bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro‐inflammatory phenotype of COPD fibroblasts not compatible with repair in COPD lung
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wu Lian , Qu Jie‐ming , Bai Chun‐xue , Merrilees Mervyn J. , Black Peter N.
Published: November 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by loss of elastic fibres from small airways and alveolar walls, with the decrease in elastin increasing with disease severity. It is unclear why there is a lack of repair of elastic fibres. We have examined fibroblasts cultured from lung tissue from subjects with or without COPD to determine if the secretory profile explains lack of tissue repair. In this study, fibroblasts were cultured from lung parenchyma of patients with mild COPD [Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 1, n= 5], moderate to severe COPD (GOLD 2–3, n= 12) and controls (non‐COPD, n= 5). Measurements were made of proliferation, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase‐1, mRNA expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, MMP‐1, tropoelastin and versican, and protein levels for IL‐6, IL‐8, PGE2, tropoelastin, insoluble elastin, and versican. GOLD 2–3 fibroblasts proliferated more slowly (P < 0.01), had higher levels of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase‐1 (P < 0.001) than controls and showed significant increases in mRNA and/or protein for IL‐6 (P < 0.05), IL‐8 (P < 0.01), MMP‐1 (P < 0.05), PGE2 (P < 0.05), versican (P < 0.05) and tropoelastin (P < 0.05). mRNA expression and/or protein levels of tropoelastin (P < 0.01), versican (P < 0.05), IL‐6 (P < 0.05) and IL‐8 (P < 0.05) were negatively correlated with FEV1% of predicted. Insoluble elastin was not increased. In summary, fibroblasts from moderate to severe COPD subjects display a secretory phenotype with up‐regulation of inflammatory molecules including the matrix proteoglycan versican, and increased soluble, but not insoluble, elastin. Versican inhibits assembly of tropoelastin into insoluble elastin and we conclude that the pro‐inflammatory phenotype of COPD fibroblasts is not compatible with repair of elastic fibres.
Sampled‐based estimation of diversity sensu stricto by transforming Hurlbert diversities into effective number of species
Authors: Dauby Gilles , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: November 2011

A theoretical framework based on Hill numbers has recently been advocated to measure and partition diversity sensu stricto. Hill numbers can be interpreted intuitively as effective number of species (ENS). They conform to the so‐called replication principle allowing a mathematically coherent multiplicative partitioning of diversity. They form a family of ENS defined by the parameter q which controls the weight attributed to rare species. Despite its advantages, this framework was developed without considering its robustness when treating community samples. In this study, we first show that Hurlbert diversity indices (expected number of species among k individuals) can be transformed into ENS that conform asymptotically to the replication principle while controlling the weight given to rare species through parameter k. We investigate the statistical properties of Hill and Hurlbert ENS using simulated communities with contrasted diversity. The properties of multiplicative beta diversity estimators based on ENS are also characterized by simulating communities with different levels of differentiation. We show that Hurlbert ENS provides a better statistical performance than Hill numbers when dealing with small sample sizes. By contrast, Hill numbers and their estimators suffer from substantial bias except when rare species have a low weight (q= 2). An estimator of ENS estimating both Hill numbers for q= 2 and Hurlbert ENS for k= 2 is shown to give the best performance and is recommended for processing real datasets when rare species receive low weight. In order to better take account of rare species, current estimators of Hill numbers are not recommended when sample size is too low while Hurlbert’s ENS performs reliably. In conclusion, while Hill numbers possess some interesting mathematical properties that are not shared by Hurlbert’s ENS, the latter outperforms Hill numbers in terms of statistical properties and is well suited to processing community samples, as illustrated on a real dataset.
Clinical algorithms for the identification of sick newborns in community‐based settings
Authors: Kamath‐Rayne Beena D , MacGuire Emily R , McClure Elizabeth M , Goldenberg Robert L , Jobe Alan H
Published: November 2011

Clinical algorithms can be powerful tools for the identification of sick newborns at risk of neonatal mortality. Several studies have evaluated clinical signs for newborns aged 0–60 days to identify severe illness; however, few studies have focused specifically on the most vulnerable time period for neonatal death, the first week of life. Therefore, we reviewed the studies that evaluated clinical signs in newborns 0–60 days, focusing on infants 0 to <7 days. Based on a comparison of relevant studies, we then identified the common, important clinical signs shown to be useful for the identification of at‐risk newborns by health workers in community‐based and low‐resource settings.

Conclusion:  We concluded that further work is urgently needed to develop a clinical algorithm for widespread validation in various community‐based settings, which focuses specifically on newborns <7 days at risk of early neonatal mortality.
EVALUATION OF TEXTURE CHANGES DUE TO COMPOSITIONAL DIFFERENCES USING ORAL PROCESSING
Authors: ÇAKIR ESRA , KOÇ HICRAN , VINYARD CHRISTOPHER J. , ESSICK GREGORY , DAUBERT CHRISTOPHER R. , DRAKE MARYANNE , FOEGEDING E. ALLEN
Published: November 2011

Replacement of ingredients or reformulating existing products can significantly change textural characteristics. Our aim was to investigate the effects of sensory input from different textures on adaptation of the chewing pattern. Jaw muscle activity and kinematic measures of mastication were collected by electromyography and a three‐dimensional jaw tracking system during chewing of Cheddar cheeses (varying fat content) and caramels (two levels of total fat and sweetened condensed milk). Reducing fat in cheese is associated with increased sensory firmness, springiness and decreased cohesiveness. Oral processing adjusted to decreased fat content with increased closing muscle (temporalis and masseter) activity, a shorter cycle duration and increased power stroke time. Increased adhesiveness in caramels was associated with increased closing and opening muscle activity, longer cycle duration and increased jaw movement. It was shown that changes in composition that produced changes in sensory texture change oral processing parameters of muscle activity and jaw movement.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Understanding the mechanisms of texture perception is essential when tailoring food to meet nutritional needs, while maintaining an acceptable level of quality. Textural characteristics change when ingredients are replaced or products are reformulated. In particular, the textures of low‐fat or low‐calorie products are perceived by consumers to be less pleasing compared with those of traditional foods. Understanding how oral processing is altered in response to changes in texture provides information on the physiology of texture perception that complements sensory analysis and mechanical tests. The aim of this study was to understand how the masticatory sequence adapts to textural variations in cheese and caramel of differing compositions. This information will enhance the understanding of the relationship between food structure and texture perception.
Amelioration of caudal thoracic syringohydromyelia following surgical management of an adjacent arachnoid cyst
Authors: Oxley W. , Pink J.
Published: November 2011

A nine‐year‐old male, neutered, pug was presented for investigation of progressive ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia of three months' duration. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of caudal thoracic syringohydromyelia with an adjacent intradural arachnoid cyst. The cyst was marsupialised following dorsal laminectomy. Neurological status had improved 10 weeks following surgery when repeat magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced spinal cord compression both as a result of resolution of the cyst and reduction in size of the syringohydromyelia. At 17 months following surgery, the dog showed further improvements in neurological status, exhibiting mild pelvic limb ataxia and proprioceptive deficits. Improved cerebrospinal fluid flow following surgery may have played a role in the improvement in both conditions. The presence of syringohydromyelia in this context does not preclude a favourable clinical outcome following surgical management.
Vincristine‐induced central neurotoxicity in a collie homozygous for the ABCB1Δ mutation
Authors: Krugman L. , Bryan J. N. , Mealey K. L. , Chen A.
Published: November 2011

A six‐year‐old, neutered, female collie was presented to an oncology specialty service after developing tetraparesis and self‐mutilation that progressively worsened while receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma. Neurologic examination revealed ataxia, paresis and diminished conscious proprioception in all limbs with entire spinal reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord was normal. Electromyography of the limbs ruled out a vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and cerebrospinal fluid and serum testing for Neospora and Toxoplasma were normal. Results of MDR1 genotyping revealed that the dog was homozygous for the ABCB1‐1Δ (MDR1) mutation. This clinical presentation strongly resembled the effects seen from inadvertent intrathecal administration of vincristine in humans. Dogs that are homozygous for the ABCB1‐1Δ (MDR1) mutation should not receive standard dosages of chemotherapy drugs known to be eliminated by P‐glycoprotein, the gene product of ABCB1. Testing for this mutation is strongly recommended before chemotherapy initiation for at‐risk breeds.
Dietary Intake of Cadmium from Bangladeshi Foods
Authors: Al‐Rmalli S.W. , Jenkins R.O. , Haris P.I.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Human exposure to cadmium (Cd) is associated with various diseases and high levels of Cd have been detected in Bangladeshi population warranting further research to identify the source of this exposure. In this study, Cd levels in 327 and 94 samples of Bangladeshi food and non‐food samples, respectively, were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This is the largest number of Bangladeshi food and nonfood samples investigated for their Cd content. High Cd levels were detected in leafy vegetables (mean 31 [SD 29]μg/kg). Of these vegetables, lal shak (Amaranthus tricolor) contained the highest Cd level (303 μg/kg [wet weight]; mean 100.5 [SD 95]μg/kg). Bangladeshi rice also showed significant concentration of Cd (mean 37.2 [SD 30]μg/kg). Of particular concern is the very high level of Cd detected in some puffed rice, which we attribute to the illegal practice of using urea for whitening the puffed rice. Tobacco leaves, which are commonly consumed during betel quid chewing by Bangladeshis, contain significant levels of Cd (mean 95 [SD 87]μg/kg). The total daily intake (TDI) of Cd from foods for Bangladeshis was estimated to be 34.55 μg/d. This is rather high when compared to the TDI of Cd for other populations. Our analysis reveals that this is mainly due to the very high intake of rice and vegetables, and lower consumption of animal products (which are low in Cd), by the Bangladeshis. We also determined the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake and target hazard quotients values for Cd. Clearly a more balanced diet is necessary to reduce the Cd intake in the Bangladeshi population, especially by reducing the very high intake of rice and certain leafy vegetables. Food manufacturing and agricultural practices needs to be altered to reduce the entry of Cd into the food chain.

Practical Application:  Exposure to high levels of Cd can be harmful to human health and this study provides a comprehensive analysis of Cd levels in a variety of food items from Bangladesh. The findings are of particular importance to consumers of Bangladeshi foods in both Bangladesh and in other countries. Data obtained will be valuable resources for food safety and regulatory bodies as our study suggests entry of Cd in foods through use of illegal chemicals in food manufacturing processes.
Dissemination of wine‐related yeasts by migratory birds
Authors: Francesca Nicola , Canale Domenica E. , Settanni Luca , Moschetti Giancarlo
Published: November 2011

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of migratory birds in the environmental dissemination of yeasts. Four sites (Mazara del Vallo, Lampedusa, Ustica and Linosa), representing the main stop‐over points in Sicily, were analysed during spring and autumnal bird migration and 349 birds (belonging to 10 families) were ringed and analysed for yeast presence. A total of 125 yeasts were isolated and identified by a multiple genotypic approach, consisting of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 5.8S rRNA gene and 26S rRNA and sequencing of D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene, which resulted in the recognition of 18 species, including the technological relevant Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were characterized at strain level applying three techniques (interdelta analysis, minisatellite analysis based on the separate amplification of three genes and microsatellite multiplex PCR of polymorphic microsatellite loci). The evaluation of the persistence of living S. cerevisiae in birds for about 12 h from ingestion of inoculated feed allowed the conclusion that yeasts with technological potential are disseminated during migration.
The Governance Agenda in Long Term Perspective: Globalisation, Revenues and the Differentiation of States
Authors: Moore Mick
Published: November 2011

The governance‐and‐development agenda that has dominated thinking since the collapse of the Soviet Bloc is fast losing credibility. It continues to be associated with a set of countries, ideas and experiences – the ‘West’– that no longer enjoy global leadership. It has not usefully identified the role of governments in promoting economic growth. And it takes little account of the ways in which states are changing. The growing influence of the BRICs and other emerging powers is now widely appreciated. This paper explores the ways in which late twentieth century globalisation is bringing about more subtle changes in the political constitutions of states that may have considerable implications for the ways in which we are governed and the actions that may be needed to reduce the incidence of bad governance. Contrary to widespread expectations, globalisation does not necessarily lead states to become more like one another, or to converge around the ‘Western’ model of liberal democracy and market capitalism. It also leads states to compete with one another. To the extent that they compete by seeking alternative sources of revenue, this may lead them to diverge politically. The concept ofpolitical revenues– the incomes that governments and political elites obtain through the exercise of political power – is central to the analysis. One of the consequences of late twentieth century globalisation is that, in some countries, opportunities for political elites to gather (illicit)elite political revenueshave expanded considerably. This helps explain whyfragile stateshave become a normal feature of the global system. A more widespread consequence is that states enjoy a range of new non‐tax revenues in addition to ‘normal’ tax revenues. This has significant implications for the accountability of governments to citizens.
Free-Wave Dispersion Curves of a Multi-Supported String
Authors: Cray Benjamin A. , Hull Andrew J. , Nuttall Albert H.
Published: November 2011

Free-wave propagation of an infinite, tensioned string, supported along its length by repeating segments of multiple spring-mass connections, is examined. The segments can consist of an arbitrary number of different support sets and be of any overall length. Periodicity is intrinsic, since the segments repeat; the goal, though, is to examine what effect variations within the segments have on dispersion. The formulation reveals an unexpected amount of complexity for such a simply posed system. Each support set has independent mass, stiffness, and viscous damping, and the sets are allowed to be offset from one another. A free-wave dispersion formula is derived for two sets of supports (Q = 2) and compared to the well-known ideally periodic expression (Q = 1). A means to obtain general dispersion formulas, for any Q, is discussed. It is shown that the systems’ dispersion curves are primarily governed by the material properties of the string and by the location of the supports.
Effect of Cross Section Reduction on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Tubes Drawn With Variable Wall Thickness
Authors: Bui Q. H. , Bihamta R. , Guillot M. , Rahem A. , Fafard M.
Published: November 2011

Variable thickness tube drawing is a new process for the production of high performance tubes. In this study, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of cross section reduction on the microstructure and mechanical properties of variable thickness aluminium tubes drawn using two different position controlled mandrel techniques. Various tubes with three different outer diameters were subjected to cold drawing at room temperature from 11% to 41% cross section reduction. The local mechanical properties were determined from tensile tests carried out on specimens cut from different positions in the tubes parallel to their axes. The distributions of the Vickers hardness over the surfaces at 0 deg and 90 deg to the drawing direction were examined. It was found that the microhardness, yield strength, and ultimate tensile of the deformed samples increase and the corresponding elongation decreases with the increase of cross section reduction. Also, the anisotropy in microstructure and mechanical properties is more significant with increasing of cross section reduction. The evolution of mechanical properties of drawn tubes versus cross section reduction depends on the mandrel shapes and initial tube outer diameter. This study helps to further understand the microstructure and mechanical properties evolutions during tube drawing process with variable thickness.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and Soil Inoculation of Sulfur-Oxidizing or Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria on Onion Plant Growth and Yield
Authors: Awad Nemat M. , Abd El-Kader A. A. , Attia M. , Alva A. K.
Published: November 2011

A field experiment was conducted in a newly reclaimed soil at El-Saff region, El-Giza Governorate, Egypt to study the effects of different rates of nitrogen (N: 62 to 248 kg ha-1) with or without soil inoculation of sulfur- (S-) oxidizing bacteria (SoxB) and combined inoculation of SoxB and N-fixing bacteria (NFxB) on yield, quality and nutritional status of onion (Allium cepa L., “Giza 20”). Elemental S at 620 kg ha-1was applied to all treatments. Application of N at 62, 124, and 248 kg ha-1rates increased onion yield, plant height, and N uptake by 28 to 76%, 32 to 53%, and 61 to 145%, as compared to those of the plants that received no N. Inoculation of SoxB at various N rates increased onion yields by 47 to 69% and N uptake by 76 to 93%, as compared to those of the plants which received the respective rates of N but no SoxB inoculation. Inoculation with SoxB and NFxB increased onion yield by 221%, plant height by 62%, and N uptake by 629%, as compared to those of the plants grown without inoculation and no N applied.
Muscle Gene Expression Is a Marker of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Severity
Authors: Pradat Pierre-François , Dubourg Odile , de Tapia Marc , di Scala Franck , Dupuis Luc , Lenglet Timothee , Bruneteau Gaëlle , Salachas François , Lacomblez Lucette , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Demougin Philippe , Primig Michael , Meininger Vincent , Loeffler Jean-Philippe , Gonzalez de Aguilar Jose-Luis
Published: November 2011

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult-onset degenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons leading to progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis. The lack of molecular markers of the progression of disease is detrimental to clinical practice and therapeutic trials. Objective: This study was designed to identify gene expression changes in skeletal muscle that could reliably define the degree of disease severity. Methods: Gene expression profiles were obtained from the deltoid muscles of ALS patients and healthy subjects. Changes in differentially expressed genes were compared to the status of deltoid muscle disability, as determined by manual muscle testing, electrophysiology and the degree of myofiber atrophy. Functionally related genes were grouped by annotation analysis, and deltoid muscle injury was predicted using binary tree classifiers. Results: Two sets of 25 and 70 transcripts appeared differentially regulated exclusively in early and advanced states of deltoid muscle impairment, respectively. The expression of another set of 198 transcripts correlated with a composite score of muscle injury combining manual muscle testing and histological examination. From the totality of these expression changes, 155 transcripts distinguished advanced from early deltoid muscle impairment with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Nine of these transcripts, known also to be regulated in ALS mouse and surgically denervated muscle, predicted the advanced disease status with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We provide robust gene expression changes that can be of practical use when monitoring ALS status and the effects of disease-modifying drugs.
Periconceptional Folic Acid-Containing Multivitamin Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Cardiovascular Malformations
Authors: Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: November 2011

The prevention of neural tube defects with periconceptional folic acid or folic acid-containing multivitamin supplementation is accepted by the scientific community; here the possible prevention of cardiovascular malformations is discussed. The aim of this presentation is to show the main findings of trials and studies that resulted in the prevention of neural tube defects and particularly cardiovascular malformations by folic acid-containing multivitamins or folic acid supplementation in order to stimulate the incorporation of folic acid-containing multivitamins or folic acid in the prevention of cardiovascular malformations.
Using DNA Methylation to Understand Biological Consequences of Genetic Variability
Authors: Hernandez Dena G. , Singleton Andrew B.
Published: November 2011

The advent of high-content genomic mapping technologies has provided numerous clues about the genetic architecture of complex disease and the tools with which to understand the biological framework resulting from this architecture. We believe that understanding and mapping epigenetic marks, in particular DNA methylation, which is suited to such assays, offers a timely opportunity in this context. Here, we make an argument for this work, describing this opportunity, the likely path ahead, and the problems and pitfalls associated with such work.
Coronary Ectasia Is Associated with Impaired Left Ventricular Myocardial Performance in Patients without Significant Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Ceyhan Koksal , Koc Fatih , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Celik Atac , Altunkas Fatih , Karayakali Metin , Kadi Hasan , Ozturk Ahmet , Kaya Mehmet Gungor
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To determine both ventricular functions and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE)-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five patients with CAE (13 men; mean age 57 ± 9 years) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls without CAE (8 men; mean age 54 ± 10 years) were enrolled in the study. Left and right ventricular functions were detected using conventional echocardiography and TDE. Results: Left ventricle-lateral wall (0.61 ± 0.17; 0.50 ± 0.10, p = 0.02), interventricular septum (0.66 ± 0.17; 0.52 ± 0.10, p = 0.007) and mean MPI (0.63 ± 0.15; 0.51 ± 0.09, p = 0.004) were increased in the CAE group compared to the control group. Right ventricular MPI was similar in both the CAE and control groups (0.58 ± 0.18; 0.52 ± 0.19, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings show that left ventricular MPI is different in CAE patients without obstructive coronary artery disease compared to the normal control group. Also in these patients, right ventricular MPI was similar to the control group.
Abū Saʿd al-Ḫargūšī and his Kitāb al-Lawāmiʿ A Ṣūfī Guide Book for Preachers from 4th/10th century Nīšāpūr1
Authors: Ansari Hassan , Schmidtke Sabine
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Abū Saʿd ʿAbd al-Malik b. Abī ʿUt̠mān Muḥammad b. Ibrāhīm b. Yaʿqūb al-Ḫargūšī l-Nīšābūrī (al-wāʿiẓ al-Ḫargūšī, d. 406/1015-16 or 407/1016), a contemporary and compatriot of the well-known Ṣūfī Abū ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Sulamī (d. 412/1021), is well known for his Kitāb Tahd̠īb al-asrār, a Ṣūfī manual in the form of a collection of sayings of earlier Ṣūfī authorities. Ḫargūšī is known to have written another comprehensive work that is of utmost significance for the study of the classical period of mysticism, viz. Kitāb al-Lawāmiʿ. The Vatican Library owns a unique manuscript of the work that so far seems to have escaped the attention of modern scholars. The article offers a description of the Lawāmiʿ together with a detailed table of contents.
On The Limits of Judicial Intervention:EU Citizenship and Family Reunification Rights
Authors: Elsuwege Peter Van , Kochenov Dimitry
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This article scrutinises the logic behind the recent judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Ruiz Zambrano and McCarthy focusing on their implications for the right to family reunification under EU law. Specific attention is devoted to the phenomenon of reverse discrimination in the context of the new jurisdiction test established by the Court, which is based on the severity of the Member States’ interference with EU citizenship rights rather than on a pure cross-border logic. EU citizens unable to establish a link with EU law are often subject to stricter family reunification requirements in comparison to their migrant compatriots and even certain third country nationals. It is argued that this situation is difficult to accept in light of the principles of legal certainty, equality and the protection of fundamental rights. A new balance between EU citizenship and Member States’ regulatory autonomy is established but legislative action is required to solve the outstanding problems.
Synoptic-Scale Analysis of Freezing Rain Events in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Ressler Gina M. , Milrad Shawn M. , Atallah Eyad H. , Gyakum John R.
Published: November 2011

Freezing rain is a major environmental hazard that is especially common along the St. Lawrence River valley (SLRV) in southern Quebec, Canada. For large cities such as Montreal, severe events can have a devastating effect on people, property, and commerce. In this study, a composite analysis of 46 long-duration events for the period 1979–2008 is presented to identify key synoptic-scale structures and precursors of Montreal freezing rain events. Based on the observed structures of the 500-hPa heights, these events are manually partitioned into three types—west, central, and east—depending on the location and tilt of the 500-hPa trough axis. West events are characterized by a strong surface anticyclone downstream of Montreal, an inverted trough extending northward to the Great Lakes, and a quasi-stationary area of geostrophic frontogenesis located over Quebec. Central events are characterized by a cyclone–anticyclone couplet pattern, with a deeper surface trough extending into southern Ontario, and a strong stationary anticyclone over Quebec. East events are characterized by the passage of a transient well-defined cyclone, and a weaker downstream anticyclone. In all cases, cold northeasterly winds are channeled down the SLRV primarily by pressure-driven channeling. Northeasterly surface winds are associated with strong low-level temperature inversions within the SLRV. Additionally, west events tend to have a longer duration of weaker precipitation, while east events tend to have a shorter duration of more intense precipitation. The results of this study may aid forecasters in identifying and understanding the synoptic-scale structures and precursors to Montreal freezing rain events.
The Former Names of Lagos (Nigeria) in Historical Perspective
Authors: Bigon Liora
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article traces Lagos's toponymy through the ages, from the original indigenous settlement to Nigeria's post-independence days. From Oko to Eko, from Curamo to Onim, and from Onim to Lagos, until its replacement by Abuja as the present federal capital — each name represents a layer in the city's rich and cosmopolitan past. Moving from the historical events to the related toponymic meanings and vice versa, the complexity of the simultaneous usages of Lagos's place names represents a fertile terrain of co-existent memories. From pre-colonial, colonial, or post-colonial times and the long intermediate phases in between, these memories sometimes contest or challenge each other, but their attached toponyms are also used as complementary alternatives.
Effects of B on microstructure and hardenability of resistance seam welded HSLA linepipe steel
Authors: Jung J-G , Kim J , Noh K-M , Park K K , Lee Y-K
Published: November 2011

The effects of B on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of resistance seam welded high strength low alloy linepipe steel were investigated at different regions, such as weld, heat affected zone (HAZ) and base. Because most of the solute B atoms were already precipitated as iron borocarbides and iron borides in as welded steels, the improved hardenability was not observed regardless of the observed regions. The amount of dissolved B precipitates increased with austenitising temperature, and the pre-existing B precipitates were fully dissolved at 950°C for 180 s. The segregation of solute B atoms into austenite grain boundaries was more marked at higher austenitising temperatures, and the segregated solute B atoms greatly increased the hardenability of the austenitised pipes, resulting in hard microstructures like bainite and martensite. The B addition also effectively compensated for the deteriorated hardness at the weld and HAZ of the tempered specimens, although B atoms were precipitated during tempering.
Overaged metallography of alloy 909, a low coefficient of expansion superalloy
Authors: Balachander M A , Vishwakarma K , Richards N L
Published: November 2011

The microstructure of alloy 909, a low coefficient of thermal expansion Fe-Co-Ni superalloy was examined in the solution treated and over aged condition, following a previous communication by the authors on the solution treated and commercially aged alloys. In the commercially aged alloy, only the Laves and the γ‚ phases were observed. With some indication, however, of alignment of the γ‚ phase along crystallograpic directions in the austenitic matrix. This alignment of the γ‚ phase has been previously reported as a precursor to the growth of the ϵ phase from the γ‚ phase. Analysis by TEM showed that the platelet phase was hexagonal (NiFeCo)2(TiNb) with some variations in the stoichiometry about 2:1 ratio. Tensile and hardness testing indicated that the presence of the platelet shaped ϵ phase in the solution treated and overaged condition was not as effective in the strengthening of the alloys as the spherical γ‚ in the commercially aged and solution treated condition. In addition to the presence of ϵ phase, blocky A2B Laves phase was abundant, which prevents excessive grain growth up to ∼1040°C
Dendritic growth of primary γ′ precipitates in nickel based alloy
Authors: Zhao K , Lou L H
Published: November 2011

Crystal growth from all three states of matter, i.e. vapour, liquid and solid, produces the dendritic morphology. A well known vapour case is the snowflake. Most liquid metal products solidify by forming dendrites. Crystal growth from an already crystalline matrix is also found to produce precipitates with a dendritic morphology. However, dendritic precipitates were scarcely observed to form from liquid state. In the present paper, a directionally solidified nickel based superalloy was designed to show the dendritic growth of precipitates from the liquid state. The formation of carbides led to the negative temperature gradient and constitutional supercooling in the residual liquid melts as a result of the release of latent heat and ejecting of forming precipitate elements respectively. This resulted in the formation of dendritic primary precipitates.
Tradução para a língua portuguesa e validação da escala de Braden Q para avaliar o risco de úlcera por pressão em crianças
Authors: Maia Ana Claudia A. R , Pellegrino Donata M. S , Blanes Leila , Dini Gal Moreira , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Traduzir para a língua portuguesa, adaptar ao contexto cultural brasileiro e testar as propriedades de medidas, reprodutibilidade e validade da escala de Braden Q. MÉTODOS: A escala de Braden Q foi traduzida e adaptada de acordo com metodologia aceita internacionalmente. Realizou-se tradução e tradução reversa do instrumento, intercaladas de revisões feitas por comitê multisciplinar. Na fase de adaptação cultural, três grupos de dez enfermeiras avaliaram a versão brasileira da escala de Braden Q até obter seu entendimento integral. Na validação da reprodutividade, outras duas enfermeiras aplicaram a versão brasileira em crianças internadas na UTI em tempos diferentes, sendo que a primeira enfermeira avaliou também em um segundo momento. Na análise estatística, para testar a consistência interna da escala, foi calculado o α de Crombach e, para testar a reprodutividade, o teste intraclasse e a correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: No processo de tradução e retrotradução, não houve diferença nas escalas feitas pelos diferentes tradutores. Na adaptação cultural realizada pelas 30 enfermeiras, todos os itens da escala foram considerados relevantes. A consistência interna testada pelo α de Crombach foi de 0,936; a correlação intraclasse da reprodutividade intraobservador foi de 0,995 e da reprodutividade interobservador foi de 0,998, ambas apontadas como excelentes. CONCLUSÕES: A escala de Braden Q foi traduzida e adaptada com sucesso, demonstrando ser válida e reprodutível.
Continuous Infusion versus Intermittent Bolus Dosing of Vecuronium in Patients Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia After Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Jurado Lesly V. , Gulbis Brian E.
Published: November 2011

Study Objective. To compare the effects of vecuronium administered as an intravenous continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus doses in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Design. Retrospective medical record review.

Setting. Cardiac care unit of a university‐affiliated, level I trauma center.

Patients. Of 123 adults treated with therapeutic hypothermia after SCA, 80 received continuous‐infusion vecuronium 0.8 μg/kg/minute started 2 hours after cooling began or if shivering occurred (January 1, 2004‐December 31, 2007), and 43 received intermittent boluses of vecuronium 0.05 mg/kg every 2 hours (January 1, 2008‐September 30, 2009).

Measurements and Main Results. The degree of neuromuscular blockade was measured with a train‐of‐four (TOF) test. Primary outcomes evaluated were time to achieve goal TOF response and percentage of time the TOF response was maintained at goal. Secondary outcomes included total daily dose of vecuronium, the vecuronium dose needed to achieve goal TOF response, percentage of TOF measurements above or below goal, and time to return of spontaneous respirations and time to extubation after the last dose of vecuronium. The goal TOF response was achieved significantly earlier in the bolus group than the continuous‐infusion group (mean 5.9 vs 11.3 hrs, p=0.008). The mean total daily dose of vecuronium administered in the bolus group was significantly lower than that in the continuous‐infusion group (51.7 vs 76.9 mg, p=0.002). The mean percentage of TOF measurements above goal was higher in the continuous‐infusion group (33% vs 16%, p<0.0001), and the mean percentage of TOF measurements below goal was higher in the bolus group (43% vs 29%, p<0.0001). The median time to return of spontaneous respirations (6 vs 11 hrs, p=0.017) and time to extubation (29.5 vs 89.5 hrs, p<0.0001) were significantly shorter in the continuous‐infusion group than the bolus group.

Conclusion. Intermittent boluses of vecuronium were more effective in reaching a goal TOF response earlier compared with continuous‐infusion vecuronium in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia. The two dosing strategies were equally effective at maintaining a goal TOF response despite patients receiving a significantly lower daily dose of vecuronium in the intermittent‐bolus group.
Comparative Effectiveness Research: Using Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to Synthesize Empirical Evidence
Authors: Katapodi Maria C. , Northouse Laurel L.
Published: November 2011

The increased demand for evidence-based health care practices calls for comparative effectiveness research (CER), namely the generation and synthesis of research evidence to compare the benefits and harms of alternative methods of care. A significant contribution of CER is the systematic identification and synthesis of available research studies on a specific topic. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of methodological issues pertaining to systematic reviews and meta-analyses to be used by investigators with the purpose of conducting CER. A systematic review or meta-analysis is guided by a research protocol, which includes (a) the research question, (b) inclusion and exclusion criteria with respect to the target population and studies, © guidelines for obtaining relevant studies, (d) methods for data extraction and coding, (e) methods for data synthesis, and (f ) guidelines for reporting results and assessing for bias. This article presents an algorithm for generating evidence-based knowledge by systematically identifying, retrieving, and synthesizing large bodies of research studies. Recommendations for evaluating the strength of evidence, interpreting findings, and discussing clinical applicability are offered.
Soviet in content - people’s in form: The building of Farming Cooperative Centres and the Soviet-Yugoslav dispute, 1948-1950
Authors: Zivancevic Jelena
Published: November 2011

It was not until 1948, when the Cominform conflict escalated, that the
Communist Party of Yugoslavia began a thorough implementation of the Soviet
model in Yugoslav agriculture - due to the Soviet criticism, the CPY made
immediate legislative changes and started a class struggle in Yugoslav
villages. Simultaneously, and just a few months before the Fifth Congress,
Josip Broz Tito initiated a competition for building 4,000 Farming
Cooperative Centres throughout Yugoslavia - they were built in accordance
with the social-realist ?national in form - socialist in content? slogan.
Once the building started, in his Congress speech, Radovan Zogovic, a leader
of the Serbian Agitprop department, offered the first official proclamation
of Socialist Realism in the post-war period by a political authority. This
article analyses the process of planning, designing and building of the
Farming Cooperative Centres; discusses their political, ideological and
formal implications; and inquires into the specific role of architecture,
joined with the theory of Socialist Realism, in building Yugoslav socialism.
Exploring the Chemical Space of Known and Unknown Organic Small Molecules at www.gdb.unibe.ch
Authors: Reymond Jean-Louis , Blum Lorenz C. , Van Deursen Ruud
Published: November 2011

Organic small molecules are of particular interest for medicinal chemistry since they comprise many biologically active compounds which are potential drugs. To understand this vast chemical space, we are enumerating all possible organic molecules to create the chemical universe database
GDB, which currently comprises 977 million molecules up to 13 atoms of C, N, O, Cl and S. Furthermore, we have established a simple classification method for organic molecules in form of the MQN (molecular quantum numbers) system, which is an equivalent of the periodic system of the elements.
Despite its simplicity the 42 dimensional MQN system is surprisingly relevant with respect to bioactivity, as evidenced by the fact that groups of biosimilar compounds form close groups in MQN space. The MQN space of the known organic molecules in PubChem and of the unknown molecules in the
Chemical Universe Database GDB-13 can be searched interactively using browser tools freely accessible at www.gdb.unibe.ch.
Ecological Impact on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling of a Widespread Fast-growing Leguminous Tropical Forest Plantation Tree Species, Acacia mangium
Authors: Inagaki Masahiro , Ishizuka Shigehiro
Published: November 2011

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is one of the major pathways of N input to forest ecosystems, enriching N availability, particularly in lowland tropics. Recently there is growing concern regarding the wide areas of fast-growing leguminous plantations that could alter global N2O emissions. Here, we highlight substantially different N and phosphorus utilization and cycling at a plantation of Acacia mangium, which is N2-fixing and one of the major plantation species in tropical/subtropical Asia. The litterfall, fresh leaf quality and fine-root ingrowth of A. mangium were compared to those of non-N2-fixing Swietenia macrophylla and coniferous Araucaria cunninghamii in wet tropical climates in Borneo, Malaysia. The N and P concentrations of the A. mangium fresh leaves were higher than those of the other two species, whereas the P concentration in the leaf-litterfall of A. mangium was less than half that of the others; in contrast the N concentration was higher. The N:P ratio in the A. mangium leaf was markedly increased from fresh-leaf (29) to leaf-litterfall (81). Although the N flux in the total litterfall at the A. mangium plantation was large, the fine-root ingrowth of A. mangium significantly increased by applying both N and P. In conclusion, large quantities of N were accumulated and returned to the forest floor in A. mangium plantation, while its P resorption capacity was efficient. Such large N cycling and restricted P cycling in wide areas of monoculture A. mangium plantations may alter N and P cycling and their balance in the organic layer and soil on a stand level.
Thermodynamics of Regular Cosmological Black Holes with the de Sitter Interior
Authors: Dymnikova Irina , Korpusik Michał
Published: November 2011

We address the question of thermodynamics of regular cosmological spherically symmetric black holes with the de Sitter center. Space-time is asymptotically de Sitter as r → 0 and as r → ∞. A source term in the Einstein equations connects smoothly two de Sitter vacua with different values of cosmological constant: 8πGTμν = Λδμν as r → 0, 8πGTμν = λδμν as r → ∞ with λ < Λ. It represents an anisotropic vacuum dark fluid defined by symmetry of its stress-energy tensor which is invariant under the radial boosts. In the range of the mass parameter Mcr1 ≤ M ≤ Mcr2 it describes a regular cosmological black hole. Space-time in this case has three horizons: a cosmological horizon rc, a black hole horizon rb < rc, and an internal horizon ra < rb, which is the cosmological horizon for an observer in the internal R-region asymptotically de Sitter as r → 0. We present the basicfeatures of space-time geometry and the detailed analysis of thermodynamics of horizons using the Padmanabhan approach relevant for a multi-horizon space-time with a non-zero pressure. We find that in a certain range of parameters M and q =√Λ/λ there exist a global temperature for an observer in the R-region between the black hole horizon rb and cosmological horizon rc. We show that a second-order phase transition occurs in the course of evaporation, where a specific heat is broken and a temperature achieves its maximal value. Thermodynamical preference for a final point of evaporation is thermodynamically stable double-horizon (ra = rb) remnant with the positive specific heat and zero temperature.
Insights into Cross-Kingdom Plant Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Kirzinger Morgan W.B. , Nadarasah Geetanchaly , Stavrinides John
Published: November 2011

Plant and human pathogens have evolved disease factors to successfully exploit their respective hosts. Phytopathogens utilize specific determinants that help to breach reinforced cell walls and manipulate plant physiology to facilitate the disease process, while human pathogens use determinants for exploiting mammalian physiology and overcoming highly developed adaptive immune responses. Emerging research, however, has highlighted the ability of seemingly dedicated human pathogens to cause plant disease, and specialized plant pathogens to cause human disease. Such microbes represent interesting systems for studying the evolution of cross-kingdom pathogenicity, and the benefits and tradeoffs of exploiting multiple hosts with drastically different morphologies and physiologies. This review will explore cross-kingdom pathogenicity, where plants and humans are common hosts. We illustrate that while cross-kingdom pathogenicity appears to be maintained, the directionality of host association (plant to human, or human to plant) is difficult to determine. Cross-kingdom human pathogens, and their potential plant reservoirs, have important implications for the emergence of infectious diseases.
Prediction of Lysine Ubiquitylation with Ensemble Classifier and Feature Selection
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Li Xiangtao , Ma Zhiqiang , Yin Minghao
Published: November 2011

Ubiquitylation is an important process of post-translational modification. Correct identification of protein lysine ubiquitylation sites is of fundamental importance to understand the molecular mechanism of lysine ubiquitylation in biological systems. This paper develops a novel computational method to effectively identify the lysine ubiquitylation sites based on the ensemble approach. In the proposed method, 468 ubiquitylation sites from 323 proteins retrieved from the Swiss-Prot database were encoded into feature vectors by using four kinds of protein sequences information. An effective feature selection method was then applied to extract informative feature subsets. After different feature subsets were obtained by setting different starting points in the search procedure, they were used to train multiple random forests classifiers and then aggregated into a consensus classifier by majority voting. Evaluated by jackknife tests and independent tests respectively, the accuracy of the proposed predictor reached 76.82% for the training dataset and 79.16% for the test dataset, indicating that this predictor is a useful tool to predict lysine ubiquitylation sites. Furthermore, site-specific feature analysis was performed and it was shown that ubiquitylation is intimately correlated with the features of its surrounding sites in addition to features derived from the lysine site itself. The feature selection method is available upon request.