bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational study of shock‐wave interaction with solid obstacles using immersed boundary methods
Authors: Chaudhuri A. , Hadjadj A. , Sadot O. , Glazer E.
Published: September 2011

In this study, an immersed boundary (IB) method based on a direct forcing is coupled with a high‐order weighted‐essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) scheme to simulate fluid–solid interaction (FSI) problems with complex geometries. The IB is a general simulation method for FSI, whereas the WENO is an efficient scheme for fluid flow simulations and shock waves, and both of them work on regular cartesian grids. The effectiveness and the accuracy of the coupled scheme are first analyzed on well‐documented supersonic test problems for a wide range of Mach numbers. The results are in good agreement with both analytical and experimental data. A comprehensive analysis of the interaction of the moving shock through an array of cylinder matrix is then conducted by varying the number of cylinders in the matrix block while keeping the same opening passage. The relaxation length between two adjacent columns of cylinders is kept identical to study uniquely the effect of surface‐to‐volume ratio of the obstacle matrix. It is shown that the configuration with higher surface‐to‐volume ratio produces more post‐shock flow instabilities downstream of the matrix block. The complex shock/shock and shock/vortex interactions are well resolved by the present computation. It is being observed that after the passage of the shock through the cylinder matrix, eddies of different length scales are generated, but the later stage of shock/vortex and shocklet/vortexlet interactions are different for the two cases. The analysis of the PSD of the total kinetic energy globally conforms to Richardson's inviscid cascade. An intermittent peaked PDF of downstream instantaneous vorticity field is obtained in the limit of Re →  ∞ . The baroclinic production of vorticity is found to be feeble as previously founded by Sun and Takayama (J. Fluid Mech. 2003; 478:237–256). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel biphasic structured composite prepared by in situ silica filling in natural rubber latex
Authors: Tohsan Atitaya , Phinyocheep Pranee , Kittipoom Sumet , Pattanasiriwisawa Wanwisa , Ikeda Yuko
Published: September 2011

The sol‐gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane in natural rubber (NR) latex was conducted to produce in situ silica‐filled NR latex, followed by adding sulfur cross‐linking reagents to the latex in a liquid state. The latex was cast and subjected to sulfur curing to result in a unique morphology in the NR composite of a flexible film form. The contents of in situ silica filling were controlled up to 35 parts per one hundred rubber by weight. The silica was locally dispersed around rubber particles to give a filler network. This characteristic morphology brought about the composite of good dynamic mechanical properties. Synchrotron X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy suggested that the sulfidic linkages of the sulfur cross‐linked composites were polysulfidic, Sx (x ≥ 2), and a fraction of shorter polysulfidic linkages became larger with the increase of in situ silica. The present observations will be of use for developing a novel in situ silica‐filled NR composite prepared in NR latex via liquid‐phase soft processing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free fetal DNA levels in patients at risk of preterm labour
Authors: Illanes S. , Gomez R. , Fornes R. , Figueroa‐Diesel H. , Schepeler M. , Searovic P. , Serra R. , Perez A. , Nien J. K.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Our main goals were to evaluate the capability of ffDNA to increase the accuracy in prediction of preterm labour by cervical length and to explore potential mechanisms of disease associated with this pathology.

Methods

Fifty‐six women, with male fetus, with cervical length assessment at between 22 and 24 weeks were included in the study and divided in 1) Short cervix (<15 mm) delivered at term (T = 20); 2) Short cervix delivered before 37 weeks (PT = 14); and 3) Patients who delivered at term with normal cervical length (N = 22). Maternal plasma samples were collected between 22 and 24 weeks of gestational age. PCR using primers against DYS14 gene were used to quantified ffDNA in plasma samples. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test and spearman´s correlation.

Results

The median gestational age at delivery for short cervix groups was 26 + 1 for PT and 39 + 3 for T. The control group delivered at a median gestational age of 39 + 6 weeks. ffDNA was detectable in all cases. There was no significant difference between the 3 groups. Similarly, no significant correlation was observed between ffDNA and gestational age at delivery (r = −0.23; p = 0.07).

Conclusions

ffDNA does not increase the accuracy of short cervix at between 22 and 24 weeks for the prediction of preterm labour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomic healing and welding by interdiffusion of dangling chains in a weak gel
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Maeda Rika , Kobayashi Ryota , Wada Tadashi , Ono Susumu , Nobukawa Shogo
Published: September 2011

Entanglement couplings of dangling chains in a weak gel are found to be applicable to the design of a self‐repairing polymer. It is confirmed that a cleavage applied using a razor blade is healed at room temperature without any manual intervention. Further, the healing efficiency is improved when the molecular weight of a prepolymer, which affects the length of dangling chains, is high. Because the healing occurs by interdiffusion of dangling chains, the relation between ambient temperature and glass transition temperature determines the time required for healing. In other words, a soft rubbery material whose glass transition temperature is lower than room temperature shows immediate healing. A weak gel whose tensile modulus is 100 MPa at room temperature, i.e. a leather‐like material, shows healing even at room temperature in a relatively short time (ca 2 h). Finally, when a weak gel shows crystallinity, healing occurs at a temperature above the melting point. Because the material has a permanent network structure, it will not show macroscopic flow even after exposure to high temperature. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of novel secreted proteases during extracellular proteolysis by dermatophytes at acidic pH
Authors: Sriranganadane Dev , Waridel Patrice , Salamin Karine , Feuermann Marc , Mignon Bernard , Staib Peter , Neuhaus Jean‐Marc , Quadroni Manfredo , Monod Michel
Published: September 2011

The dermatophytes are a group of closely related fungi which are responsible for the great majority of superficial mycoses in humans and animals. Among various potential virulence factors, their secreted proteolytic activity attracts a lot of attention. Most dermatophyte‐secreted proteases which have so far been isolated in vitro are neutral or alkaline enzymes. However, inspection of the recently decoded dermatophyte genomes revealed many other hypothetical secreted proteases, in particular acidic proteases similar to those characterized in Aspergillus spp. The validation of such genome predictions instigated the present study on two dermatophyte species, Microsporum canis and Arthroderma benhamiae. Both fungi were found to grow well in a protein medium at acidic pH, accompanied by extracellular proteolysis. Shotgun MS analysis of secreted protein revealed fundamentally different protease profiles during fungal growth in acidic versus neutral pH conditions. Most notably, novel dermatophyte‐secreted proteases were identified at acidic pH such as pepsins, sedolisins and acidic carboxypeptidases. Therefore, our results not only support genome predictions, but demonstrate for the first time the secretion of acidic proteases by dermatophytes. Our findings also suggest the existence of different pathways of protein degradation into amino acids and short peptides in these highly specialized pathogenic fungi.
Identifying psychological morbidity among people with cancer using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: time to revisit first principles?
Authors: Carey Mariko , Noble Natasha , Sanson‐Fisher Robert , Mackenzie Lisa
Published: September 2011

Background

The aim of this review was to describe the findings and methodological quality of studies, which sought to validate the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) against the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM in cancer populations. We also sought to compare the cut points recommended by these validation studies with the way in which the HADS is currently used to determine prevalence of psychological morbidity in cancer populations.

Methods

An electronic database search was conducted of Medline from 1983 to October 2010 for validation studies of the HADS in cancer populations. Reference lists of HADS reviews were hand searched. To examine which cut points are commonly used in cancer specific literature to identify the prevalence of psychological disorders, studies published in 2009 were identified via an electronic database search of Medline.

Results

Ten studies, which validated the HADS against the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM in cancer patient populations, were found and examined in detail. None met all methodological criteria associated with the selection of a screening instrument. Recommendations for optimal HADS thresholds varied substantially across these studies. The most commonly used threshold for determining caseness in the 2009 literature on prevalence of psychological distress among patients with cancer was a subscale score of ≥ 8. This threshold was poorly supported by the results of the 10 cancer HADS validation studies examined.

Conclusions

Caution is warranted in interpreting the results of prevalence studies using the HADS. There is a need to develop evidence about the optimal thresholds for defining caseness using the HADS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of Granzyme B by PI‐9 protects prostate cancer cells from apoptosis
Authors: Ray Manisha , Hostetter Daniel R. , Loeb Carly R.K. , Simko Jeffry , Craik Charles S.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

In order for tumors to grow and proliferate, they must avoid recognition by immune cells and subsequent death by apoptosis. Granzyme B (GrB), a protease located in natural killer cells, initiates apoptosis in target cells. Inhibition of GrB by PI‐9, its natural inhibitor, can prevent apoptosis. Here we investigate whether PI‐9 protects prostate cancer cells from apoptosis.

METHODS

The expression of PI‐9 was quantified by qPCR in several prostate cancer cell lines, and GrB activity was tested in each cell line. PI‐9 was overexpressed in LNCaP cells, which lack endogenous PI‐9. Apoptosis was induced by natural killer cells in LNCaP cells that either contained or lacked PI‐9, and the percent cell death was quantified. Lastly, PI‐9 levels were examined by qPCR and immunohistochemistry in prostate tumor tissue.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer cell lines that expressed PI‐9 could inhibit GrB. Overexpression of PI‐9 protected LNCaP cells from natural killer cell‐mediated apoptosis. Examination of the levels of PI‐9 in tissue from prostate tumors showed that PI‐9 could be upregulated in low grade tumors and stochastically dysregulated in high grade tumors. Additionally, PI‐9 was found consistently in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and atrophic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that overexpression of PI‐9 can protect prostate cancer cells from apoptosis, and this effect may occur in human prostate tumors. These findings imply that early prostatic inflammation may trigger this increase in PI‐9. This suggests that PI‐9 upregulation is needed early in tumor progression, before additional protective mechanisms are in place. Prostate 72:846–855, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrative genomic, transcriptomic, and RNAi analysis indicates a potential oncogenic role for FAM110B in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Vainio Paula , Wolf Maija , Edgren Henrik , He Tao , Kohonen Pekka , Mpindi John‐Patrick , Smit Frank , Verhaegh Gerald , Schalken Jack , Perälä Merja , Iljin Kristiina , Kallioniemi Olli
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) represents a therapeutic challenge for current medications.

METHODS

In order to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in CRPC progression and to identify new therapeutic targets, we analyzed a unique sample set of 11 CRPCs and 7 advanced tumors by array‐CGH and gene expression microarrays. The genome‐wide DNA and RNA data were integrated to identify genes whose overexpression was driven by their amplification. To assess the functional role of these genes, their expression was analyzed in a transcriptional data set of 329 clinical prostate cancers and the corresponding gene products were silenced using RNA interference in prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

Six recurrent genetic targets were identified in the CRPCs; ATP1B1, AR, FAM110B, LAS1L, MYC, and YIPF6. In addition to AR and MYC, FAM110B emerged as a potential key gene involved in CRPC progression in a subset of the tumors. FAM110B was able to regulate AR signaling in prostate cancer cells and FAM110B itself was regulated by androgens. FAM110B siRNA inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro, and this effect was substantially enhanced in androgen deficient conditions. Ectopic FAM110B expression in non‐cancerous epithelial prostate cells induced aneuploidy and impaired antigen presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The DNA/RNA gene outlier detection combined with siRNA cell proliferation assay identified FAM110B as a potential growth promoting key gene for CRPC. FAM110B appears to have a key role in the androgen signaling and progression of CRPC impacting multiple cancer hallmarks and therefore highlighting a potential therapeutic target. Prostate 72:789–802, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural requirements essential for elastin coacervation: favorable spatial arrangements of valine ridges on the three‐dimensional structure of elastin‐derived polypeptide (VPGVG)n
Authors: Maeda Iori , Fukumoto Yoshiteru , Nose Takeru , Shimohigashi Yasuyuki , Nezu Takashi , Terada Yoshihiro , Kodama Hiroaki , Kaibara Kozue , Okamoto Kouji
Published: September 2011

The elastin precursor tropoelastin possesses a number of polymeric peptides with repeating 3–9 mer sequences. One of these is the pentapeptide Val‐Pro‐Gly‐Val‐Gly (VPGVG) present in almost all animal species, and its polymer (VPGVG)n coacervates just as does tropoelastin. In the present study, in order to explore the structural requirements essential for coacervation, (VPGVG)n and its shortened repeat analogs (VPGV)n, (VPG)n, and (PGVG)n were synthesized and their structural properties were investigated. In our turbidity measurements, (VPGVG)n demonstrated complete reversible coacervation in agreement with previous findings. The Gly5‐deleted polymer (VPGV)n also achieved self‐association, though the onset of self‐association occurred at a lower temperature. However, the dissociation of (VPGV)n upon temperature lowering was found to occur in a three‐step process; the Vali4‐Vali+11 structure arising in the VPGV polypeptide appeared to perturb the dissociation. No self‐association was observed for (VPG)n or (PGVG)n repeats. Spectroscopic measurements by CD, FT‐IR, and 1H‐NMR showed that the (VPGV)n and (VPG)n both assumed ordered structures similar to that of (VPGVG)n. These results demonstrated that VPGVG is a structural element essential to achieving the β‐spiral structure required for self‐association followed by coacervation, probably due to the ideal spatial arrangement of the hydrophobic Val residues. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical and mass spectrometry recognition of phospholipid–peptide complexes in wheat sprouts extract
Authors: Perni Stefano , Calzuola Isabella , Gianfranceschi Gian Luigi , Giavarini Flavio , Lucci Paolo , Pacetti Deborah , Frega Natale Giuseppe , Marsili Valeria
Published: September 2011

Total hydroalcoholic extract of wheat sprouts was treated with 90% cold acetone as a preliminary step directed to separate antioxidant peptides from antioxidant polyphenols. Surprisingly, the addition of acetone causes the formation of a yellow buoyant gelatinous drop that prevailingly contains peptides and phospholipids. In this context, evidences have been presented that support the hypothesis that peptides (and perhaps other active molecules) are complexed with phospholipids. In fact, the MS/MS analysis of some main ions, present in RP HPLC fractions of wheat sprout extract, generates several ions that correspond to molecular weight of phospholipids or phospholipid fragments. Moreover, several ions were detected that correspond to lysophosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylcholine–peptide complexes. The possibility that phospholipids can be complexed with peptides has been discussed in the light of potential involvement in the peptide bioavailability. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
7,7′′‐Dimethoxyagastisflavone‐induced Apoptotic or Autophagic Cell Death in Different Cancer Cells
Authors: Hwang Chia‐Hsiang , Lin Yu‐Ling , Liu Yen‐Ku , Chen Chia‐Hung , Wu Hsin‐Yi , Chang Cheng‐Chang , Chang Chao‐Yuan , Chang Yu‐Kuo , Chiu Yi‐Han , Liao Kuang‐Wen , Lai Yiu‐Kay
Published: September 2011

7,7′′‐Dimethoxyagastisflavone (DMGF), a biflavonoid isolated from the needles of Taxus × media cv. Hicksii, was evaluated for its antiproliferative and antineoplastic effects in three human cancer cell lines. Interestingly, DMGF caused cell death via different pathways in different cancer cells. DMGF induced apoptosis, activated caspase‐3 activity and changed the mitochondrial membrane potential in HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. However, the apoptotic pathway is not the major pathway involved in DMGF‐induced cell death in A549 human lung cancer cells and HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Treatment with 3‐MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, significantly decreased DMGF‐induced cell death in HepG2 and A549 cells, but did not affect DMGF‐induced cell death in HT‐29 cells. Following DMGF treatment, the HepG2 cells increased expression of LC3B‐II, a marker used to monitor autophagy in cells. Thus, DMGF induced apoptotic cell death in HT‐29 cells, triggered both apoptotic and autophagic death in A549 cells and induced autophagic cell death in HepG2 cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing implicit large eddy simulation for two‐dimensional flow
Authors: Kent James , Thuburn John , Wood Nigel
Published: September 2011

Numerical models of the atmosphere cannot resolve all relevant scales; the effects of unresolved scales on resolved scales must be represented by a subgrid model or parametrization. When the unresolved scales are similar in character to the resolved scales (as in three‐dimensional or layerwise two‐dimensional turbulence) the problem is essentially one of large eddy simulation. In this situation, one approach to subgrid modelling is implicit large eddy simulation (ILES), where the truncation errors of the numerical model attempt to act as the subgrid model. ILES has been shown to have some success for three‐dimensional turbulence, but the validity of the approach has not previously been examined for two‐dimensional or layerwise two‐dimensional flow, which is the regime relevant to weather and climate modelling. Two‐dimensional turbulence differs qualitatively from three‐dimensional turbulence in several ways, most notably in having upscale energy and downscale enstrophy transfers. The question is of practical importance since many atmospheric models in effect use the ILES approach, for example through the use of a semi‐Lagrangian advection scheme. In this paper a number of candidate numerical schemes are tested to determine whether their truncation errors can approximate the subgrid terms of the barotropic vorticity equation. Results show that some schemes can implicitly model the effects of the subgrid term associated with the stretching and thinning of vorticity filaments to unresolvable scales; the subgrid term is then diffusive and is associated with the downscale enstrophy transfer. Conservation of vorticity, by using a flux form scheme rather than advective form for advection of vorticity, was found to improve performance of a candidate ILES scheme. Some effects of the subgrid terms could not be captured by any of the schemes tested, whether using an implicit or a simple explicit subgrid model: none of the schemes tested is able to capture the upscale transfer of energy from unresolved to resolved scales. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
THE IPOS FRAMEWORK: LINKING FISH SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN ALTERED FLOWS FROM LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS TO RIVERS
Authors: Lacey R. W. Jay , Neary Vincent S. , Liao James C. , Enders Eva C. , Tritico Hans M.
Published: September 2011

The current understanding of the effects of turbulence on the swimming performance of fish is primarily derived from laboratory experiments under pressurised flow swim tunnels and open‐channel flow facilities. These studies have produced valuable information on the swimming mechanics and behaviour of fish in turbulent flow. However, laboratory studies have limited representation of the flows fish experience in nature. The flow structure in rivers is imparted primarily by the highly heterogeneous nonuniform bed, and the flow is generally much more complex than in laboratory experiments. The goal of the current work is to direct future laboratory and field studies to adopt a common framework that will shape the integration of both approaches. This article outlines four characteristics of turbulent flow, which we suggest should be evaluated when generalising results from fish turbulent studies in both the laboratory and the field. The framework is based on four turbulence characteristics that are summarised under the acronym IPOS: intensity, periodicity, orientation and scale. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving representational competence using molecular simulations embedded in inquiry activities
Authors: Stieff Mike
Published: September 2011

The present article discusses the design and impact of computer‐based visualization tools for supporting student learning and representational competence in science. Specifically, learning outcomes and student representation use are compared between eight secondary classrooms utilizing The Connected Chemistry Curriculum and eight secondary chemistry using lecture‐based methods. Results from the quasi‐experimental intervention indicate that the curriculum and accompanying visualization tool yield only small to modest gains in student achievement on summative assessments. Analysis of student representation use on pre‐ and post‐assessments, however, indicate the students in Connected Chemistry classrooms are significantly more likely to use submicroscopic representations of chemical systems that are consistent with teacher and expert representation use. The affordances of visualization tools in inquiry activities to improve students' representational competence and conceptual understanding of content in the science classroom are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 1137–1158, 2011
A series of pregnancies in women with inherited metabolic disease
Authors: Langendonk Janneke G , Roos Jonathan CP , Angus Lindsay , Williams Monique , Karstens François PJ , de Klerk Johannes BC , Maritz Charlé , Ben‐Omran Tawfeg , Williamson Catherine , Lachmann Robin H , Murphy Elaine
Published: September 2011

In this case series we report 12 pregnancies, in women treated at four centres, illustrating some of the issues that may be encountered during pregnancy by women with inherited metabolic disease. We discuss how specific pregnancy, labour and delivery issues for mothers with methylmalonic acidemia, homocystinuria, propionic acidemia, glutaric acidemia type 1, ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric(HMG)‐CoA lyase deficiency were managed and the outcome for the mother and child in each case. Eight of the 12 pregnancies resulted in the successful delivery of a liveborn infant. Several women experienced decompensation of their condition during pregnancy or the post‐partum period. There was one maternal death in a women with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric(HMG)‐CoA lyase deficiency. Pre‐pregnancy counselling and co‐management of high risk medical patients by obstetricians and specialist physicians with an understanding of the relationship between pregnancy and inherited metabolic disease is essential.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis supplementation ameliorates visceral fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity in an experimental model of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Chen Jinjin , Wang Ren , Li Xiao-Fang , Wang Rui-Liang
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium adolescentis (Bif) supplementation on visceral fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity of the metabolic syndrome in HF-diet-fed rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n 10 per group) were fed four different experimental diets for 12 weeks as follows: standard diet; high-fat (HF) diet; a mix of HF diet and Bif; a mix of standard diet and Bif. Liver, mesenteric fat, epididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, and inguinal fat, pancreas and triceps surae in all four groups of the rats were weighed, while liver steatosis and insulin sensitivity were evaluated at the end point of the study. As the number of intestinal Bifidobacterium species decreased obviously, fat pad weight and body weight increased significantly in the HF group compared with in the other three groups (P <0·05). Addition of Bif led to a reduction in body weight and fat pad weight (P <0·05). With an increase in liver weight, more severe steatosis of hepatocytes was observed in the HF group compared with in the other three groups. A significant decrease of the glucose infusion rate and pancreas weight was found in the HF group (P <0·05). This deleterious effect was alleviated when Bif was added to the diets. Bifidobacterium supplementation ameliorated visceral fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity of the metabolic syndrome in HF-diet-fed rats.
Citizenship Rules in Sudan and Post-Secession Problems
Authors: Abdulbari Nasredeen
Published: September 2011

Affiliation with a political community or entity has throughout history been important for the purposes of protection and belonging. This article discusses the concept of citizenship in Sudan in light of the Sudanese and Southern Sudanese interim constitutions and relevant laws, taking into consideration the international norms in this regard. It also sheds light on the application of the law and possible scenarios when the South becomes an independent nation. It argues that a set of legal rules that organize nationality issues in Sudan and Southern Sudan are inconsistent with general nationality principles and that, if their provisions remain valid until the fragmentation of Sudan becomes a reality, many post-secession violations will be difficult to avoid. It suggests a series of measures that the main parties to the National Unity Government should take to avert such violations and secure peaceful and neighbourly relations in the years to come.
Capital Punishment Jurisprudence: A Critical Assessment of the Supreme Court of Uganda's Judgment in Attorney General v Susan Kigula and 417 Others
Authors: Sander Barrie
Published: September 2011

The Ugandan Supreme Court's decision in Attorney General v Susan Kigula & 417 Others ended a ten year constitutional challenge against capital punishment. The attorney general was appealing the Constitutional Court's declarations that a mandatory death penalty and a delay on death row of more than three years violate Uganda's Constitution. The respondents cross-appealed the Constitutional Court's declarations that the death penalty is constitutional and that hanging is an appropriate and therefore constitutional method of execution. The Supreme Court dismissed both the appeals and cross-appeals. This article summarises the Supreme Court's findings and analyses the court's reasoning. It demonstrates that, while the court's reasoning is generally in line with the interpretations offered by international courts and human rights bodies, the court arguably missed an opportunity to take a bolder approach regarding the relationship between the death penalty and the prohibition on cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, particularly in light of recent international trends.
Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria's Draft Revised Code of Corporate Governance: An Appraisal
Authors: Ofo Nat
Published: September 2011

In furtherance of its role to entrench good corporate governance practice in Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria published a draft revised Code of Corporate Governance. It is intended that this revised code will replace the country's current corporate governance code which came into force in 2003. This article sets out a thorough examination of the draft code with a view to appraising whether the final version of the code will be well-suited to meet its desired goals. Consequently, some of its provisions have been critically reviewed while others have been acclaimed. Furthermore, the article draws attention to the increased responsibility of the Securities and Exchange Commission in establishing good corporate governance practice and makes extensive suggestions in this regard.
Centre for Minority Rights Development (Kenya) and Minority Rights Group International on Behalf of Endorois Welfare Council v Kenya: A Landmark Decision from the African Commission
Authors: Ashamu Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

This is the first judgment from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to address the rights of indigenous peoples and their claims to land and natural resources. It is also the first ruling by an international tribunal which finds a violation of the right to development. The Commission examined the Kenyan government's eviction of the indigenous Endorois community from their ancestral land around Lake Bogoria to establish a game reserve. Finding violations of the rights of the Endorois to religion, culture, property, natural resources and development, the Commission called for the recognition of Endorois ownership of their ancestral land and its restitution to the community. This case note describes the Commission's legal analysis of the Endorois case and explains how the decision establishes an important precedent for ensuring equity and participation in natural resource management and development on indigenous lands.
Cultivar effects on relationship between grain number and photothermal quotient or spike dry weight in wheat
Authors: LÁZARO L. , ABBATE P. E.
Published: September 2011

In wheat, the photothermal quotient (Q, the ratio between mean incident solar radiation and mean temperature is greater than 4·5°C in the 30 days preceding anthesis), is a good estimator of grain number/m2(GN) and of yield. Previous investigations have not analysed in depth whether the responses of GN toQdiffer between wheat cultivars, or what is the cause of the eventual variation. In the present work, the results of field experiments carried out between 1994 and 2001 in various locations were used to test the following hypotheses: (i) the responses of GN toQdiffer between wheat cultivars; (ii) these differences are caused by differences in the spike fertility index (GN/g spike dry weight/m2at the beginning of grain filling (SDW)). The responses of GN toQwere compared for five wheat cultivars (four bread wheats and one durum wheat) and it was found that withQvalues above 0·3 MJ/m2/d°C, all responses of GN toQwere linear, positive and parallel. A method was then proposed to obtain cultivar-specific GN from a common relationship between GN andQ. This method would facilitate GN estimation in crops with changes in sowing dates, sites or years, starting from data of potential GN and yield that is relatively easy to obtain. Differences among cultivars in response toQwere due to differences in GN response at SDW. Similar SDW values produced different GN, depending on the spike fertility index of each cultivar. The cultivars did not differ in their responses of SDW toQ. The association between spike fertility index and SDW was strongly negative in bread wheat. At lower levels ofQor SDW, the spike fertility index increased in all cultivars, at least when changes in SDW orQwere caused mainly by intercepted solar radiation, but the present results demonstrate that differences between cultivars also exist in this relationship.
Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as meningitis
Authors: Thiel G , Shakeel M , Ah-See K
Published: September 2011

Background:

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare but well recognised autoimmune necrotising vasculitis. Presentation of disease in the head and neck is common and mostly consists of nasal crusting, blockage and bloody discharge. Neurological presentation is very uncommon.

Methods:

We report a patient who presented to the medical emergency services with signs and symptoms of meningitis, but who was eventually diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis. A literature search on this topic was carried out using Medline and Embase (1996 to 2011), searching for ‘Wegener's granulomatosis’ and ‘meningitis’.

Results:

After thorough neurological and medical investigation, a combination of brain computed tomography, lumbar puncture, nasal biopsy and laboratory results refuted the diagnosis of meningitis and confirmed the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first English-language case report of a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis presenting with symptoms of meningitis unconfirmed on computed tomography and lumbar puncture.
Preschoolers' comprehension of pronouns and reflexives: the impact of the task
Authors: BERGMANN CHRISTINA , PAULUS MARKUS , FIKKERT PAULA
Published: September 2011

Pronouns seem to be acquired in an asymmetrical way, where children confuse the meaning of pronouns with reflexives up to the age of six, but not vice versa. Children's production of the same referential expressions is appropriate at the age of four. However, response-based tasks, the usual means to investigate child language comprehension, are very demanding given children's limited cognitive resources. Therefore, they might affect performance. To assess the impact of the task, we investigated learners of Dutch (three- and four-year-olds) using both eye-tracking, a non-demanding on-line method, and a typical response-based task. Eye-tracking results show an emerging ability to correctly comprehend pronouns at the age of four. A response-based task fails to indicate this ability across age groups, replicating results of earlier studies. Additionally, biases seem to influence the outcome of the response-based task. These results add new evidence to the ongoing debate of the asymmetrical acquisition of pronouns and reflexives and suggest that there is less of an asymmetry than previously assumed.
Revision of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland, Phase 1: evaluation of Ireland's food guide
Authors: Flynn Mary AT , O'Brien Clare M , Faulkner Gemma , Flynn Cliona A , Gajownik Magda , Burke Sarah J
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate Ireland's food-based dietary guidelines and highlight priorities for revision.

Design

Evaluation with stakeholder input. Energy and nutrient intake goals most appropriate for Ireland were determined. Advice from Ireland's food guide was translated into 4 d food intake patterns representing age and gender groups from 5 to 51+ years. Nutritional content of the food patterns was compared with identified goals and appropriateness of food advice was noted. Feedback from stakeholders was obtained on portion size of foods within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group and of portion descriptors for meat and cereal foods.

Setting

Government agency/community.

Subjects

General population aged 5+ years, dietitians/nutritionists (n44) and 1011 consumers.

Results

Goals were identified for energy, macronutrients, fibre, Fe, Ca and vitamin D. Goals not achieved by the food patterns included energy, total fat, saturated fat, fibre and vitamin D. Energy content of food portions within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group varied widely, yet advice indicated they were equivalent. Dietitians/nutritionists agreed with the majority of consumers surveyed (74 %,n745) that larger portion sizes within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were more meaningful. ‘Palm of hand’ as a descriptor for meat portions and a ‘200 ml disposable cup’ for quantifying cereal foods were preferred.

Conclusions

Revision of the guidelines requires specific guidance on energy and vitamin D intakes, and comprehensive advice on how to reduce fat and saturated fat and increase fibre intakes. Advice should use portion descriptors favoured by consumers and enlarged portion sizes for breads, cereals and potatoes that are equivalent in terms of energy.
Revision of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland, Phase 2: recommendations for healthy eating and affordability
Authors: Flynn Mary AT , O'Brien Clare M , Ross Victoria , Flynn Cliona A , Burke Sarah J
Published: September 2011

Objective

To revise the food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland and assess the affordability of healthy eating.

Design

An iterative process was used to develop 4 d food intake patterns (n22) until average intakes met a range of nutrient and energy goals (at moderate and sedentary activity levels) that represented the variable nutritional requirements of all in the population aged 5 years and older. Dietary guidelines were formulated describing the amounts and types of foods that made up these intake patterns. Foods required for healthy eating by typical households in Ireland were priced and affordability assessed as a proportion of relevant weekly social welfare allowances.

Setting

Government agency/community.

Subjects

General population aged 5+ years.

Results

Food patterns developed achieved energy and nutrient goals with the exception of dietary fibre (inadequate for adults with energy requirements <9·2 MJ) and vitamin D (inadequate for everyone). A new food group to guide on fats/oils intake was developed. Servings within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were sub-categorized on the basis of energy content. Recommendations on numbers of servings from each food group were developed to guide on energy and nutrient requirements. Healthy eating is least affordable for families with children who are dependent on social welfare.

Conclusion

Daily supplementation with vitamin D is recommended. Wholemeal breads and cereals are recommended as the best source of energy and fibre. Low-fat dairy products and reduced-fat unsaturated spreads are prioritized to achieve saturated fat and energy goals. Interventions are required to ensure that healthy eating is affordable.
Fish consumption and CHD mortality: an updated meta-analysis of seventeen cohort studies
Authors: Zheng Jusheng , Huang Tao , Yu Yinghua , Hu Xiaojie , Yang Bin , Li Duo
Published: September 2011

Objective

Results of studies on fish consumption and CHD mortality are inconsistent. The present updated meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the up-to-date pooling effects.

Design

A random-effects model was used to pool the risk estimates. Generalized least-squares regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the possible dose–response relationship. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the sources of heterogeneity.

Setting

PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases up to September 2010 were searched and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion in the study.

Subjects

Seventeen cohorts with 315 812 participants and average follow-up period of 15·9 years were identified.

Results

Compared with the lowest fish intake (<1 serving/month or 1–3 servings/month), the pooled relative risk (RR) of fish intake on CHD mortality was 0·84 (95 % CI 0·75, 0·95) for low fish intake (1 serving/week), 0·79 (95 % CI 0·67, 0·92) for moderate fish intake (2–4 servings/week) and 0·83 (95 % CI 0·68, 1·01) for high fish intake (>5 servings/week). The dose–response analysis indicated that every 15 g/d increment of fish intake decreased the risk of CHD mortality by 6 % (RR = 0·94; 95 % CI 0·90, 0·98). The method of dietary assessment, gender and energy adjustment affected the results remarkably.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that either low (1 serving/week) or moderate fish consumption (2–4 servings/week) has a significantly beneficial effect on the prevention of CHD mortality. High fish consumption (>5 servings/week) possesses only a marginally protective effect on CHD mortality, possibly due to the limited studies included in this group.
Nutritional supplement use among Slovenian adolescents
Authors: Šterlinko Grm Helena , Stubelj Ars Mojca , Besednjak-Kocijančič Lilijana , Golja Petra
Published: September 2011

Abstracts

Objective

Little is known about the prevalence of nutritional supplement use in European adolescents. We conducted the present study to analyse the prevalence of nutritional supplement use and factors associated with this use among Slovenian adolescents.

Design

The nutritional supplementation practices of 818 adolescents were studied using an anonymous questionnaire. Information was sought on the type of supplements used, frequency of use and sources of information.

Setting

The region of north-west Slovenia.

Subjects

Schoolchildren from twenty primary schools and twelve secondary schools.

Results

Some 19·3% of all adolescents reported using at least one nutritional supplement and the prevalence of use was significantly higher in adolescents who were members of sports clubs. Multivitamins were the most common nutritional supplement. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to be supplementing with iron, protein and minerals. Less than 16 % of supplement users in our study sought information from health-care professionals. Nearly 62 % obtained information from parents and coaches, and many adolescents appear to decide on nutritional supplementation themselves, without advice. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to combine supplements than younger adolescents.

Conclusions

One-fifth of Slovenian adolescents use nutritional supplements. There are clear differences in supplement use between younger (age 12 years) and older (age 17 years) adolescents. Multiple use of supplements, coupled with self-managed supplementation in older adolescents, is concerning. Hence, there is an urgent need to provide accurate information regarding nutritional supplements, which will help adolescents, their parents and coaches to make informed choices about their use.
NiO Test Specimens for Analytical Electron Microscopy:
Round-Robin Results
Authors: Bennett J.C. , Egerton R.F.
Published: September 2011

Improvements in instrumentation for energy-dispersive X-ray
microanalysis (EDX) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS)
have underlined the need for suitable standards for measuring
performance. We report the results from several laboratories
that were supplied with a test specimen consisting of a thin
film of nickel oxide supported on a molybdenum grid. The
Ni-Kα/Mo-Kα count ratio was used as
an indication of number of stray electrons and/or X-rays
in the TEM column; the Ni-Kα peak/background
ratio provided a measure of the total background in the EDX
spectrum, including bremsstrahlung contributions and the effect
of detector electronics. By providing values typical of current
instrumentation, the results illustrate how the test specimen
can be used to evaluate TEM/EDX systems prior to purchase,
during installation, and (periodically) during operation. The
NiO films were also used to test EELS acquisition and
quantification procedures: measured Ni/O elemental ratios
were all within 10% of stoichiometry.
Osteoprotegerin in pregnant adolescents differs by race and is related to infant birth weight z-score
Authors: Essley B. , McNanley T. , Cooper B. , McIntyre A. , Witter F. , Harris Z. , O'Brien K.
Published: September 2011

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in the regulation of bone turnover, but little is known about this protein during pregnancy or among neonates. We undertook a prospective longitudinal study to identify relationships between OPG, markers of bone turnover and birth outcomes in 155 pregnant adolescents (13–18 years) and their newborns. Maternal blood samples were collected at mid-gestation and at delivery. Cord blood was obtained at delivery. Serum OPG, estradiol and markers of bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (N-telopeptide) were assessed in all samples. Placental OPG expression was assessed in placental tissue obtained at delivery. Bone markers and OPG increased significantly from mid-gestation (26.0 ± 3.4 weeks) to delivery (39.3 ± 2.6 weeks). Neonatal OPG was significantly lower, but bone turnover markers were significantly higher than maternal values at mid-gestation and at parturition (P < 0.001). African-American adolescents had higher concentrations of OPG than Caucasian adolescents at mid-gestation (P = 0.01) and delivery (P = 0.04). Gestational age and estradiol were also predictors of maternal OPG at mid-gestation and delivery. OPG concentrations in cord blood were correlated with maternal OPG concentrations and were negatively associated with infant birth weight z-score (P = 0.02) and ponderal index (P = 0.02). In conclusion, maternal OPG concentrations increased across gestation and were significantly higher than neonatal OPG concentrations. Maternal and neonatal OPG concentrations were not associated with markers of bone turnover or placental OPG expression, but neonatal OPG was inversely associated with neonatal anthropometric measures. Additional research is needed to identify roles of OPG during pregnancy.
Bayesian calibration of a large‐scale geothermal reservoir model by a new adaptive delayed acceptance Metropolis Hastings algorithm
Authors: Cui T. , Fox C. , O'Sullivan M. J.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this research is to estimate the parameters of a large‐scale numerical model of a geothermal reservoir using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling, within the framework of Bayesian inference. All feasible parameters that are consistent with the measured data are summarized by the posterior distribution, and hence parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification are both given by calculating expected values of statistics of interest over the posterior distribution. It appears to be computationally infeasible to use the standard Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm (MH) to sample the high dimensional computationally expensive posterior distribution. To improve the sampling efficiency, a new adaptive delayed‐acceptance MH algorithm (ADAMH) is implemented to adaptively build a stochastic model of the error introduced by the use of a reduced‐order model. This use of adaptivity differs from existing adaptive MCMC algorithms that tune proposal distributions of the Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm (MH), though ADAMH also implements that technique. For the 3‐D geothermal reservoir model we present here, ADAMH shows a great improvement in the computational efficiency of the MCMC sampling, and promising results for parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification are obtained. This algorithm could offer significant improvement in computational efficiency when implementing sample‐based inference in other large‐scale inverse problems.