at the same time describe avenues for engaging media educators, policy makers and content producers for meeting the market demands. DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2809 Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009 p.21-34
Use of Agency materials in broadsheet dailies of Nepal
Authors: Kshetri Indra Dhoj
Published: March 2010

The increase in broadsheet dailies in Nepal after the liberalization of media market in 1990s marked the change in the media content - a shift from earlier mission journalism to professionalism. Consequently, international news became the important feature of the dailies. Now, each Nepalese broadsheet daily has at least one page for the coverage of the international news obtained mainly through the news agencies: AP and AFP. In addition, large portion of sports, entertainment and biz stories come from these agencies. The corpus is enough to hint the importance of agency news. However, the subject matter has attracted very few researchers in Nepal. Only two studies are found on foreign news coverage in Nepali media (Adhikary, 2002, December 11; Kshetri, 2006). Acknowledging Nepali media's effort to localize and present separate but related news stories on few instances, Adhikary observes, "the general trend in presenting international news in Nepali media is just copying news stories from international agencies." The latter study, based on one week's frequency and breadth of international news in Nepali broadsheet dailies (in a particular week after US invasion in Iraq), found that the news from there made almost 70% of the total coverage of the international news. In this study, I incorporate larger corpus and analyze the finding using the concept advanced by Franklin (2005), and discuss if the result, in anyway, can be taken as a prospect for McJournalism. DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2811 Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009 p.44-52
Devkota in Russia
Authors: Chauhan Janga B
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2816 Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009 p.99-105
An appraisal on the origin of the Veda
Authors: Paudel Ram Chandra
Published: March 2010

Veda is considered to be the foundational pillar of Vedic philosophical tradition and culture. The emergence of Vedas precedes the recorded history of man. A commonly held view is that they emerged from the innermost core of Brahma's consciousness at the beginning of creation. Various evidences have been put forward to establish that since Veda is one of the most ancient scriptures, it is the means through which humans can achieve worldly success as well as transcend the materialistic existence through realization of Brahman: the ultimate truth. According to the scholars of Vedas, Brahman is a symbol of Sat-Chit- Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) and this is the synonym of Vedas. DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2818 Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009 p.120-124