bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Two Maternal Vitamin A Supplementation Regimens on Serum Retinol in Postpartum Mothers: A Randomised Controlled Trial in Brazil
Authors: Andreto Luciana Marques , de Arruda Ilma Kruze Grande , Souza Ariani Impieri , Figueiroa José Natal , Diniz Alcides da Silva
Published: September 2012

Objective. To test whether the serum retinol level in mothers supplemented with 400,000 IU of vitamin A is higher than in those supplemented with 200,000 IU and to estimate duration of the protective effect of vitamin A supplementation in the serum retinol level. Methods. Double-blind, randomised controlled trial performed in two hospitals in the state of Pernambuco in northeast Brazil. Three hundred twelve mothers were recruited immediately postpartum. All women received a capsule containing 200,000 IU of vitamin A, and 10 days after delivery, they were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group received a second capsule containing vitamin A and the other group received a placebo. Each group was invited back after 2, 4, and 6 months for serum retinol analyses. Results. No difference was found between the two groups in serum maternal retinol concentration at 2 months (2.13 versus 2.03 μmol/L), 4 months (2.20 versus 2.24 μmol/L) or 6 months (2.29 versus 2.31 μmol/L). Because there was no further effect and because this population has a level of vitamin A deficiency considered mild, our results do not support a proposal to increase the dosing schedule for vitamin A in postpartum women as recommended by the IVACG.
Radiopacity Evaluation of Contemporary Luting Cements by Digitization of Images
Authors: Reis José Maurício dos Santos Nunes , Jorge Érica Gouveia , Ribeiro João Gustavo Rabelo , Pinelli Ligia Antunes Pereira , Abi-Rached Filipe de Oliveira , Tanomaru-Filho Mário
Published: September 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of two conventional cements (Zinc Cement and Ketac Cem Easymix), one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RelyX Luting 2) and six resin cements (Multilink, Bistite II DC, RelyX ARC, Fill Magic Dual Cement, Enforce and Panavia F) by digitization of images. Methods. Five disc-shaped specimens ( mm) were made for each material, according to ISO 4049. After setting of the cements, radiographs were made using occlusal films and a graduated aluminum stepwedge varying from 1.0 to 16 mm in thickness. The radiographs were digitized, and the radiopacity of the cements was compared with the aluminum stepwedge using the software VIXWIN-2000. Data (mmAl) were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (). Results. The Zinc Cement was the most radiopaque material tested (). The resin cements presented higher radiopacity () than the conventional (Ketac Cem Easymix) or resin-modified glass ionomer (RelyX Luting 2) cements, except for the Fill Magic Dual Cement and Enforce. The Multilink presented the highest radiopacity () among the resin cements. Conclusion. The glass ionomer-based cements (Ketac Cem Easymix and RelyX Luting 2) and the resin cements (Fill Magic Dual Cement and Enforce) showed lower radiopacity values than the minimum recommended by the ISO standard.
Does the Best-Fitting Curve Always Exist?
Authors: Chernov N. , Huang Q. , Ma H.
Published: September 2012

Fitting geometric shapes to observed data points (images) is a popular task in computer vision and modern statistics (errors-in-variables regression). We investigate the problem of existence of the best fit using geometric and probabilistic approaches.
Pyrolytic Sugars from Cellulosic Biomass
Authors: Kuzhiyil Najeeb , Dalluge Dustin , Bai Xianglan , Kim Kwang Ho , Brown Robert C.
Published: September 2012

Depolymerization of cellulose offers the prospect of inexpensive sugars from biomass. Breaking the glycosidic bonds of cellulose to liberate glucose has usually been pursued by acid or enzymatic hydrolysis although a purely thermal depolymerization route to sugars is also possible. Fast pyrolysis of pure cellulose yields primarily the anhydrosugar levoglucosan (LG) whereas the presence of naturally occurring alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) in biomass strongly catalyzes ring‐breaking reactions that favor formation of light oxygenates. Here, we show a method of significantly increasing the yield of sugars from biomass by purely thermal means through infusion of certain mineral acids (phosphoric and sulfuric acid) into the biomass to convert the AAEMs into thermally stable salts (particularly potassium sulfates and phosphates). These salts not only passivate AAEMs that normally catalyze fragmentation of pyranose rings, but also buffer the system at pH levels that favor glycosidic bond breakage. It appears that AAEM passivation contributes to 80 % of the enhancement in LG yield while the buffering effect of the acid salts contributes to the balance of the enhancement.
Highly‐efficient colony PCR method for red yeasts and its application to identify mutations within two leucine auxotroph mutants
Authors: Lin Xinping , Yang Fan , Zhou Yongjin , Zhu Zhiwei , Jin Guojie , Zhang Sufang , Zhao Zongbao Kent
Published: September 2012

Red yeasts hold great promise in the production of microbial lipids and carotenoids. Genetic study of red yeasts has attracted much attention; however, rapid amplification of genes from red yeast samples remains technically challenging. Here a highly efficient method for the preparation of genomic DNA (gDNA) template, which could be directly used for PCR, was developed. Cells from colonies or liquid cultures were collected and sequentially treated by microwave, plMAN5C, proteinase K and boiling (MMPB) in a single tube to give cell lysates that were qualified as PCR templates. Single‐copied gDNA fragments o up to 2.8 kb were successfully amplified. We also demonstrated successful application of this method for species in the Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes and identification of two leucine auxotroph mutants of Rhodotorula glutinis. This method could be widely employed for the screening and genetic engineering of various yeasts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Gene Deletion Analysis Exploring Yeast Filamentous Growth
Authors: Ryan Owen , Shapiro Rebecca S. , Kurat Christoph F. , Mayhew David , Baryshnikova Anastasia , Chin Brian , Lin Zhen-Yuan , Cox Michael J. , Vizeacoumar Frederick , Cheung Doris , Bahr Sondra , Tsui Kyle , Tebbji Faiza , Sellam Adnane , Istel Fabian , Schwarzmüller Tobias , Reynolds Todd B. , Kuchler Karl , Gifford David K. , Whiteway Malcolm , Giaever Guri , Nislow Corey , Costanzo Michael , Gingras Anne-Claude , Mitra Robi David , Andrews Brenda , Fink Gerald R. , Cowen Leah E. , Boone Charles
Published: September 2012

Infectious Phenotype

The pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
needs to adopt a filamentous form to invade tissues. The distantly related yeast species
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
also takes on a filamentous form for nutrient foraging. Comparing genome-wide deletion libraries between the two species,

Ryan
et al.

(p.
1353
) identified genes involved in three different filamentous yeast phenotypes and found unique genes for each of these phenotypes. However, in addition, core genes, including a previously unknown conserved regulator, appear to have homologous roles in regulating filamentous growth in these distantly related yeast species.
Bond-Order Discrimination by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Gross Leo , Mohn Fabian , Moll Nikolaj , Schuler Bruno , Criado Alejandro , Guitián Enrique , Peña Diego , Gourdon André , Meyer Gerhard
Published: September 2012

Visualizing Bond Order

Bond lengths in conjugated molecules closely reflect individual bond order and are usually determined by diffraction methods. It is valuable to know bond order for rationalizing aromaticity, and reactivity and for chemical structure determination.

Gross
et al.

(p.
1326
; see the Perspective by

Perez

and the cover) differentiated the bond orders in individual molecules in the fullerene C
60
and in polyaromatic hydrocarbons by imaging with noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molecules were adsorbed onto a copper surface, and the AFM tip was decorated with a CO molecule, which was used to measure tip frequency shifts above the bonds and their apparent lengths. Multiple bonds appeared brighter in the images because of stronger Pauli repulsion, and their shorter length was amplified by bending of the CO at the tip apex.
When Paths to Cooperation Converge
Authors: Sherratt Thomas N. , Roberts Gilbert
Published: September 2012

Cooperation now has many solutions, but recent work shows how two well-known mechanisms interact.
What a Piece of Work Is Man
Beyond Pleasure and Pain
How Motivation Works

by E. Tory Higgins

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2012. 568 pp. S69.95, £45. ISBN 9780199765829.
Authors: Schwartz Barry
Published: September 2012

Arguing that there is much more to motivation than seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, Higgins points to the importance of desires for value, truth, and control.
Orchestrating Inflammasomes
Authors: Franchi Luigi , Núñez Gabriel
Published: September 2012

A multiprotein structure in immune cells requires phosphorylation of a constituent to propel its assembly and activation for clearing bacterial infection.
ON THE NON-VANISHING AND THE ARTINIANNESS OF GENERALIZED LOCAL COHOMOLOGY MODULES
Authors: NAM TRAN TUAN
Published: September 2012

We study top generalized local cohomology modules and get important properties about the vanishing, non-vanishing and the artinianness of generalized local cohomology modules.
Ecoenzymatic Stoichiometry and Ecological Theory
Authors: Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Follstad Shah Jennifer J.
Published: September 2012

The net primary production of the biosphere is consumed largely by microorganisms, whose metabolism creates the trophic base for detrital foodwebs, drives element cycles, and mediates atmospheric composition. Biogeochemical constraints on microbial catabolism, relative to primary production, create reserves of detrital organic carbon in soils and sediments that exceed the carbon content of the atmosphere and biomass. The production of organic matter is an intracellular process that generates thousands of compounds from a small number of precursors drawn from intermediary metabolism. Osmotrophs generate growth substrates from the products of biosynthesis and diagenesis by enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur largely outside cells. These enzymes, which we define as ecoenzymes, enter the environment by secretion and lysis. Enzyme expression is regulated by environmental signals, but once released from the cell, ecoenzymatic activity is determined by environmental interactions, represented as a kinetic cascade, that lead to multiphasic kinetics and large spatiotemporal variation. At the ecosystem level, these interactions can be viewed as an energy landscape that directs the availability and flow of resources. Ecoenzymatic activity and microbial metabolism are integrated on the basis of resource demand relative to environmental availability. Macroecological studies show that the most widely measured ecoenzymatic activities have a similar stoichiometry for all microbial communities. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry connects the elemental stoichiometry of microbial biomass and detrital organic matter to microbial nutrient assimilation and growth. We present a model that combines the kinetics of enzyme activity and community growth under conditions of multiple resource limitation with elements of metabolic and ecological stoichiometry theory. This biogeochemical equilibrium model provides a framework for comparative studies of microbial community metabolism, the principal driver of biogeochemical cycles.
An Emerging Understanding of Mechanisms Governing Insect Herbivory Under Elevated CO2
Authors: Zavala Jorge A. , Nabity Paul D. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: September 2012

By changing the chemical composition of foliage, the increase in atmospheric CO2 is fundamentally altering insect herbivory. The responses of folivorous insects to these changes is, however, highly variable. In this review we highlight emerging mechanisms by which increasing CO2 alters the defense chemistry and signaling of plants. The response of allelochemicals affecting insect performance varies under elevated CO2, and results suggest this is driven by changes in plant hormones. Increasing CO2 suppresses the production of jasmonates and ethylene and increases the production of salicylic acid, and these differential responses of plant hormones affect specific secondary chemical pathways. In addition to changes in secondary chemistry, elevated CO2 decreases rates of water loss from leaves, increases temperature and feeding rates, and alters nutritional content. New insights into the mechanistic responses of secondary chemistry to elevated CO2 increase our ability to predict the ecological and evolutionary responses of plants attacked by insects.
Some New Classes of Generalized Apostol-Euler and Apostol-Genocchi Polynomials
Authors: Tremblay R. , Gaboury S. , Fugère B.-J.
Published: September 2012

The main object of this paper is to introduce and investigate two new classes of generalized Apostol-Euler and Apostol-Genocchi polynomials. In particular, we obtain a new addition formula for the new class of the generalized Apostol-Euler polynomials. We also give an extension and some analogues of the Srivastava-Pintér addition theorem obtained in the works by Srivastava and Pintér (2004) and R. Tremblay, S. Gaboury, B.-J. Fugère, and Tremblay et al. (2011). for both classes.
A Hybrid ICA‐SVM Approach for Determining the Quality Variables at Fault in a Multivariate Process
Authors: Shao Yuehjen E. , Lu Chi-Jie , Wang Yu-Chiun
Published: September 2012

The monitoring of a multivariate process with the use of multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) charts has received considerable attention. However, in practice, the use of MSPC chart typically encounters a difficulty. This difficult involves which quality variable or which set of the quality variables is responsible for the generation of the signal. This study proposes a hybrid scheme which is composed of independent component analysis (ICA) and support vector machine (SVM) to determine the fault quality variables when a step‐change disturbance existed in a multivariate process. The proposed hybrid ICA‐SVM scheme initially applies ICA to the Hotelling T2 MSPC chart to generate independent components (ICs). The hidden information of the fault quality variables can be identified in these ICs. The ICs are then served as the input variables of the classifier SVM for performing the classification process. The performance of various process designs is investigated and compared with the typical classification method. Using the proposed approach, the fault quality variables for a multivariate process can be accurately and reliably determined.
An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Simulation Using Linear Quadratic Servo Based on Open Control Platform
Authors: Syahroni Nanang , Choi Jae Weon
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an optimal regulator for depth control simulation of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) using a new approach of decentralized system environment called open control platform (OCP). Simulation results are presented to demonstrate performance of the proposed method.
Morphological Aspects and Immunophenotypic Profiles of Mammary Carcinomas in Benign-Mixed Tumors of Female Dogs
Authors: Ribeiro Gustavo Meirelles , Bertagnolli Angélica Cavalheiro , Rocha Rafael Malagoli , Cassali Geovanni Dantas
Published: September 2012

Carcinoma in benign-mixed tumor (CBMT) is common in the female canine mammary gland and comprises malignant epithelial between benign mesenchymal elements. This study investigated the morphological aspects of 29 CBMT and their immunophenotypical profiles, by using an immunohistochemistry panel based on five molecular markers—estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), cytokeratin 5 (CK5), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR). From these, CBMT was classified into four subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-like, basal-like, and normal. “In situ” and invasive carcinomatous components were analyzed and compared. Histological grade I carcinoma was observed in 16 cases (55.2%) of the tumors analyzed, grade II in 10 cases (34.5%), and grade III in three cases (10.3%). The invasive carcinomatous component has shown, more frequently, luminal A (12/29 cases, 41.4%), followed by basal-like phenotype (8/29 cases, 27.6%). There was high concordance between immunophenotypical profiles of thein situand invasive carcinomatous components (kappa coefficient=0.816,P<0.001). We concluded that CBMT predominantly has features of low-grade neoplasms of malignancy. The various immunophenotypic profiles suggest the origin of these lesions in more than one cell type (luminal and myoepithelial).
Chinese Herbal Medicine Paratherapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of 19 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Yan , Xie Cheng-Long , Lu Lin , Fu Deng-Lei , Zheng Guo-Qing
Published: September 2012

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that needs long-term levodopa administration and can result in progressive deterioration of body functions, daily activities and participation. The objective of this meta-analysis evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjunct therapy for PD patients. Methodological issues include a systematic literature search between 1950 and April 2011 to identify randomized trials involving CHM adjuvant therapy versus western conventional treatment. The outcome measures assessed were the reduction in scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and adverse effects. 19 trials involving 1371 participants were included in the meta-analysis. As compared to western conventional treatment, CHM adjuvant therapy resulted in greater improvement in UPDRS I, II, III, IV scores, and UPDRS I–IV total scores (P<0.001). Adverse effects were reported in 9 studies. The side effects in CHM adjuvant therapy group were generally less than or lighter than the conventional treatment group. In conclusion, CHM adjuvant therapy may potentially alleviate symptoms of PD and generally appeared to be safe and well tolerated by PD patients. However, well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are still needed due to the generally low methodological quality of the included studies.
Partition Learning for Multiagent Planning
Authors: Wood Jared , Hedrick J. Karl
Published: September 2012

Automated surveillance of large geographic areas and target tracking by a team of autonomous agents is a topic that has received significant research and development effort. The standard approach is to decompose this problem into two steps. The first step is target track estimation and the second step is path planning by optimizing directly over target track estimation. This standard approach works well in many scenarios. However, an improved approach is needed for the scenario when general, nonparametric estimation is required, and the number of targets is unknown. The focus of this paper is to present a new approach that inherently handles the task to search for and track anunknownnumber of targets within alargegeographic area. This approach is designed for the case when the search is performed by a team of autonomous agents and target estimation requires general, nonparametric methods. There are consequently very few assumptions made. The only assumption made is that a time-changing target track estimation is available and shared between the agents. This estimation is allowed to be general and nonparametric. Results are provided that compare the performance of this new approach with the standard approach. From these results it is concluded that this new approach improves search and tracking when the number of targets is unknown and target track estimation is general and nonparametric.
Homotopy Analysis Method for the Rayleigh Equation Governing the Radial Dynamics of a Multielectron Bubble
Authors: Godínez F. A. , Escobedo M. A. , Navarrete M.
Published: September 2012

The homotopy analysis method is used to obtain analytical solutions of the Rayleigh equation for the radial oscillations of a multielectron bubble in liquid helium. The small order approximations for amplitude and frequency fit well with those computed numerically. The results confirm that the homotopy analysis method is a powerful and manageable tool for finding analytical solutions of strongly nonlinear dynamical systems.
Radial Basis Function Neural Network Application to Measurement and Control of Shunt Reactor Overvoltages Based on Analytical Rules
Authors: Sadeghkhani Iman , Ketabi Abbas , Feuillet Rene
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an artificial intelligence application to measure switching overvoltages caused by shunt reactor energization by applying analytical rules. In a small power system that appears in an early stage of a black start of a power system, an overvoltage could be caused by core saturation on the energization of a reactor with residual flux. A radial basis function (RBF) neural network has been used to estimate the overvoltages due to reactor energization. Equivalent circuit parameters of network have been used as artificial neural network (ANN) inputs; thus, RBF neural network is applicable to every studied system. The developed ANN is trained with the worst case of the switching angle and remanent flux and tested for typical cases. The simulated results
for a partial of 39‐bus New England test system show that the proposed technique can measure the peak values and duration of switching overvoltages with good accuracy.
Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome: Is This the Future of Nutrition Screening and Assessment for Older Adults?
Authors: Vandewoude Maurits F. J. , Alish Carolyn J. , Sauer Abby C. , Hegazi Refaat A.
Published: September 2012

Malnutrition is common across varying patient populations, particularly older adults, and sarcopenia prevalence increases with advancing age. Both malnutrition and sarcopenia are associated with substantial adverse outcomes affecting both the patient and the healthcare system, including increased morbidity, mortality, rehospitalization rates, and healthcare costs. Healthcare practitioners may assess patients for either malnutrition or sarcopenia; however, many patients clinically present with both conditions, resulting in the syndrome, Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome, which is the clinical presentation of both malnutrition and accelerated age-associated loss of lean body mass, strength, and/or functionality. Clinicians are urged to screen, assess, and treat these conditions currently so as to adequately address the full spectrum of patients’ nutritional issues. By examining aspects of both conditions, clinicians can more fully assess their patients’ clinical and nutritional status and can tailor targeted therapies to meet their needs and improve outcomes. This proposed syndrome embodies the inherent association of malnutrition and sarcopenia, highlighting their combined impact on clinical outcomes. The objective of this review paper is to characterize Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome to advance clinical practice, by providing clinicians with the necessary background information to integrate nutritional assessment along with loss of muscle mass and functionality in their everyday clinical practice.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study on 48 Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Cirillo Fernando , Vismarra Marco , Cafaro Ines , Martinotti Mario
Published: September 2012

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. Fourty-eight patients with MCC were observed at the Rare Hormonal Tumors Group of Cremona Hospital, 15 of these with unknown primary site. Due to rarity of Merkel cell carcinoma, clinical experience is generally limited. Data from our series confirm the current recommendations. Wide surgical excision must be associated with radiotherapy also in early stages in order to avoid local relapse and the rapid progression of disease. In advanced stages chemotherapy is the standard despite the short duration of responses and poor quality of life. The data of our series, characterized by a high demand for second opinion, offer some insight about the real rarity of the tumor, the difficulty of managing of disease in our country secondary to a wrong cultural approach to the problem, the indiscriminate use of molecules unnecessary and often expensive, the lack of protocols, and the presence of guidelines often ignored. This results in very poor survival associated with a very low quality of life, requiring to find the right direction towards a correct management of disease.
Clinical Pathways Based on Integrative Medicine in Chinese Hospitals Improve Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multicentre, Nonrandomized Historically Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Minzhou , Guo Liheng , Qi Jianyong , Luo Haiming , He Hankang , Wang Xiaolong , Yang Haiyu , Wu Yang , Miu Canming , Chen Xiaohu , Wu Jiashin
Published: September 2012

Objective. To determine the impact of an integrative medicine clinical pathways (CPs) on the length of in-hospital stay and on outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods. A multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial enrolling 197 consecutive patients with AMI at eight urban TCM hospitals was conducted between 1 January 2010 and 31 October 2010. These patients were enrolled in the interventional group after the CPs had been implemented. The control group included 405 patients with AMI from eight hospitals; these patients were treated between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2009, before the CPs were implemented. Outcome measures were the length of hospital stay costs of medical care, and major cardiovascular events (MACEs) during hospitalization.Results. Compared with the control group, the patients in intervention group had a shorter length of hospital stay (9.2±4.2days versus12.7±8.6days,P<0.05), and reduced healthcare costs in hospital (46365.7±18266.9versus52866.0±35404.4,P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in MACE between the two groups during the hospitalization period (2.5% versus 6.9%,P=0.03).Conclusion. These data suggest that the development and implementation of the clinical pathways based in Integrative Medicine could further improve quality of care and outcome for patients with AMI.
A High-Throughput Computational Framework for Identifying Significant Copy Number Aberrations from Array Comparative Genomic Hybridisation Data
Authors: Roberts Ian , Carter Stephanie A. , Scarpini Cinzia G. , Karagavriilidou Konstantina , Barna Jenny C. J. , Calleja Mark , Coleman Nicholas
Published: September 2012

Reliable identification of copy number aberrations (CNA) from comparative genomic hybridization data would be improved by the availability of a generalised method for processing large datasets. To this end, we developed swatCGH, a data analysis framework and region detection heuristic for computational grids. swatCGH analyses sequentially displaced (sliding) windows of neighbouring probes and applies adaptive thresholds of varying stringency to identify the 10% of each chromosome that contains the most frequently occurring CNAs. We used the method to analyse a published dataset, comparing data preprocessed using four different DNA segmentation algorithms, and two methods for prioritising the detected CNAs. The consolidated list of the most commonly detected aberrations confirmed the value of swatCGH as a simplified high-throughput method for identifying biologically significant CNA regions of interest.
Design Considerations for a Portable Raman Probe Spectrometer for Field Forensics
Authors: Kelly James F. , Blake Thomas A. , Bernacki Bruce E. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: September 2012

Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be a viable method for explosives detection. Currently most forensic Raman systems are either large, powerful instruments for laboratory experiments or handheld instruments forin situpoint detection. We have chosen to examine the performance of certain benchtop Raman probe systems with the goal of developing an inexpensive, portable system that could be used to operate in a field forensics laboratory to examine explosives-related residues or samples. To this end, a rugged, low distortion line imaging dispersive Raman spectrograph was configured to work at 830 nm laser excitation and was used to determine whether the composition of thin films of plastic explosives or small (e.g., ≤10 μm) particles of RDX or other explosives or oxidizers can be detected, identified, and quantified in the field. With 300 mW excitation energy, concentrations of RDX and PETN can be detected and reconstructed in the case of thin Semtex smears, but further work is needed to push detection limits of areal dosages to the ~1 μg/cm2level. We describe the performance of several probe/spectrograph combinations and show preliminary data for particle detection, calibration and detection linearity for mixed compounds, and so forth.
Managing soft tissue sarcomas in a developing country: are prognostic factors similar to those of developed world?
Authors: Qadir Irfan , Umer Masood , Umer Hafiz Muhammad , Uddin Nasir , Karsan Farrok , Rabbani Muhammad Sharoz
Published: September 2012

Background

Managing soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in a developing country with limited financial resources and a poor health referral system is a challenge. Presenting late, these extremity STS are prone to recurrence despite apparently complete resection. This study aimed to explore and compare the impact of clinico-pathological factors on recurrence and survival in Pakistan with the corresponding figures quoted from the developed world.

Methods

An institutional review was performed on all patients with primary STS of the extremities operated on between 1994 and 2008. The prognostic influence of clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables on local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival curves.

Results

A total of 84 patients with a mean age of 41.8 ± 21.9 years were included in the study. The local recurrence rate was 14.3% after a median of 6 (mean 7.4) months. Metastases occurred in 7 patients (8.3%) and 65 patients were alive without evidence of disease after a mean follow-up of 52.6 ± 39.8 months. Tumor size > 5 cm, grade 3 tumors and margin < 10 mm significantly increased local recurrence rates. A margin ≥ 10 mm and age < 45 years significantly enhanced cumulative survival. Significant multivariate risk factors for metastases were margin < 10 mm and tumor grade G3.

Conclusions

Despite a poor health referral system in our country, our results are no different from those reported from the developed world. Surgical margins and tumor grade prognostically influenced LRFS, MFS and OS.
Involvement of autophagy in ovarian cancer: a working hypothesis
Authors: Peracchio Claudia , Alabiso Oscar , Valente Guido , Isidoro Ciro
Published: September 2012

Autophagy is a lysosomal-driven catabolic process that contributes to preserve cell and tissue homeostases through the regular elimination of damaged, aged and redundant self-constituents. In normal cells, autophagy protects from DNA mutation and carcinogenesis by preventive elimination of pro-oxidative mitochondria and protein aggregates. Mutations in oncogenes and oncosuppressor genes dysregulate autophagy. Up-regulated autophagy may confer chemo- and radio-resistance to cancer cells, and also a pro-survival advantage in cancer cells experiencing oxygen and nutrient shortage. This fact is the rationale for using autophagy inhibitors along with anti-neoplastic therapies. Yet, aberrant hyper-induction of autophagy can lead to cell death, and this phenomenon could also be exploited for cancer therapy. The actual level of autophagy in the cancer cell is greatly affected by vascularization, inflammation, and stromal cell infiltration. In addition, small non-coding microRNAs have recently emerged as important epigenetic modulators of autophagy. The present review focuses on the potential involvement of macroautophagy, and on its genetic and epigenetic regulation, in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and progression.
Gila Woodpecker Agonistic Behavior
Authors: Brenowitz Gene L.
Published: September 2012

Agonistic behavior of Gila Woodpeckers, including vocalizations, visual displays, and other related behaviors, is described. Interactions with both con- and heterospecifics were analyzed by stochastic processes, and it is shown that the timing of aggression toward a species coincided with the time during which that species was searching for nest sites or cavities. The behavior shown toward Flickers and Starlings appears to fulfill criteria for interspecific territoriality, and evidence is presented to support the contention that the function of this behavior is protection of nest sites and nest holes from competitors. The effects of intra- and interspecific territoriality on the distribution of the species involved were found to be significantly different. Simultaneous protection of different sized territories is discussed.
Androgens and Mating Systems: Testosterone-induced Polygyny in Normally Monogamous Birds
Authors: Wingfield John C.
Published: September 2012

Recent investigations of the plasma profiles of testosterone (T) in free-living birds suggest that circulating levels of T during the reproductive cycle remain elevated longer in males of polygynous species than in males of monogamous species. When the hormonal profile of polygynous males is mimicked by the administration of subcutaneous implants of T to males of monogamous species, thus maintaining plasma levels of this androgen at high vernal levels, frequencies of territorial aggression and courtship behavior remain elevated, resulting in a marked increase in the size of the territory. A substantial number of T-implanted males also become polygynous, attracting two and sometimes three females to settle on their enlarged territories. These data suggest strongly that the nature of avian mating systems is regulated proximately by temporal patterns of hormone secretion.
Geographic Variation in Clutch Size in the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus): Support for Ashmole's Hypothesis
Authors: Koenig Walter D.
Published: September 2012

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), a common hole-nesting North American woodpecker, exhibits a highly significant latitudinal increase in clutch size. Using preserved clutches and information on climatic conditions and breeding densities of confamilial species, I examined the hypothesis that this geographic trend is the result of seasonal fluctuations in resources ("Ashmole's hypothesis"; Ashmole 1961, 1963; Ricklefs 1980). Clutch size is significantly correlated both with the ratio of summer productivity to estimated breeding densities of all woodpecker species and with the ratio of summer to winter productivity, supporting Ashmole's hypothesis. In addition, a substantial portion of the latitudinal gradient can be directly explained by the seasonality of resources, primarily because of an inverse correlation between clutch size and winter productivity. These results provide the first corroboration of Ashmole's hypothesis from an examination of intraspecific clutch-size variation and suggest that geographic trends in fecundity in some cases may be largely attributable to trends in seasonal fluctuations of resources.
Applications of Electrophoretic Data in Avian Systematics
Authors: Matson Ronald H.
Published: September 2012

This paper is a survey of applications of electrophoretic techniques in ornithology, with an emphasis on post-1970 publications. The majority of electrophoretic studies of birds have been limited in a variety of ways. Many have dealt with "domesticated" species or have been limited to the examination of blood and/or egg-white proteins. Problems in comparing results from different studies have arisen because of: (1) dissimilar electrophoretic techniques; (2) varying numbers of taxa; (3) nonstandardized enzyme and locus nomenclature; and, especially, (4) different methods of data analysis. These methodological problems must be addressed in order to broaden the utility of electrophoretic data in avian systematics. I suggest that the enzyme names recognized by the International Union of Biochemistry be used exclusively and that a standardized locus nomenclature, comparable with that used in other vertebrate classes, be developed. The predominating use of allozyme characters can be supplemented by "isozyme characters" (e.g. different numbers of genes, heteropolymer assembly, and regulation of expression sensu Buth in press), which possibly could be applied to a determination of systematic relationships of higher-level taxonomic ranks. Allozyme and/or isozyme data should be retained in particulate form (i.e. not summarized as genetic distances). The use of outgroups to assign evolutionary direction is encouraged.
An Observer-Specific, Full-Season, Strip-Map Method for Censusing Songbird Communities
Authors: Emlen John T.
Published: September 2012

In this paper I describe and demonstrate a strip-map census method designed to provide a complete record of the composition and density of a temperate-zone breeding bird community through a period covering the peaks of breeding activity of all resident species and individuals. A route transecting the area of interest is laid out, flanked on each side by an unmarked strip of a width equal to the distance at which birds can be detected (the detection-threshold distance). All birds detected during uniform listening periods on frequent, closely scheduled, early morning traverses of the route are recorded with appropriate symbols at the moment of detection on simple line maps of the route. Because species differ in the distance at which their calls and songs can be heard and observers differ in their hearing acuity, each observer has an observer-specific strip width for each species. These strip widths are determined directly from the distribution of all detection points on the census maps at the end of the season. Multiplied by the length of the strip, they give the area of the strip for each species.

The accumulations of detection-point clusters on summary maps for each species are interpreted as the territories of individual birds. Densities within the study area or segments of it are determined by dividing the number of equivalent territories (Σ wholes plus fractions) within the species-detection strip by the area of the strip. Song frequencies are determined for each individual territory holder by multiplying the proportion of listening periods during which the bird was heard by the proportion of that bird's territory that fell within the species' detectability strip.

The method provides a continuous record, divisible into segments of any desired length, of the density, song activity, and distribution of individuals of each species through its breeding season. The detection-threshold distance and song-frequency values obtained can be used as species-specific conversion factors for translating simple detection counts to bird densities.
Parental Care of Fledged Young, Division of Labor, and the Development of Foraging Techniques in the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe L.)
Authors: Moreno Juan
Published: September 2012

The care of fledged young by parents and the interactions between parents and young were studied in seven broods of Northern Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe L.) in an agricultural area near Uppsala, central Sweden. Time budgets of young and the development of foraging skills were also quantified. Young of the same brood were observed out of the nestholes on the 15th or 16th day after hatching. The parents did not divide the brood until day 3 or 4, day 1 being the 16th day after hatching (assuming that all young fledged on the 15th day). Full stability of family units, with no transfers of responsibility for feeding specific young, was achieved on days 3-8. Both parents fed their respective groups of young at different sites, and young of the same family unit appeared to be aggregated in the territories. They perched nearer to each other on average than to young fed by the other parent. These results support the hypothesis that a division of labor in altricial birds has evolved to allow parents to locate their young more easily and to reduce travel distances between sites at which prey are captured and the locations of young.

Young wheatears depended on their parents for 2 weeks after leaving the nest. During that time, they became more active and mobile, spent less time calling and waiting for the parents to feed them, chased their parents more intensively to obtain food, and spent more time foraging. The marked increase in the chasing frequency of young after the first week coincided with a marked decrease in parental feeding rates and in the responsiveness of the parents to the begging calls of the young. Young also greatly increased their foraging activity after day 10, when parental feeding rates dropped to very low levels. These data support the hypothesis that parental reluctance to feed the young determines the onset of fledgling independence. Rates at which young attempted to capture prey and the proportion of successful attacks increased with age. Foraging techniques that are more dependent on flight performance (aerial hawking, perch-to-ground sallying) appeared later and were used less by the young than was ground-gleaning. There was a negative relationship between the intensity of chasing by the young and their capture success rates during different hours, which suggests that they switched between chasing the parents and self-feeding, depending on which was the most profitable strategy at the moment.
FSSC
Authors: Handaga Bana , Herawan Tutut , Deris Mustafa Mat
Published: September 2012

Introduced is a new algorithm for the classification of numerical data using the theory of fuzzy soft set, named Fuzzy Soft Set Classifier (FSSC). The algorithm uses the fuzzy approach in the pre-processing stage to obtain features, and similarity concept in the process of classification. It can be applied not only to binary-valued datasets, but also be able to classify the data that consists of real numbers. Comparison tests on seven datasets from UCI Machine Learning Repository have been carried out. It is shown that the proposed algorithm provides better accuracy and higher accuracy as compared to the baseline algorithm using soft set theory.
An Adaptive Scheduler Framework for Complex Workflow Jobs on Grid Systems
Authors: Siddesh G. M. , Srinisas K. G.
Published: September 2012

Grid Computing provides sharing of geographically distributed resources among large scale complex applications. Due to dynamic nature of resources in grid, there is a need of highly efficient job scheduling and resource management policies in grid. A novel Grid Resource Scheduler (GRS) is proposed to effectively utilize the available resources in Grid. Proposed GRS contributes, an optimal job scheduling algorithm on Job Rank-Backfilling policy and a resource matching algorithm based on ranking of resources with best fit allocation model. Performance of GRS is measured by considering a web based BLAST algorithm – a bioinformatics application. GRS aims in reducing; Makespan of the job workflow, execution time of varied size jobs, response time of the submitted jobs and overhead of using the system. It also considers improving the utilization factor and throughput of the available heterogeneous resources in grid. The experimental results prove that proposed grid scheduler framework performs better when evaluated against widely used First Come First Serve (FCFS), Shortest Job First (SJF) and Minimum Time to Due Date (MTTD) scheduling strategies.
Complementary Approaches to the Diffusion of Innovation
Authors: Arduini Davide , Nascia Leopoldo , Zanfei Antonello
Published: September 2012

Using data on the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by 1947 Italian firms in 2004 and 2005, this paper provides evidence that is consistent with three largely complementary streams of literature on innovation diffusion. First, as suggested by epidemic models, the authors highlight the positive impact of early adopters’ performance on the rate of diffusion. Second, following probit models, they show how market structure and user characteristics, including their size and competencies, affect ICT adoption. Third and finally, the authors draw insights from systemic approaches to emphasise the dynamic role played by the public sector and by the technological and institutional context in which user firms are active.
Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Low-Carbon Tourism Behavior
Authors: Kuo Nae-Wen , Dai You-Yu
Published: September 2012

To reduce carbon emissions resulted from tourism industry, low-carbon tourism is advocated and has become an important tourism policy in many countries. Previously, studies concerned about low-carbon tourism were focused on how to plan and design low-carbon tourism activities and itinerary products. However, little research was paid attention to the low-carbon tourism behavior of tourists and the factors that will influence their low-carbon tourism behavior were still unclear. Factors affecting tourists’ low-carbon tourism behavior are important and need to be explored. The main purpose of this research was to find the important factors that will affect tourists’ behavior, and a modified Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) mode was used. In this study, an effective sample of 387 Taiwanese who visited the first “ECO Taiwan Expo” in Taiwan was collected. The results showed that the respondents were independently involved in low-carbon tourism, rather than influenced by the views of significant others or groups. In addition, past travel experiences could improve perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention toward “low-carbon tourism” behavior. Finally, a moderating effect of perceived behavioral control between behavioral intention and preferred behavior was found in this study.
Oscillation of Clock and Clock Controlled Genes Induced by Serum Shock in Human Breast Epithelial and Breast Cancer Cells: Regulation by Melatonin
Authors: Xiang S. , Mao L. , Duplessis T. , Yuan L. , Dauchy R. , Dauchy E. , Blask D.E. , Frasch T. , Hill S.M.
Published: September 2012

This study investigates differences in expression of clock and clock-controlled genes (CCGs) between human breast epithelial and breast cancer cells and breast tumor xenografts in circadian intact rats and examines if the pineal hormone melatonin influences clock gene and CCG expression. Oscillation of clock gene expression was not observed under standard growth conditions in vitro, however, serum shock (50% horse serum for 2 h) induced oscillation of clock gene and CCG expression in MCF-10A cells, which was repressed or disrupted in MCF-7 cells. Melatonin administration following serum shock differentially suppressed or induced clock gene (Bmal1 and Per2) and CCG expression in MCF10A and MCF-7 cells. These studies demonstrate the lack of rhythmic expression of clock genes and CCGs of cells in vitro and that transplantation of breast cancer cells as xenografts into circadian competent hosts re-establishes a circadian rhythm in the peripheral clock genes of tumor cells.