bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations of the origin of phase differences seen with ultrashort TE imaging of short T2 meniscal tissue
Authors: Carl Michael , Chiang Jing‐Tzyh Alan
Published: September 2011

Ultrashort echo time MRI requires specialized pulse sequences with nominal echo times as low as a few microseconds to detect signals from the short T2 tissues frequently encountered in the musculoskeletal system. Usually, magnitude images are reconstructed and these often show low tissue contrast. Ultrashort echo time phase images of the meniscus show surprisingly high contrast despite their very short echo time. In this article, we investigated the source of this contrast using the Bloch equations, simulations, phantom experiments, and tissue studies. Phase evolution was shown to occur in ultrashort echo time sequences during the finite radiofrequency pulse and readout periods, and previously unrecognized susceptibility differences between fiber groups were observed in the meniscus. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The function of electoral communication in a developing democracy: the case of South Africa
Authors: Fourie Lynnette , du Plessis Neeltje
Published: September 2011

This article investigates the unique challenges facing political parties in terms of their communicative responsibilities in a developing democracy as demonstrated by the electoral communication of political parties in the national elections in South Africa over the past 14 years. Election posters, radio and television advertising messages were analysed and discussed in the light of the informational and interpretational functions of political parties. Messages were analysed in terms of the use of emotional and cognitive message structures, the use of negative messages in comparing party policies on specific issues, as well as the portrayal of leaders. Messages were also analysed to determine whether they had contributed to the advancement of the political debate in a developing democracy.

The conclusion that the communicative responsibilities of political parties imply that they ideally should assist voters in reaching informed decisions, stimulate public debate on politically sensitive issues without harming democracy and encourage citizens to exercise their democratic responsibility to participate in the democratic process was reached. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Refractory pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma associated with ectopic production of beta hCG and hypercalcemia induced by PTHrP
Authors: Inoue Nami , Watanabe Hiroyoshi , Takehara Hiroo , Hamazaki Minoru , Kagami Shoji
Published: September 2011

A 3‐month‐old male with a mass on the right side of his back was admitted to our hospital. The tumor was a pathologically high‐grade nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS). Treatment included subtotal tumor resection followed by chemotherapy. Elevation of serum beta hCG and hypercalcemia with detection of PTHrP was associated with tumor progression. The tumor was refractory to multiagent chemotherapy, and the patient died of the disease at 22 months of age. This case is novel in demonstrating a beta hCG secreting refractory NRSTS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1244–1246. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antiinflammatory Activities of Hungarian Stachys species and Their Iridoids
Authors: Háznagy‐Radnai Erzsébet , Balogh Ágnes , Czigle Szilvia , Máthé Imre , Hohmann Judit , Blazsó Gábor
Published: September 2011

The antiinflammatory activities of aqueous extracts prepared from the aerial parts of ten Hungarian Stachys species were investigated in vivo in the carrageenan‐induced paw oedema test after intraperitoneal and oral administration to rats. Some of the extracts were found to display significant antiphlogistic effects when administered intraperitoneally and orally; in particular, the extracts of S. alpina, S. germanica, S. officinalis and S. recta demonstrated high activity following intraperitoneal administration. At the same dose of 5.0 mg/kg, these extracts exhibited similar or greater potency than that of the positive control diclofenac‐Na. The main iridoids present in the investigated extracts, ajugoside, aucubin, acetylharpagide, harpagide and harpagoside, were also assayed in the same test, and high dose‐dependent antiphlogistic effects were recorded for aucubin and harpagoside. These results led to the conclusion that most probably iridoids are responsible for the antiinflammatory effect of Stachys species, but other active constituents or their synergism must also be implicated in the antiinflammatory effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric tracking of 4‐hydroxy‐2(E)‐nonenal biotransformations by mouse colon epithelial cells using [1,2‐13C2]‐4‐hydroxy‐2(E)‐nonenal as stable isotope tracer
Authors: Jouanin I. , Baradat M. , Gieules M. , Taché S. , Pierre F. H. F. , Guéraud F. , Debrauwer L.
Published: September 2011

4‐Hydroxy‐2(E)‐nonenal (HNE), a product of lipid peroxidation, has been extensively studied in several areas, including metabolism with radio‐isotopes and quantification in various matrices with deuterium‐labelled HNE as standard. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relevance of 13C‐labelled HNE in biotransformation studies to discriminate metabolites from endogens by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS). 13C‐Labelled HNE was synthesised in improved overall yield (20%), with the incorporation of two labels in the molecule. Immortalised mouse colon epithelial cells were incubated with 2:3 molar amounts of HNE/13C‐HNE in order to gain information on the detection of metabolites in complex media. Our results demonstrated that the stable isotope m/z values determined by mass spectrometry were relevant in distinguishing metabolites from endogens, and that metabolite structures could be deduced. Six conjugate metabolites and 4‐hydroxy‐2(E)‐nonenoic acid were identified, together with an incompletely identified metabolite. Stable‐isotope‐labelled HNE has already been used for quantification purposes. However, this is the first report on the use of 13C‐labelled HNE as a tracer for in vitro metabolism. 13C‐Labelled HNE could also be of benefit for in vivo studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
13C tracer recovery in human stools after digestion of a fat‐rich meal labelled with [1,1,1‐13C3]tripalmitin and [1,1,1‐13C3]triolein
Authors: Gabert Laure , Vors Cécile , Louche‐Pélissier Corinne , Sauvinet Valérie , Lambert‐Porcheron Stéphanie , Drai Jocelyne , Laville Martine , Désage Michel , Michalski Marie‐Caroline
Published: September 2011

Lipid metabolism studies focus mainly on oxidation and storage but rarely on faecal elimination, which is needed to assess total lipid distribution during the postprandial period. The purpose of the present work was to set up and validate the analysis of lipid tracers in stools, with an aim of later using this methodology in studies of postprandial lipid tracer metabolism. Eight subjects received a mixture of [1,1,1‐13C3]tripalmitin and [1,1,1‐13C3]triolein with a fat‐rich meal. The nature and amounts of 13C lipids excreted in stools during 3 days post‐dose were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from total fatty acid (TFA), free fatty acid (FFA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions. The results were expressed as the Cumulative Tracer Recovery of the administered dose (CTR%). The quantities and labelling of FAMEs were higher in FFA than in TAG, indicating that label loss was not due to a lack of digestive lipase activity. The labelling was higher for C16:0 than for C18:1. The CTRs were 7.03 ± 0.77% and 6.87 ± 0.91%, respectively, in TFA and FFA for [1‐13C] C16:0, while they were 0.60 ± 0.15% and 0.51 ± 0.11% for [1‐13C] C18:1 (mean ± sem). By studying the kinetics of lipid excretion from subjects, two groups emerged. The first one showed rapid excretion in stool #1, whereas the second showed slower excretion in stools #2–#3. A significant difference was found in the FFA in stool #1 for C16:0 (p < 0.01) and C18:1 (p < 0.05). Individual excretion kinetics showed marked variability. Nevertheless, the CTR over the 3‐day study period was substantial and homogenous for all subjects. These results confirm that the assessment of faecal elimination is of great importance when establishing total lipid distribution during the postprandial period and validate the analysis of cumulative tracer loss during 72 h post‐tracer ingestion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopic and hydrochemical approach to the functioning of an aquifer system in the region of Marrakech (Morocco)
Authors: Ait Lemkademe Anasse , Michelot Jean‐Luc , Benkaddour Abdelfattah , Hanich Laoucine , Maliki Ahmed
Published: September 2011

A geochemical and isotopic (water and dissolved sulphate) study was performed on groundwater in the region of Marrakech, Morocco, with the aim of better understanding the regional hydrogeological system in order to improve water resources management. Significant differences in stable isotope contents and chemical compositions were observed between groundwater collected in the northern part of the region (Jbilets massif), where the basement schists outcrop, and that sampled in the southern part (Haouz basin), where the basement schists are overlaid by Plio‐Quaternary deposits. The stable isotope composition of the groundwater showed that in the southern part the aquifer is mainly recharged from high‐altitude precipitation over the High‐Atlas Mountains, which may reach 600 mm per year or more, whereas, in the northern part, it is only recharged by lower‐altitude local precipitation, which does not exceed 240 mm per year. Because of this limited supply, the groundwater flux in the northern compartment is much lower than in the southern compartment. This affects the water‐rock interaction and the modalities of groundwater mineralization: the schist alteration is more developed in the southern compartment than in the northern one, leading to different behaviours of the conservative elements dissolved in groundwater. The observed geochemical and isotopic zonation of the studied area corresponds to a hydrogeological compartmentalisation, where the wells located in the north of the area generally produce less water than those located in the south of the area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can deuterium stable isotope values be used to assign the geographic origin of an auxiliary hoverfly in south‐western France?
Authors: Ouin A. , Menozzi P. , Coulon M. , Hamilton A. J. , Sarthou J. P. , Tsafack N. , Vialatte A. , Ponsard S.
Published: September 2011

Deuterium δD isotopic analysis is increasingly being used to trace wildlife movement, and undoubtedly has much to offer in this respect, but questions still remain as to the feasibility and practicality of the method in ecology. Here we report our attempt to determine the geographic origin of an auxiliary hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus, in south‐western France. We used quantile regression to calculate the minimum separation distance, based on the International Atomic Energy Agency/World Meteorological Organization (IAEA/WMO) data, at which two insects could be said to originate from different latitudes with a given degree of confidence. We collected larvae in spring 2007 and 2009 to obtain the δD signal of indigenous hoverflies and we trapped adults during one complete year (from Dec. 2006 to Nov. 2007). The smallest separation distance calculated was about 1400 km in western Europe. Our results revealed greater variability in δD of adults in autumn than in spring. From this we infer an autumnal migration. Because of the presence of mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the δD gradient in precipitation in western Europe is less clear than on the American continent, where it has been used successfully to infer geographical origins of animals under certain conditions. Despite the complications encountered in Europe, the minimum separation distance model proved a useful first step to obtain a first range of possible origins of E. balteatus and the application of the model to other arthropod species in Europe warrants investigation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging to monitor surface changes of UV‐irradiated poly(styrene) films
Authors: Crecelius Anna C. , Alexandrov Theodore , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2011

This study presents the application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI‐MSI) to monitor changes occurring at polymer surfaces. As an example, a poly(styrene) (PS) film was irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light at 254 nm for different time intervals, while areas of the film were protected from UV light by covering it with an aluminum mask. After the UV treatment, the polymer surface was analyzed by MALDI‐MSI. Time‐dependent photo‐induced cross‐linking of the polymer film was observed, and a correlation curve between UV radiation time and area of cross‐linking was constructed. This represents the first step towards the surface analysis of polymer components of photoresists and top coatings of cars, and it will also enable a new characterization strategy for combinatorial material research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary protein profiling by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: ADAM28 is overexpressed in bladder transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Tyan Yu‐Chang , Yang Ming‐Hui , Chen Sharon Chia‐Ju , Jong Shiang‐Bin , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Yang Yuan‐Han , Chung Tze‐Wen , Liao Pao‐Chi
Published: September 2011

Bladder cancer is the most common urological cancer with higher incidence rate in the endemic areas of Blackfoot disease (BFD) in southern Taiwan. The aim of this study was to utilize the proteomic approach to establish urinary protein patterns of bladder cancer. The experimental results showed that most patients with bladder cancer had proteinuria or albuminuria. The urine arsenic concentrations of bladder cancer patients in BFD areas were significantly higher than those patients from non‐BFD areas. In the proteomic analysis, the urinary proteome was identified by nano‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation pattern analysis. We categorized 2782 unique proteins of which 89 proteins were identified with at least three unique matching peptide sequences. Among these 89 proteins, thirteen of them were not found in the control group and may represent proteins specific for bladder cancer. In this study, three proteins, SPINK5, ADAM28 and PTP1, were also confirmed by Western blotting and showed significant differential expression compared with the control group. ADAM28 may be used as a possible biomarker of bladder cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogeneous magnesium isotopic composition of seawater: an excellent geostandard for Mg isotope analysis
Authors: Ling Ming‐Xing , Sedaghatpour Fatemeh , Teng Fang‐Zhen , Hays Phillip D. , Strauss Josiah , Sun Weidong
Published: September 2011

The magnesium (Mg) isotopic compositions of 40 seawater samples from the Gulf of Mexico and of one seawater sample from the southwest Hawaii area were determined by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) to investigate the homogeneity of Mg isotopes in seawater. The results indicate that the Mg isotopic composition of seawater from the Gulf of Mexico is homogeneous, both vertically and horizontally, with average values for δ26Mg = −0.832 ± 0.068 and δ25Mg = −0.432 ± 0.053 (n = 40, 2SD) – identical to those of seawater from Hawaii (average δ26Mg = −0.829 ± 0.037 and δ25Mg = −0.427 ± 0.033) and to the average literature values of seawater worldwide (δ26Mg = −0.83 ± 0.11 and δ25Mg = −0.43 ± 0.06, n = 49, 2SD). Collectively, global seawater has a homogeneous Mg isotopic composition with δ26Mg = −0.83 ± 0.09 and δ25Mg = −0.43 ± 0.06 (2SD, n = 90).

The magnesium isotopic composition of seawater is principally controlled by river water input, carbonate precipitation and oceanic hydrothermal interactions. The homogeneous Mg isotopic composition of seawater indicates a steady‐state budget in terms of Mg isotopes in oceans, consistent with a long Mg residence time (~13 Ma). Considering that seawater is homogeneous, readily available in large amounts, can be easily accessed and processed for isotopic analysis, and has an isotopic composition near the middle of the natural range of variation, it is an excellent geostandard for accuracy assessment to rule out analytical artifacts during high‐precision Mg isotopic analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abundance of 13C and 15N in emmer, spelt and naked barley grown on differently manured soils: towards a method for identifying past manuring practice
Authors: Kanstrup Marie , Thomsen Ingrid K. , Andersen Astrid J. , Bogaard Amy , Christensen Bent T.
Published: September 2011

The shortage of plant‐available nutrients probably constrained prehistoric cereal cropping but there is very little direct evidence relating to the history of ancient manuring. It has been shown that the long‐term addition of animal manure elevates the δ15N value of soil and of modern crops grown on the soil. We have examined the δ15N and δ13C values of soil and of the grain and straw fractions of three ancient cereal types grown in unmanured, PK amended and cattle manured plots of the Askov long‐term field experiment. Manure increased biomass yields and the δ15N values of soil and of grain and straw fractions of the ancient cereal types; differences in δ15N between unmanured and PK treatments were insignificant. The offset in straw and grain δ15N due to manure averaged 7.9 and 8.8 ‰, respectively, while the soil offset was 1.9 ‰. The soil and biomass δ13C values were not affected by nutrient amendments. Grain weights differed among cereal types but increased in the order: unmanured, PK, and animal manure. The grain and straw total‐N concentration was generally not affected by manure addition. Our study suggests that long‐term application of manure to permanently cultivated sites would have provided a substantial positive effect on cereals grown in early agriculture and will have left a significant N isotopic imprint on soil, grains and straw. We suggest that the use of animal manure can be identified by the 15N abundance in remains of ancient cereals (e.g. charred grains) from archaeological sites and by growing test plants on freshly exposed palaeosols. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue‐spray ionization mass spectrometry for raw herb analysis
Authors: Chan Sharon Lai‐Fung , Wong Melody Yee‐Man , Tang Ho‐Wai , Che Chi‐Ming , Ng Kwan‐Ming
Published: September 2011

Tissue‐spray ionization mass spectrometry is developed for the in situ chemical analysis of raw herbs under ambient conditions. We demonstrated that analyte molecules could be directly sprayed and ionized from solvent‐wetted ginseng tissues upon the application of high electrical voltage to the tissue sample. Abundant phytochemicals/ metabolites, including ginsenosides, amino acids and oligosaccharides, could be detected from ginseng tissues when the tissue‐spray experiments were conducted in positive ion mode. Thermally labile and easily hydrolyzed malonyl‐ginsenosides were also detected in negative ion mode. The tissue‐spray ionization method enables the direct detection of analytes from raw herb samples and preserves the sample integrity for subsequent morphological and/ or microscopic examination. In addition, this method is simple and fast for chemical profiling of wild‐type and cultivated‐type American ginsengs with differentiation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted quantitative bioanalysis in plasma using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometry: an evaluation of global selectivity as a function of mass resolving power and extraction window, with comparison of centroid and profile modes
Authors: Xia Yuan‐Qing , Lau Jim , Olah Timothy , Jemal Mohammed
Published: September 2011

There is a growing interest in exploring the use of liquid chromatography coupled with full‐scan high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) in bioanalytical laboratories as an alternative to the current practice of using LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Therefore, we have investigated the theoretical and practical aspects of LC/HRMS as it relates to the quantitation of drugs in plasma, which is the most commonly used matrix in pharmacokinetics studies. In order to assess the overall selectivity of HRMS, we evaluated the potential interferences from endogenous plasma components by analyzing acetonitrile‐precipitated blank human plasma extract using an LC/HRMS system under chromatographic conditions typically used for LC/MS/MS bioanalysis with the acquisition of total ion chromatograms (TICs) using 10 k and 20 k resolving power in both profile and centroid modes. From each TIC, we generated extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) of the exact masses of the [M + H]+ ions of 153 model drugs using different mass extraction windows (MEWs) and determined the number of plasma endogenous peaks detected in each EIC. Fewer endogenous peaks are detected using higher resolving power, narrower MEW, and centroid mode. A 20 k resolving power can be considered adequate for the selective determination of drugs in plasma. To achieve desired analyte EIC selectivity and simultaneously avoid missing data points in the analyte EIC peak, the MEW used should not be too wide or too narrow and should be a small fraction of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the profile mass peak. It is recommended that the optimum MEW be established during method development under the specified chromatographic and sample preparation conditions. In general, the optimum MEW, typically ≤ ±20 ppm for 20 k resolving power, is smaller for the profile mode when compared with the centroid mode. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tandem mass spectrometric investigation of N‐(3‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters and N‐(6‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters
Authors: Rai Dilip K. , Mooney Áine , Kenny Peter T. M.
Published: September 2011

N‐(3‐Ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters 1–4 and N‐(6‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters 5–8 were prepared by coupling either 3‐ferrocenylnaphthalene‐2‐carboxylic acid or 6‐ferrocenylnaphthalene‐2‐carboxylic acid to the dipeptide ethyl esters GlyGly(OEt) (1, 5), AlaGly(OEt) (2, 6), GlyPhe(OEt) (3, 7) and GlyLeu(OEt) (4, 8), using the standard N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N'‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole protocol. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS) were employed in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry in the analysis of N‐(3‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters 1–4 and N‐(6‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide ethyl esters 5–8. Radical cations, [M]+• and [M + H]+ species were both observed in the mass spectra. Intense sodium [M + Na]+ and potassium [M + K]+ adducts were also present. An important diagnostic ion at m/z [M–65]+ was observed in both the MS and MS/MS spectra of the N‐(3‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide derivatives. Sequence‐specific ions were generally not observed in the MS/MS spectra of the N‐(3‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) series due to formation of the diagnostic [M–65]+ ion. Sequence‐specific ions were observed in the MS/MS spectra of the N‐(6‐ferrocenyl‐2‐naphthoyl) dipeptide esters with charge retention on the derivatized N‐terminal of the dipeptide. Both series of compounds could be successfully analyzed by MALDI without the use of a matrix (LDI). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐resolved analysis of hydrolytic aluminum species in the formation of the tridecamer using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Urabe Tatsuya , Tanaka Miho
Published: September 2011

The time‐resolved analysis of neutralized aluminum solution was conducted by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for the speciation of aluminum. Using this technique, the behavior of each aluminum species in a ‘short‐term’ (on the order of minutes) reaction time could be observed. Partially neutralized aluminum solutions (R = [OH–]add/[Al3+]T = 0–3) were adopted to elucidate the formation mechanisms of aluminum species, some of which are industrially and geochemically important. The behavior of the species in the solution at R = 1.5 was dependent on aging time for the first 24 h, while solutions at R = 0 and 3 were quickly equilibrated. At R = 1.5, the time lag for the gradual formation of aluminum tridecamer and the sudden decrease of monomer indicates the presence of an intermediate species: the pentamer. In the concentrated aluminum solution ([Al3+] = 1 mol/L) at R = 1.3, where the tridecamer was absent, the hexamer was observed instead of the tridecamer. This hexamer was decomposed to the monomer by dilution, and then the formation of the tridecamer was observed. Two reaction pathways exist for the formation of the hexamer and tridecamer, and the pentamer is proved to be a key to the formation of both the tridecamer and the hexamer. The tridecamer and hexamer, which are detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al NMR) and potentiometric titration, respectively, were simultaneously observed by ESI‐MS. This indicates that ESI‐MS complements conventional techniques such as 27Al NMR and potentiometric titration for the speciation of aluminum, and can offer detailed information on the dynamics of aluminum species. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DISCONNECTING THE FLOODPLAIN: EARTHWORKS AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL EFFECT ON A DRYLAND FLOODPLAIN IN THE MURRAY–DARLING BASIN, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Steinfeld C. M. M. , Kingsford R. T.
Published: September 2011

Globally, dams and water extractions are well‐recognised disruptors of flow regimes in floodplain wetlands, but little is known of the hydrological and ecological impacts of floodplain earthworks constructed for irrigation, flood mitigation and erosion control. We mapped the distribution of earthworks with high‐resolution SPOT (Système Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre) imagery in an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland, the Macquarie Marshes of the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. There were 339 km levees, 1648 km channels, 54 off‐river storages and 664 tanks (0.5–5 m high), detected within the 4793 km2 floodplain study area. Earthworks reduced localised flooding compared with undeveloped sites. The most pronounced disconnection of the original floodplain (73.0%) occurred where earthworks were most concentrated compared with areas with few earthworks (53.2%). We investigated relationships between hydrological connectivity and mortality of the perennial flood‐dependent river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis at 55 floodplain sites (225 × 150 m). Over half of the river red gums were dead at 21.8% of the sites. Earthworks blocked surface flows to flood‐dependent vegetation and drowned vegetation in artificially inundated off‐river storages. Mortality was due to impacts of earthworks and potentially exacerbated by effects of river regulation, water extraction and climate. River red gums were healthiest in narrow river corridors where earthworks confined flows and flows could recede freely. Rehabilitation of flood‐dependent ecosystems should focus on reinstating lateral connectivity and protecting environmental flows. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of adaptive random testing and random testing under various testing and debugging scenarios
Authors: Liu Huai , Kuo Fei‐Ching , Chen Tsong Yueh
Published: September 2011

Adaptive random testing is an enhancement of random testing. Previous studies on adaptive random testing assumed that once a failure is detected, testing is terminated and debugging is conducted immediately. It has been shown that adaptive random testing normally uses fewer test cases than random testing for detecting the first software failure. However, under many practical situations, testing should not be withheld after the detection of a failure. Thus, it is important to investigate the effectiveness with respect to the detection of multiple failures. In this paper, we compare adaptive random testing and random testing under various scenarios and examine whether adaptive random testing is still able to use fewer test cases than random testing to detect multiple software failures. Our study delivers some interesting results and highlights a number of promising research projects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pretreatment with Interferon-γ Enhances the Therapeutic Activity of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Animal Models of Colitis
Authors: Duijvestein Marjolijn , Wildenberg Manon E. , Welling Mick M. , Hennink Simone , Molendijk Ilse , van Zuylen Vanessa L. , Bosse Tjalling , Vos Anne Christine W. , de Jonge-Muller Eveline S. M. , Roelofs Helene , van der Weerd Louise , Verspaget Hein W. , Fibbe Willem E. , te Velde Anje A. , van den Brink Gijs R. , Hommes Daniel W.
Published: September 2011

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently under investigation for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, including Crohn's disease. MSCs are pluripotent cells with immunosuppressive properties. Recent data suggest that resting MSCs do not have significant immunomodulatory activity, but that the immunosuppressive function of MSCs has to be elicited by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In this article, we assessed the effects of IFN-γ prestimulation of MSCs (IMSCs) on their immunosuppressive properties in vitro and in vivo. To this end, we pretreated MSCs with IFN-γ and assessed their therapeutic effects in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)- and trinitrobenzene sulfonate (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice. We found that mice treated with IMSCs (but not MSCs) showed a significantly attenuated development of DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, IMSCs alleviated symptoms of TNBS-induced colitis. IMSC-treated mice displayed an increase in body weight, lower colitis scores, and better survival rates compared with untreated mice. In addition, serum amyloid A protein levels and local proinflammatory cytokine levels in colonic tissues were significantly suppressed after administration of IMSC. We also observed that IMSCs showed greater migration potential than unstimulated MSCs to sites within the inflamed intestine. In conclusion, we show that prestimulation of MSCs with IFN-γ enhances their capacity to inhibit Th1 inflammatory responses, resulting in diminished mucosal damage in experimental colitis. These data demonstrate that IFN-γ activation of MSCs increases their immunosuppresive capacities and importantly, their therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
Distinct Developmental Ground States of Epiblast Stem Cell Lines Determine Different Pluripotency Features
Authors: Bernemann Christof , Greber Boris , Ko Kinarm , Sterneckert Jared , Han Dong Wook , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Schöler Hans R.
Published: September 2011

Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) are pluripotent stem cells derived from mouse postimplantation embryos at embryonic day (E) 5.5–E7.5 at the onset of gastrulation, which makes them a valuable tool for studying mammalian postimplantation development in vitro. EpiSCs can also be reprogrammed into a mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-like state. Some reports have shown that the reversion of EpiSCs requires transcription factor overexpression, whereas others have suggested that use of stringent mESC culture conditions alone is sufficient for the reversion of EpiSCs. To clarify these discrepancies, we systematically compared a panel of independent EpiSC lines. We found that—regardless of the embryonic day of derivation—the different EpiSC lines shared a number of defining characteristics such as the ability to form teratomas. However, despite use of standard EpiSC culture conditions, some lines exhibited elevated expression of genes associated with mesendodermal differentiation. Pluripotency (Oct4) and mesodermal (Brachyury) marker genes were coexpressed in this subset of lines. Interestingly, the expression of mesendodermal marker genes was negatively correlated with the cells' ability to efficiently undergo neural induction. Moreover, these mesodermal marker gene-expressing cell lines could not be efficiently reverted to an mESC-like state by using stringent mESC culture conditions. Conversely, Brachyury overexpression diminished the reversion efficiency in otherwise Brachyury-negative lines. Overall, our data suggest that different EpiSC lines may undergo self-renewal into distinct developmental states, a finding with important implications for functional readouts such as reversion of EpiSCs to an mESC-like state as well as directed differentiation.
Novel Hematopoietic Progenitor Populations Revealed by Direct Assessment of GATA1 Protein Expression and cMPL Signaling Events
Authors: Heffner Garrett C. , Clutter Matthew R. , Nolan Garry P. , Weissman Irving L.
Published: September 2011

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) must exhibit tight regulation of both self-renewal and differentiation to maintain homeostasis of the hematopoietic system as well as to avoid aberrations in growth that may result in leukemias or other disorders. In this study, we sought to understand the molecular basis of lineage determination, with particular focus on factors that influence megakaryocyte/erythrocyte-lineage commitment, in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We used intracellular flow cytometry to identify two novel hematopoietic progenitor populations within the mouse bone-marrow cKit(+) Lineage (−) Sca1(+) (KLS) Flk2 (+) compartment that differ in their protein-level expression of GATA1, a critical megakaryocyte/erythrocyte-promoting transcription factor. GATA1-high repopulating cells exhibited the cell surface phenotype KLS Flk2(+ to int), CD150(int), CD105(+), cMPL(+), and were termed “FSE cells.” GATA1-low progenitors were identified as KLS Flk2(+), CD150(−), and cMPL(−), and were termed “Flk(+) CD150(−) cells.” FSE cells had increased megakaryocyte/platelet potential in culture and transplant settings and exhibited a higher clonal frequency of colony-forming unit–spleen activity compared with Flk(+) CD150(−) cells, suggesting functional consequences of GATA1 upregulation in promoting megakaryocyte and erythroid lineage priming. Activation of ERK and AKT signal-transduction cascades was observed by intracellular flow cytometry in long-term HSCs and FSE cells, but not in Flk(+) CD150(−) cells in response to stimulation with thrombopoietin, an important megakaryocyte-promoting cytokine. We provide a mechanistic rationale for megakaryocyte/erythroid bias within KLS Flk2(+) cells, and demonstrate how assessment of intracellular factors and signaling events can be used to refine our understanding of lineage commitment during early definitive hematopoiesis.
Predicting and presenting plausible future scenarios of wind power production from numerical weather prediction systems: a qualitative ex ante evaluation for decision making
Authors: Cutler Nicholas J. , Outhred Hugh R. , MacGill Iain F. , Kepert Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2011

This paper is concerned with evaluating techniques to forecast plausible future scenarios in wind power production for up to 48 h ahead, where the term scenario refers to a coherent chronological prediction including the timing, rapidity and size of large changes. Such predictions are of great interest in power systems with high regional wind penetration where a large rapid change in wind power may pose a threat to power system security. Numerous studies have evaluated wind power forecasting methods on ex post statistical measures of forecast accuracy such as root mean square error. Other work has assessed the forecast value by simulating automated decision making for bidding wind generation into particular electricity markets, and in some cases, the ex ante value of a perfect forecast has been assessed. The future, however, will always be uncertain, and decision making always takes place in an ex ante context. This paper discusses how numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems forecasts are produced, with a particular focus on uncertainty and how forecasters might visually present plausible future scenarios for wind power to electricity industry decision makers. It is difficult to quantify the ex ante value of visual wind power forecast information to the complex decision‐making process involved. Consequently, this paper explores qualitative assessments of ex ante value by proposing six desirable attributes for the techniques and the presentation of NWP forecasts to decision makers. It uses these attributes to assess four such methodologies, which include NWP ensemble methods and the recently introduced NWP spatial field approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Once BITten, twice shy?
Authors: Tienhaara Kyla
Published: September 2011

Over the past half-century, but particularly in the last two decades, states have signed a considerable number of bilateral investment treaties (BITs), as well as a smaller number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements containing provisions on investment protection. These agreements are primarily enforced through an arbitration process known as investor–state dispute settlement. As a result, in nearly every country in the world some sovereign authority has been transferred from the national/public sphere (local courts) to the international/private sphere (investment treaty arbitration). In this article it is argued that although states agreed to ‘share’ some of their sovereignty with arbitrators, they did not intend to cede the degree of authority that these private actors would eventually claim to possess. Many states are now taking efforts to rein in arbitrators, with states that have been ‘BITten’ in arbitration leading the charge.
‘Sharing’ political authority with finance capital: The case of Britain's Public Private Partnerships
Authors: Shaoul Jean
Published: September 2011

Since the early 1980s, there has been a global trend to increasingly use private finance for public infrastructure. Part of a broader range of policies associated with the neoliberal agenda, such arrangements have become known as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). While the proponents of PPPs stress the savings to be made by using financial intermediaries, the financial outcomes have been very different from the stated objectives. This paper seeks to develop this work by going beyond a financial assessment of the policy, focusing on political power and the way that the policy has led to a shift in the power of the state relative to the corporations. Using evidence from case studies of operational projects in the UK as exemplars, it will show how financial advisors, typically the big four international accountancy firms, play an increasingly important role in the development and implementation of policy, and how once projects are operational the private sector partners are increasingly able to strengthen their own position vis a vis the state. As such, the creeping privatisation espoused by all governments, the international financial institutions, the EU, and transnational corporations is an expression of more fundamental processes: the increasing domination of finance capital.
Enhancing Language Learning in Study Abroad
Authors: Kinginger Celeste
Published: September 2011

Research demonstrates that study abroad can have a positive impact on every domain of language competence, and that it is particularly helpful for the development of abilities related to social interaction. However, some results suggest that study abroad intensifies individual differences in achievement: Certain students thrive while others founder. Qualitative studies provide insight into the sources of these differences both in the stances that students adopt toward their host communities and in the ways in which they are received. Overall, the research points to a need for language learners’ broader engagement in local communicative practices, for mindfulness of their situation as peripheral participants, and for more nuanced awareness of language itself. This article offers a rationale, based on the current state of the art in research, for including the expertise of language educators in the choice and design of study abroad programs. Students will benefit from programs specifically designed to foster language learning through observation, participation, and reflection.
Corpus Research Applications in Second Language Teaching
Authors: Römer Ute
Published: September 2011

Over the past few decades, corpora have not only revolutionized linguistic research but have also had an impact on second language learning and teaching. In the field of applied linguistics, more and more researchers and practitioners treasure what corpus linguistics has to offer to language pedagogy. Still, corpora and corpus tools have yet to be widely implemented in pedagogical contexts. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of pedagogical corpus applications and to review recent publications in the area of corpus linguistics and language teaching. It covers indirect corpus applications, such as in syllabus or materials design, as well as direct applications of corpora in the second language classroom. The article aims to illustrate how both general and specialized language corpora can be used in these applications and discusses directions for future research in applied corpus linguistics.
Collaborative Writing in L2 Contexts: Processes, Outcomes, and Future Directions
Authors: Storch Neomy
Published: September 2011

Collaborative writing is the joint production of a text by two or more writers. Despite the widespread use of collaborative writing in the world outside the second language (L2) classroom, the use of collaborative writing tasks in L2 classes, to date, seems relatively limited. The overarching aim of this article is to suggest that collaborative writing activities, if carefully designed and monitored, may form an optimal site for L2 learning. The article begins by providing a brief theoretical rationale for collaborative writing, drawing on both cognitive and sociocultural theories. It then reviews the small number of published studies that have investigated collaborative writing in different L2 contexts. This review provides empirical evidence that working jointly on producing a written text provides opportunities for language learning, but that factors such as task type, L2 proficiency, and the relationships that the learners form affect these opportunities and may also affect language-learning gains. The chapter then considers new directions in implementing collaborative writing: online collaboration via wikis. The article concludes by highlighting the factors that need to be considered in order to maximize the language-learning potentials of collaborative writing in face-to-face and online modes.
Teaching Adult Second Language Learners Who Are Emergent Readers
Authors: Bigelow Martha , Vinogradov Patsy
Published: September 2011

Some second language (L2) learners are unique in that they bring low print literacy and limited formal schooling to the language learning enterprise. A range of personal, economic, historical, and political circumstances bring them to highly literate, industrialized societies where print literacy becomes not only desirable but necessary to earn a living and participate in a range of everyday activities. This article is a review of current research related to this population of learners for the purpose of informing educators about their particular teaching and learning needs. While the emphasis is on scholarship focused on adult L2 emergent readers, attention is also given to related research with bi- and multilingual children and monolingual adults who are not print literate. Finally, sociopolitical and historical issues are touched upon with regard to broader policy matters that may have contributed to or perpetuate low print literacy.
All Shades of Every Color: An Overview of Early Teaching and Learning of Foreign Languages
Authors: Nikolov Marianne , Mihaljević Djigunović Jelena
Published: September 2011

The paper analyzes research published over the last five years. The first part looks into policy documents, types of programs, and surveys to identify (a) reasons why an early start to learning languages is seen as beneficial and under what conditions; (b) possible threats; and (c) the aims and expected outcomes that are predicted by various models. The second part discusses studies on learners, including what they do in classrooms, how they perform on tasks, how their languages interact, and how they develop in different skills. A separate section reviews individual differences in the affective, cognitive, and strategic domains, as well as the role of learners’ socioeconomic status and their learning difficulties. In the third part, we draw on classroom observation and interview studies to discuss teachers’ roles, proficiency and uses of languages, and beliefs and practices. In the fourth part, we focus on the assessment of young learners; more specifically, we review what the construct of assessment is, what various assessment frameworks include, what international and national examinations exist, and what assessment for learning involves. Finally, in the last section we review implications for further research.
Shape and size of Antarctic icebergs derived from ship observation data
Authors: Romanov Yuri A. , Romanova Nina A. , Romanov Peter
Published: September 2011

We have examined information on the shape and size of Antarctic icebergs as derived from the ship data archive of Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. The data in the archive cover the period from 1957–2009. For each of five major iceberg shapes we have established their relative frequency of occurrence in the Southern Ocean and the frequency distribution of the iceberg length and freeboard. Weathered and tabular icebergs were observed most often and comprised 66.9% and 22.6% of all reported icebergs respectively. Sloping, pinnacle, and dome icebergs represented correspondingly only 5.6%, 3.2% and 1.7% of the total number of icebergs observed. A distinct maximum was found in frequency distributions of the iceberg length and freeboard for all iceberg shapes. The most frequently observed iceberg lengths (modal length) ranged from 100–200 m for weathered and pinnacled icebergs to 400–600 m for tabular and dome-shaped iceberg. The modal freeboard of icebergs changed from 30–40 m for tabular and weathered icebergs to 50–60 m for domed, pinnacle and sloping icebergs. To calculate the overall mean size parameters of Antarctic icebergs we totalled corresponding mean values for each iceberg shape weighted by the frequency of occurrence of icebergs of each shape. The mean iceberg length and the standard deviation obtained within this approach were correspondingly 381 m and 349 m. The mean iceberg freeboard was equal to 41.2 m with a standard deviation of 12.1 m.