bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spark Plasma Sintering Densification Mechanism for Cemented Carbides with Different WC Particle Sizes
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Song Xiaoyan , Zhao Shixian , Zhang Jiuxing
Published: June 2010

The paper is focused on understanding the densification characteristics of WC–Co composite powders by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique, especially the essential mechanisms for the distinct differences of the effects of WC particle size on the densification behavior between the SPS and the conventional sintering technologies. For the particular combination and contacting state between WC and Co after ball milling in which Co forms thin films coating the WC particles, a model that quantitatively describes the densification process of SPS WC–Co powders with different WC particle sizes has been developed. The calculated results show that both the actual temperature in the Co film and the melting temperature of the Co film increase with the increase of the WC particle size. As a result, the formation and growth of the sintering necks due to the rapid melting and solidification of the Co films turn to be weakly influenced by the WC particle size, and hence the SPS densification is almost independent of the WC particle size. The model calculations are consistent with the experimental findings that in the SPS processes the temperatures corresponding to the start of the densification and the peak of the displacement rate, respectively, are nearly the same for the WC–Co powders with different WC particle sizes.
Synthesis of SiFeC Magnetoceramics from Reverse Polycarbosilane‐Based Microemulsions
Authors: Yu Yuxi , An Linan , Chen Yaohan , Yang Daxiang
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we report the synthesis of iron‐containing SiC(O) magnetoceramics using a reverse microemulsion technique. First, an aqueous iron nitrate solution as the internal phase and a polycarbosilane (PCS)–heptane solution as the continuous phase were emulsified in the presence of a surfactant to synthesize iron‐containing PCS (Fe‐PCS) reverse microemulsion systems. After the removal of water and heptanes, the Fe‐PCS precursors were pyrolyzed at 600°–1200°C to produce magnetoceramics. The structures and magnetic properties of the ceramics obtained were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and superconducting quantum interference device. The results showed that the ceramics contained Fe3Si nanoparticles, which dispersed in SiCO amorphous matrix. This unique structure makes the ceramics excellent soft ferromagnetic materials with a high magnetizability and negligibe hysteresis loops.
Crystal Chemistry and Structures of (Ca,U) Titanate Pyrochlores
Authors: James Michael , Carter Melody L. , Zhang Zhaoming , Zhang Yingjie , Wallwork Kia S. , Avdeev Maxim , Vance Eric R.
Published: June 2010

Analysis of multiphase (Ca,U) titanate pyrochlore samples produced under argon or in air, using laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy revealed discrete pyrochlore phase compositions, together with either perovskite or rutile impurities. Investigations of these samples using diffuse reflectance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies revealed mixed U4+/U5+ oxidation states for argon‐annealed samples and U5+/U6+ oxidation states for air‐annealed samples. Single‐phase (Ca1.25U4+0.25U5+0.50)Ti2O7 (argon) and (Ca1.40U5+0.60)(Ti1.90U6+0.10)O7 (air) compositions were synthesized and characterized using a combination of synchrotron X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction. Severe intensity reduction of hkl odd XRD peaks from the sample produced in air was found to be the result of U6+ sharing the Ti site. The refined crystal structures for both single‐phase samples were found to be consistent with the compositions and mixed oxidation states observed by the above spectroscopic measurements. Although the normalized uranium leach rate of the argon‐annealed sample was found to be approximately twice that of the air‐annealed sample, in 7‐day Product Consistency Test the durability of both compounds with respect to leaching by water was found to be excellent. Ca releases were in the range of 0.01–0.03 g/L and U releases were <3 × 10−5 g/L.
Fabrication of Large Gd–Ba–Cu–O Single Domains with Different Liquid Sources
Authors: Li Guo‐Zheng , Yang Wan‐Min
Published: June 2010

Top‐seeded infiltration and growth process (TSIG) is an effective way for the preparation of bulk REBa2Cu3O7−x (RE‐123) with finely dispersed RE2BaCuO5 (RE‐211) particles compared with the conventional melt growth method. In this article, large single‐domain Gd–Ba–Cu–O (GdBCO) bulk superconductors with a diameter 30 mm have been fabricated in air by the TSIG technique using liquid sources composed of RE2O3 (here, RE is the rare‐earth element Gd, Y, or Yb, respectively), BaCuO2, and CuO. After this processing, only two kinds of precursor powders involving Gd‐211 and BaCuO2 are needed to prepare for the whole TSIG flow, which can effectively shorten the experimental cycle and then advance the experimental efficiency. The growth character, microstructure, and performance of the GdBCO products were investigated in detail. The results indicate that all the liquid sources can be used to fabricate well‐textured large GdBCO single domains. Additionally, adopting the liquid source mixed by Y2O3 or Yb2O3 can raise the utilization rate of the liquid source powder, as well as can help to refine Gd‐211 particles.
Phase Composition and Photoluminescence Properties of Radio‐Frequency Sputtered Pure and Sm3+‐Doped ZrO2 Thin Films
Authors: Nayak Pramoda Kumar , Kao Wei‐Jung , Sahu Diptiranjan , Huang Jow‐Lay , Sahu Diptiranjan , Huang Jow‐Lay
Published: June 2010

Pure and Sm3+ (0.33, 0.46, 1.48, and 2.19 at.%)‐doped ZrO2 thin films have been prepared using radio‐frequency (RF) sputtering technique. The phase composition and photoluminescence (PL) properties have been studied on these pure and doped thin films as a function of annealing temperature and doping concentration. Phase composition analysis indicates the increment in the monoclinic content and crystallite size of the pure sample with the increase in annealing temperature. Higher doping promotes the tetragonal phase of the material. From PL studies, Sm3+ (0.33 at.%)‐doped zirconia thin film shows a stronger emission spectra than other higher doping. All doped samples exhibit a well‐resolved emission series of Sm3+ at higher annealing temperatures. The effect of structural modifications on the PL spectra of the zirconia system has been investigated. Monoclinic phase promotes the luminescence efficiency of this system. PL study shows one to one correspondence with that of structural modification of zirconia system.
Refatigue of Ferroelectric Lead Zirconate Titanate
Authors: Zhang Yong , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: June 2010

Bipolar fatigue of ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate ceramics can be partly recovered by thermal annealing. For samples of initially, intermediately, or highly fatigued state, subsequent refatiguing yields a much more rapid decay in polarization and piezoelectric constant than the initially nonfatigued samples despite very similar recovery from annealing. The “material memory” of the prior fatigue treatment is discussed in the framework of microcracking and fixed polarization by crack face charges.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photoluminescence Characterization of Eu3+‐Doped Silicate Phosphor
Authors: Zeng Jing Hui , Wang Ye Feng
Published: June 2010

Eu3+‐doped silicate phosphors are prepared hydrothermally. The effects of mineralizer, concentration, source materials, reaction time, and temperature were are studied. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the phase and morphology of the products. Thermo stability was evaluated by thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was used to study the luminescent properties.
Hydrolysis‐Induced Aqueous Gelcasting of β‐SiAlON–SiO2 Ceramic Composites: The Effect of AlN Additive
Authors: Ganesh Ibram , Sundararajan Govindan
Published: June 2010

Dense β‐SiAlON–SiO2 (SiO2=20, 40, 50, 60, and 80 wt%) ceramic composites have been prepared from β‐Si4Al2O2N6 and fused silica by sintering at 1500°–1750°C for 3–4 h. For comparison purposes, a powder mixture consisting 60 wt%β‐Si4Al2O2N6 and 40 wt% fused silica has been consolidated following a new near‐net shape technique based on hydrolysis‐induced aqueous gelcasting (GCHAS) and sintered for 3 h at 1750°C. In the GCHAS process, consolidation of suspensions containing 50 vol% solids was achieved by adding a polymerization initiator, a catalyst, and AlN powder equivalent to 1–5 wt% Al2O3. Thin‐wall radomes consolidated by GCHAS (using AlN equivalent to 5 wt% Al2O3 in the suspension) have exhibited green strengths >20 MPa. The sintered materials were characterized for various properties including hardness, fracture toughness, mass loss, shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion, and dielectric constant. The Si2N2O formed from a powder mixture of 60 wt%β‐Si4Al2O2N6 and 40 wt% fused silica at 1750°C for 3 h exhibited a flexural strength of ∼140 MPa, Young's modulus of 214 GPa, coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.5 × 10−6°C−1, hardness of 1390 kg/mm2, fracture toughness of 4.2 MPa·m1/2, and a dielectric constant of 5.896 and tan δ of 0.002 at 17 GHz.
Determination of Adenosine Phosphates in Rat Gastrocnemius at Various Postmortem Intervals Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Huang Hong , Yan Youyi , Zuo Zhong , Yang Lin , Li Bin , Song Yu , Liao Linchuan
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Although the change in adenosine phosphate levels in muscles may contribute to the development of rigor mortis, the relationship between their levels and the onset and development of rigor mortis has not been well elucidated. In the current study, levels of the adenosine phosphates including adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in gastrocnemius at various postmortem intervals of 180 rats from different death modes were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the levels of ATP and ADP significantly decreased along with the postmortem period of rats from different death mode whereas the AMP level remained the same. In addition, it was found that changes in the ATP levels in muscles after death correlated well with the development of rigor mortis. Therefore, the ATP level could serve as a reference parameter for the deduction of rigor mortis in forensic science.
Bacterial Profiling of Soil Using Genus‐Specific Markers and Multidimensional Scaling*
Authors: Lenz Erin J. , Foran David R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Forensic identification of soil based on microbial DNA fingerprinting has met with mixed success, with research efforts rarely considering temporal variability or local heterogeneity in soil’s microbial makeup. In the research presented, the nitrogen fixing bacteria rhizobia were specifically examined. Soils were collected monthly from five habitats for 1 year, and quarterly in each cardinal direction from the main collection site. When all habitats were compared simultaneously using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis of the rhizobial recA gene and multidimensional scaling, only two were differentiated over a year’s time, however pairwise comparisons allowed four of five soils to be effectively differentiated. Adding in 10‐foot distant soils as “questioned” samples correctly grouped them in 40–70% of cases, depending on restriction enzyme used. The results indicate that the technique has potential for forensic soil identification, although extensive anthropogenic manipulation of a soil makes such identification much more tentative.
Home range and seasonal movement of taimen, Hucho taimen, in Mongolia
Authors: Gilroy D. J. , Jensen O. P. , Allen B. C. , Chandra S. , Ganzorig B. , Hogan Z. , Maxted J. T. , Vander Zanden M. J.
Published: June 2010

Gilroy DJ, Jensen OP, Allen BC, Chandra S, Ganzorig B, Hogan Z, Maxted JT, Vander Zanden MJ. Home range and seasonal movement of taimen, Hucho taimen, in Mongolia. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 545–554. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Taimen, Hucho taimen, is the world’s largest salmonid and a prized sport fish. We used radio and acoustic telemetry to characterise movements of adult taimen in an extensive river system, the Eg–Uur, in north‐central Mongolia. Forty‐six taimen were tagged with transmitters (27 radio, 17 acoustic and 2 radio‐acoustic combined) and tracked from 2004 to 2008 using mobile surveys and fixed receivers. The mean home range of individual taimen tracked for an average of 2.4 years was 23 km (N = 41, range = 0.5–93.2 km). Of the fish with over 10 relocations (N = 16), 90% remained within a range of 38 km. Four distinct movement patterns were observed: (i) restricted core home range, (ii) core range with seasonal departures, (iii) core range with separate seasonal range and (iv) home range transfer. Movement was greatest in May and June (spawning and postspawning period) with another peak period of movement in September and October (water temperature cooling).
A genome‐wide association study of bipolar disorder and comorbid migraine
Authors: Oedegaard K. J. , Greenwood T. A. , Johansson S. , Jacobsen K. K. , Halmoy A. , Fasmer O. B. , Akiskal H. S. ,   The Bipolar Genome Study (BiGS), Haavik J. , Kelsoe J. R.
Published: June 2010

Both migraine and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) are complex phenotypes with significant genetic and nongenetic components. Epidemiological and clinical studies have showed a high degree of comorbidity between migraine and BPAD, and overlapping regions of linkage have been shown in numerous genome‐wide linkage studies. To identify susceptibility factors for the BPAD/migraine phenotype, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in 1001 cases with bipolar disorder collected through the NIMH Genetics Initiative for Bipolar Disorder and genotyped at 1 m single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as part of the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN). We compared BPAD patients without any headache (n = 699) with BPAD patients with doctor diagnosed migraine (n = 56). The strongest evidence for association was found for several SNPs in a 317‐kb region encompassing the uncharacterized geneKIAA0564 {e.g. rs9566845 [OR = 4.98 (95% CI: 2.6–9.48), P = 7.7 × 10−8] and rs9566867 (P = 8.2 × 10−8)}. Although the level of signficance was significantly reduced when using the Fisher's exact test (as a result of the low count of cases with migraine), rs9566845 P = 1.4 × 10−5 and rs9566867 P = 1.5 × 10−5, this region remained the most prominent finding. Furthermore, marker rs9566845 was genotyped and found associated with migraine in an independent Norwegian sample of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients with and without comorbid migraine (n = 131 and n = 324, respectively), OR = 2.42 (1.18–4.97), P = 0.013. This is the first GWAS examining patients with bipolar disorder and comorbid migraine. These data suggest that genetic variants in the KIAA0564 gene region may predispose to migraine headaches in subgroups of patients with both BPAD and ADHD.
Long‐term effects of growth hormone therapy on patients with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Sipilä Ilkka , Sintonen Harri , Hietanen Heikki , Apajasalo Marjo , Alanne Soili , Viita Anna‐Mari , Leinonen Eeva
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To assess the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment in children with Prader–Willi syndrome.

Design:  A 1‐year study and an observational follow‐up visit 10 years later.

Methods:  In 20 patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS): clinical assessment, laboratory tests, body composition analysis by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, sleep polygraphy, health‐related quality of life assessed by 16D.

Results:  Only two patients had normal growth hormone secretion at baseline. All patients were significantly shorter than their expected heights, but experienced catch‐up growth during growth hormone treatment. At follow‐up, 13 patients had reached adult heights and were markedly taller than historical controls. The cumulative dose of rhGH over 10 years correlated inversely with the total body fat percentage (p = 0.033). However, patients remained severely obese at 10 years. Sleep polygraphy was abnormal in more than half of the patients. Health‐related quality of life of the patients remained substantially below that of normal population.

Conclusion:  Growth hormone markedly improved adult height in subjects with PWS when compared to historical data. The cumulative dose of growth hormone correlated with reduction in body fat; nevertheless, patients remained severely obese.
Occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux in children
Authors: Venhola M , Hannula A , Huttunen N‐P , Renko M , Pokka T , Uhari M
Published: June 2010

Aim:  The reported low occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux in the general population seems implausible. We wanted to test the hypothesis that reflux is more common and more independent of urinary‐tract infection than has previously been thought.

Methods:  We tested our hypothesis by analysing the characteristics of 406 consecutive children aged <5 years who had been referred for consultation because of urinary‐tract infection. Using data on their urine samples, we evaluated the reliability of the urinary‐tract infection diagnosis and analysed the frequencies of vesicoureteral reflux and abnormal ultrasound findings in three reliability groups (A: certain urinary‐tract infection, B: possible and C: improbable).

Results:  The occurrence of reflux was the same irrespective of the diagnostic reliability of urinary‐tract infection (A: 98/276 [36%] versus B: 13/46 [28%] versus C: 9/25 [36%]). Most of the abnormal ultrasound findings (58/71, 80%) were found among patients with a certain diagnosis (Group A).

Conclusion:  We suggest that vesicoureteral reflux is more common in children even without urinary‐tract infection than has been thought previously. The guidelines recommending a search for reflux by means of voiding cystourethrography should be reconsidered.
Ulcerated tophaceous gout
Authors: Patel Girish K , Davies Wendy L , Price Patricia P , Harding Keith G
Published: June 2010

Gout is often considered a disease of an excessive lifestyle, a ‘malady of kings'. Today, more than 1% of the European and US populations are afflicted with gout, although ulceration over gout tophi remains uncommon. We describe four cases of ulceration associated with gout tophi to highlight the clinical presentation, complications and a management strategy.
Morbidity associated with heroin overdose presentations to an emergency department: A 10‐year record linkage study
Authors: Fatovich Daniel M , Bartu Anne , Davis Geoff , Atrie Jag , Daly Frank FS
Published: June 2010

Introduction:  To examine hospitalizations in a cohort of 224 patients who presented with non‐fatal heroin overdose to an ED.

Methods:  A record linkage study, using the morbidity, mental health and mortality databases in the Data Linkage Unit of the Department of Health, Western Australia. The main outcome measures were hospital separations 5 years before and after entry into the cohort.

Results:  Before entry into the cohort, 199 (89%) patients had an admission to mental health services. These 199 had a combined total of 1367 separations, most commonly for a mental health condition, injury or poisoning. Women had more than twice the relative risk (RR) of men for all separations (RR 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–2.82, P < 0.001) and for injury and poisoning separations (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.56–2.66, P < 0.001). The highest concentrations of separations occurred within 1 year before and 1 year after entry into the cohort. There were 12 (5.4%, 95% CI 2.9–9.4%) deaths, most commonly from overdose.

Conclusion:  Non‐fatal heroin overdose ED presentations are associated with a cluster of hospitalizations around that episode, likely to be related to heroin availability. Presentation to hospital by heroin users represents an opportunity to counsel less risky behaviour.
Analysis of the Pattern of Acute Poisoning in Patients Admitted to a Governmental Hospital in Palestine
Authors: Sawalha Ansam F. , Sweileh Waleed M. , Tufaha Maysoon T. , Al‐Jabi Dua’ Y.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  The objectives were to (i) analyse the pattern of poisoning and (ii) study gender distribution and management protocol of poisoning in patients diagnosed with acute poisoning. A retrospective analysis of cases diagnosed with acute poisoning and admitted to the emergency department of Al‐Wattani governmental hospital during the year of 2008 was carried out. Data from patients’ medical files were collected and then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (spss; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), version 16. There were 674 cases diagnosed with acute poisoning in 2008 which accounted for 1.5% of the total admission to the hospital. The mean age of the cases was 21.8 ± 18.1 years. Approximately, 58% of poisoning cases occurred at home. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The maximum number of poisoning occurred during summer season. Poisoning cases were maximum in the age category >18 years. More than half (92%) of the cases were of unintentional type of poisoning. Unintentional poisoning was significantly more common among males (61.3%; p < 0.01), while intentional was more common among females (64.8%; p < 0.001). The causative agents encountered were mainly biological agents (77.4%), pharmaceuticals (11.6%), and other chemicals (10.9%). The most common route of poisoning was through stings (72.3%), followed by oral ingestion (23.5%) and inhalation (3.4%). The majority (91.1%) of cases did not undergo any decontamination methods. Of those who had decontamination procedure, gastric lavage was the most commonly used. This is the first study in Palestine that presents data on the pattern of acute poisoning. Awareness campaigns should be held about potentially toxic materials in the region, and methods of poison prevention should be spread among the public.
A dynamical model for characterising seasonality effects on eelgrass plastochron intervals
Authors: Solana‐Arellano E. , Echavarria‐Heras H. , Franco‐Vizcaíno E.
Published: June 2010

The plastochron interval is widely used to calculate age and rates of productivity in many plants, including seagrasses. However, plant responses to changing environmental conditions, including seasonal patterns, can introduce substantial errors in methods for calculating age and rates of growth. We propose a generalised method for characterising seasonal variability in eelgrass plastochron values based on a model that consists of a linear combination of a trend, a seasonality component and a stochastic noise component. The model was validated using data obtained biweekly during 1998–2003 in aZostera marinameadow in a coastal lagoon in northwestern Baja California. Plastochron intervals exhibited marked interannual and seasonal variability as well as in the timing of plastochron interval (PI) minima and maxima. Correlation analyses indicated that sea surface temperature is a fundamental forcing factor for the plastochron interval, whose local variability is influenced by the onset of ‘El Niño’ and ‘La Niña’ events. The proposed model provided reliable interpretations that elicited the existence of seasonal processes which are usually masked by multimodal changes in the plastochron interval. Using successive averages of seasonal PI to describe annual cycles resulted in reliable leaf‐growth assessments as well as in better determinations of shoot age than those calculated using a single annual mean.
Microwave observations of spinning dust emission in NGC6946
Authors: Scaife Anna M. M. , Nikolic Bojan , Green David A. , Beck Rainer , Davies Matthew L. , Franzen Thomas M. O. , Grainge Keith J. B. , Hobson Michael P. , Hurley-Walker Natasha , Lasenby Anthony N. , Olamaie Malak , Pooley Guy G. , Rodríguez-Gonzálvez Carmen , Saunders Richard D. E. , Scott Paul F. , Shimwell Timothy W. , Titterington David J. , Waldram Elizabeth M. , Zwart Jonathan T. L.
Published: June 2010

We report new cm-wave measurements at five frequencies between 15 and 18GHz of the continuum emission from the reportedly anomalous ‘region 4’ of the nearby galaxy NGC6946. We find that the emission in this frequency range is significantly in excess of that measured at 8.5GHz, but has a spectrum from 15 to 18GHz consistent with optically thin free–free emission from an ultracompact Hii region. In combination with previously published data, we fit four emission models containing different continuum components using the Bayesian spectrum analysis package radiospec. These fits show that, in combination with data at other frequencies, a model with a spinning dust component is slightly preferred to those that possess better-established emission mechanisms.
Immigrants and Housing Markets in Mid-Size Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Painter Gary , Yu Zhou
Published: June 2010

The recent trend of immigrants arriving in mid-size metropolitan areas has received growing attention in the literature. This study examines the success of immigrants in the housing markets of a sample of 60 metropolitan areas using Census microdata in both 2000 and 2005. The results suggest that immigrants are less successful in achieving homeownership and more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than native-born whites of non-Hispanic origin. The immigrant effect on homeownership differs by geography and by immigrant group. Finally, we find evidence that immigrant networks increase the likelihood of becoming a homeowner.
The Impact of Parents’ Overseas Employment on Educational Outcomes of Filipino Children
Authors: Arguillas Marie Joy B. , Williams Lindy
Published: June 2010

Family structure, household resources, numbers of siblings competing for those resources, and parents’ own educational attainment are often important predictors of children's education outcomes. Overseas migration of parents from the Philippines has resulted in increasing numbers of long-term separations of parents from each other and from their children. Western-based analyses might predict negative education outcomes for children as a result of parental absence. We find that separations caused by overseas migration often are either neutral or can have positive effects on schooling outcomes, at least among older children. Girls fare better in terms of educational attainment than do boys overall. Boys are often more affected by background variables, including parents’ international migration.
Confining and defining proprietary estoppel: the role of unconscionability
Authors: Dixon Martin
Published: June 2010

The use of proprietary estoppel to make or support claims to property is now common. Case-law tells us that the concept of unconscionability is central to a successful claim, but little guidance is provided as to what ‘unconscionability’ means or how it is to be established. It is often assumed rather than explained. This paper argues that unconscionability in fact has a reasonably clear meaning within the law of proprietary estoppel and that it can be used to define and confine proprietary estoppel within reasonably clear boundaries. It seeks to explain that proprietary estoppel is at heart an antidote to a lack of required formality in the creation or transfer of property rights and, consequently, that the proper meaning of unconscionability is linked to these formality requirements. Unconscionability is therefore not a cover for unregulated judicial discretion, nor a loose term to describe a general sense of unfairness, but a concept which can be used to discriminate objectively between valid and invalid estoppel claims.
General Aspects and Neuropathology of X‐Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , Aubourg Patrick , Pujol Aurora
Published: June 2010

X‐adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a metabolic, peroxisomal disease affecting the nervous system, adrenal cortex and testis resulting from inactivating mutations inABCD1gene which encodes a peroxisomal membrane half‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette transporter, ABCD1 (or ALDP), whose defect is associated with impaired peroxisomal β‐oxidation and accumulation of saturated very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissues and body fluids. Several phenotypes are recognized in male patients including cerebral ALD in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), Addison's disease and, eventually, gonadal insufficiency. Female carriers might present with mild to severe myeloneuropathy that resembles AMN. There is a lack of phenotype–genotype correlations, as the same ABCD1 gene mutation may be associated with different phenotypes in the same family, suggesting that genetic, epigenetic, environmental and stochastic factors are probably contributory to the development and course of the disease. Degenerative changes, like those seen in pure AMN without cerebral demyelination, are characterized by loss of axons and secondary myelin in the long tracts of the spinal cord, possibly related to the impaired lipid metabolism of VLCFAs and the associated alterations (ie, oxidative damage). Similar lesions are encountered following inactivation ofABCD1in mice (ABCD1‐). A different and more aggressive phenotype is secondary to cerebral demyelination, very often accompanied by inflammatory changes in the white matter of the brain and associated with activation of T lymphocytes, CD1 presentation and increased levels of cytokines, γ‐interferon, interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐2 and IL‐6, Granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), tumor necrosis factor‐α, chemokines and chemokine receptors.
Current and Future Pharmacological Treatment Strategies in X‐Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Berger Johannes , Pujol Aurora , Aubourg Patrick , Forss‐Petter Sonja
Published: June 2010

Mutations in the ABCD1 gene cause the clinical spectrum of the neurometabolic disorder X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy (X‐ALD/AMN). Currently, the most efficient therapeutic opportunity for patients with the cerebral form of X‐ALD is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and possibly gene therapy of autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Both treatments, however, are only accessible to a subset of X‐ALD patients, mainly because of the lack of markers that can predict the onset of cerebral demyelination. Moreover, for female or male X‐ALD patients with AMN, currently only unsatisfying therapeutic opportunities are available. Thus, this review focuses on current and urgently needed future pharmacological therapies. The treatment of adrenal and gonadal insufficiency is well established, whereas applications of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs have failed to prevent progression of cerebral neuroinflammation. The use of Lorenzo's oil and the inefficacy of lovastatin to normalize very‐long‐chain fatty acids in clinical trials as well as currently experimental and therefore possible future therapeutic strategies are reviewed. The latter include pharmacological gene therapy mediated by targeted upregulation of ABCD2, the closest homolog of ABCD1, antioxidative drug treatment, small molecule histone deacetylase inhibitors such as butyrates and valproic acid, and other neuroprotective attempts.
Life cycle analysis of the model organism Rhodopirellula baltica SH 1T by transcriptome studies
Authors: Wecker Patricia , Klockow Christine , Schüler Margarete , Dabin Jérôme , Michel Gurvan , Glöckner Frank O.
Published: June 2010

The marine organism Rhodopirellula baltica is a representative of the globally distributed phylum Planctomycetes whose members exhibit an intriguing lifestyle and cell morphology. The analysis of R. baltica's genome has revealed many biotechnologically promising features including a set of unique sulfatases and C1‐metabolism genes. Salt resistance and the potential for adhesion in the adult phase of the cell cycle were observed during cultivation. To promote the understanding of this model organism and to specify the functions of potentially useful genes, gene expression throughout a growth curve was monitored using a whole genome microarray approach. Transcriptional profiling suggests that a large number of hypothetical proteins are active within the cell cycle and in the formation of the different cell morphologies. Numerous genes with potential biotechnological applications were found to be differentially regulated, revealing further characteristics of their functions and regulation mechanisms. More specifically, the experiments shed light on the expression patterns of genes belonging to the organism's general stress response, those involved in the reorganization of its genome and those effecting morphological changes. These transcriptomic results contribute to a better understanding of thus far unknown molecular elements of cell biology. Further, they pave the way for the biotechnological exploitation of R. baltica's distinctive metabolic features as a step towards sourcing the phylum Planctomycetes at large.
Identification of Novel Mutations in RBM20 in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Duanxiang , Morales Ana , Gonzalez‐Quintana Jorge , Norton Nadine , Siegfried Jill D. , Hofmeyer Mark , Hershberger Ray E.
Published: June 2010

The genetic basis of most of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases remains unknown. A recent study indicated that mutations in a highly localized five amino acid hotspot in exon 9 of RBM20, a gene encoding a ribonucleic acid‐binding protein, caused aggressive DCM. We undertook this study to confi rm and extend the nature of RBM20 mutations in another DCM cohort. Clinical cardiovascular data, family histories, and blood samples were collected from patients with idiopathic DCM. DNA from 312 DCM probands was sequenced for nucleotide alterations in exons 6 through 9 of RBM20, and additional family members as possible. We found six unique RBM20 rare variants in six unrelated probands (1.9%). Four mutations, two of which were novel (R634W and R636C) and two previously identified (R634Q and R636H), were identified in a five amino acid hotspot in exon 6. Two other novel variants (V535I in exon 6 and R716Q in exon 9) were outside of this hotspot. Age of onset and severity of heart failure were variable, as were arrhythmias and conduction system defects, but many subjects suffered severe heart failure resulting in early death or cardiac transplantation. This article concludes that DCM in patients with RBM20 mutations is associated with advanced disease. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 90–97
Using differential introgression in hybrid zones to identify genomic regions involved in speciation
Authors: PAYSEUR BRET A.
Published: June 2010

Hybrids between species provide information about the evolutionary processes involved in divergence. In addition to creating hybrids in the laboratory, biologists can take advantage of natural hybrid zones to understand the factors that shape gene flow between divergent lineages. In the early stages of speciation, most regions of the genome continue to flow freely between populations. Alternatively, the subset of the genome that confers reproductive barriers between nascent species is expected to reject introgression. Now enabled by advances in genomics, this perspective is motivating detailed comparisons of gene flow across genomic regions in hybrid zones. Here, I review methods for measuring and interpreting introgression at multiple loci in hybrid zones, focusing on the problem of identifying loci that contribute to reproductive isolation. Emerging patterns from multi‐locus studies of hybrid zones are highlighted, including remarkable variance in introgression across the genome. Although existing methods have been useful, there is scope for development of new analytical approaches that better connect differential patterns of gene flow in hybrid zones with current knowledge of speciation mechanisms. I outline future prospects for differential introgression studies on a genomic scale.
Birdstrikes and barcoding: can DNA methods help make the airways safer?
Authors: WAUGH JOHN , EVANS MAX W. , MILLAR CRAIG D. , LAMBERT DAVID M.
Published: June 2010

While flying remains one of the safest means of travel, reported birdstrikes on aircraft have risen. This is a result of increased aircraft flight movements, changes in agricultural methods and greater environmental awareness contributing to growing populations of hazardous bird species, as well as more diligent reporting of incidents. Measures to mitigate this hazard require accurate data about the species involved; however, the remains of birds from these incidents are often not easy to identify. Reported birdstrikes include a substantial number where the species cannot be determined from morphology alone. DNA barcoding offers a reliable method of identifying species from very small amounts of organic material such as blood, muscle and feathers. We compare species identification based on morphological criteria and identifications based on mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I DNA barcoding methods for New Zealand species. Our data suggest that DNA‐based identification can substantially add to the accuracy of species identifications, and these methods represent an important addition to existing procedures to improve air safety. In addition, we outline simple and effective protocols for the recovery and processing of samples for DNA barcoding.
Spatial correlations at different spatial scales are themselves highly correlated in isolation by distance processes
Authors: EPPERSON BRYAN K.
Published: June 2010

Although many properties of spatial autocorrelation statistics are well characterized, virtually nothing is known about possible correlations among values at different spatial scales, which ultimately would influence how inferences about spatial genetics are made at multiple spatial scales. This article reports the results of stochastic space‐time simulations of isolation by distance processes, having a very wide range of amounts of dispersal for plants or animals, and analyses of the correlations among Moran’s I‐statistics for different mutually exclusive distance classes. In general, the stochastic correlations are extremely large (>0.90); however, the correlations bear a complex relationship with level of dispersal, spatial scale and spatial lag between distance classes. The correlations are so large that any existing or conceived statistical method that employs more than one distance class (or spatial scale) should not ignore them. This result also suggests that gains in statistical power via increasing sample size are limited, and that increasing numbers of assayed loci generally should be preferred. To the extent that sampling error for real data sets can be treated as white noise, it should be possible to account for stochastic correlations in formulating more precise statistical methods. Further, while the current results are for isolation by distance processes, they provide some guidance for some more complex stochastic space‐time processes of landscape genetics. Moreover, the results hold for several popular measures other than Moran’s I. In addition, in the results, the signal to noise ratios strongly decreased with distance, which also has several implications for optimal statistical methods using correlations at multiple spatial scales.
Detecting populations in the ‘ambiguous’ zone: kinship‐based estimation of population structure at low genetic divergence
Authors: PALSBØLL PER J. , ZACHARIAH PEERY M. , BÉRUBÉ MARTINE
Published: June 2010

Identifying population structure is one of the most common and important objectives of spatial analyses using population genetic data. Population structure is detected either by rejecting the null hypothesis of a homogenous distribution of genetic variation, or by estimating low migration rates. Issues arise with most current population genetic inference methods when the genetic divergence is low among putative populations. Low levels of genetic divergence may be as a result of either high ongoing migration or historic high migration but no current, ongoing migration. We direct attention to recent developments in the use of the tempo‐spatial distribution of closely related individuals to detect population structure or estimate current migration rates. These ‘kinship‐based’ approaches complement more traditional population‐based genetic inference methods by providing a means to detect population structure and estimate current migration rates when genetic divergence is low. However, for kinship‐based methods to become widely adopted, formal estimation procedures applicable to a range of species life histories are needed.
Distribution of radiodense contrast medium after perineural injection of the palmar and palmar metacarpal nerves (low 4‐point nerve block): An in vivo and ex vivo study in horses
Authors: NAGY A. , BODÒ G. , DYSON S. J. , COMPOSTELLA F. , BARR A. R. S.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study: Evidence‐based information is limited on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural analgesia of the palmar (Pa) and palmar metacarpal (PaM) nerves in the distal aspect of the metacarpal (Mc) region (‘low 4‐point nerve block’).

Objectives: To demonstrate the potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution after a low 4‐point nerve block using a radiographic contrast model.

Methods: A radiodense contrast medium was injected subcutaneously over the medial or the lateral Pa nerve at the junction of the proximal three‐quarters and distal quarter of the Mc region (Pa injection) and over the ipsilateral PaM nerve immediately distal to the distal aspect of the second or fourth Mc bones (PaM injection) in both forelimbs of 10 mature horses free from lameness. Radiographs were obtained 0, 10 and 20 min after injection and analysed subjectively and objectively. Methylene blue and a radiodense contrast medium were injected in 20 cadaver limbs using the same techniques. Radiographs were obtained and the limbs dissected.

Results: After 31/40 (77.5%) Pa injections, the pattern of the contrast medium suggested distribution in the neurovascular bundle. There was significant proximal diffusion with time, but the main contrast medium patch never progressed proximal to the mid‐Mc region. The radiological appearance of 2 limbs suggested that contrast medium was present in the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). After PaM injections, the contrast medium was distributed diffusely around the injection site in the majority of the limbs. In cadaver limbs, after Pa injections, the contrast medium and the dye were distributed in the neurovascular bundle in 8/20 (40%) limbs and in the DFTS in 6/20 (30%) of limbs. After PaM injections, the contrast and dye were distributed diffusely around the injection site in 9/20 (45%) limbs and showed diffuse and tubular distribution in 11/20 (55%) limbs.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Proximal diffusion of local anaesthetic solution after a low 4‐point nerve block is unlikely to be responsible for decreasing lameness caused by pain in the proximal Mc region. The DFTS may be penetrated inadvertently when performing a low 4‐point nerve block.
Use of blood culture medium enrichment for synovial fluid culture in horses: A comparison of different culture methods
Authors: DUMOULIN M. , PILLE F. , Van Den ABEELE A.‐M. , BOYEN F. , BOUSSAUW B. , OOSTERLINCK M. , PASMANS F. , GASTHUYS F. , MARTENS A.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study: Standard methods for culturing equine synovial fluid (SF) are often unrewarding. Evidence‐based information on the relative efficiency of different systems used for optimisation of isolation of microorganisms from equine SF is lacking.

Objectives: To compare the results of different culture systems performed in parallel on SF samples from horses clinically diagnosed with synovial sepsis.

Methods: Synovial fluid specimens were collected between February 2007 and October 2008 from all horses admitted to a referral hospital that were clinically diagnosed with synovial sepsis and from control horses. Synovial fluid samples were cultured in parallel by: 1) direct agar culture (DA); agar culture after: 2) lysis‐centrifugation pretreatment (LC); 3) conventional enrichment (CE); 4) combined LC/CE; or 5) blood culture medium enrichment using an automated system (BACTEC 9050).

Results: Ninety SF samples from 82 horses were included, together with 40 control samples. Seventy‐one of 90 samples (79%) were culture‐positive by using blood culture medium enrichment (BACTEC), which was significantly higher compared to all other methods. BACTEC enrichment was never negative while any of the other methods was positive. Although agar culture following LC and/or CE resulted in a slightly higher number of positive samples compared to DA, this difference was not significant. All control samples were culture negative by the 5 different techniques. Although the majority of samples containing isolates recovered without enrichment, culture results after BACTEC enrichment were available on the same day as for agar culture with or without LC (19/23 samples), while CE postponed recovery by at least one day in 20/23 samples.

Conclusion: Blood culture medium enrichment is superior to other techniques for isolation of bacteria from SF of horses. The use of an automated system allows enrichment without substantially postponing recovery of microorganisms.

Potential relevance: The efficient and fast isolation of microorganisms from infected SF by the BACTEC system allows for rapid susceptibility testing and a more appropriate antibiotic treatment.
The use of intra‐articular corticosteroids in the horse: What is known on a scientific basis?
Authors: McILWRAITH C. W.
Published: June 2010

Intra‐articular use of corticosteroids has become a recent focus (or re‐focus) of attention in the Thoroughbred racing industry. This manuscript reviews the clinical use and scientific basis of intra‐articular corticosteroid administration including catastrophic injury, articular cartilage degradation and the development of osteoarthritis (OA), as well as the timing of injection relative to racing.
Retrospective evaluation of crib‐biting and windsucking behaviours and owner‐perceived behavioural traits as risk factors for colic in horses
Authors: MALAMED R. , BERGER J. , BAIN M. J. , KASS P. , SPIER S. J.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study: Although crib‐biting (cribbing)/windsucking has previously been associated with 2 types of colic, additional research into the possible role of other behaviours on incidence of colic by type and severity has not been undertaken.

Objectives: To investigate: a relationship between cribbing/windsucking and colic; a relationship between cribbing/windsucking and different types of colic, both medical and surgical; and whether horses displaying specific behaviour traits were more likely to have had colic.

Methods: A matched case‐control retrospective study was conducted evaluating horses with various surgical and medical colic diagnoses, admitted to a referral hospital over a 3 year period. Computerised records and a validated internet questionnaire were used to obtain information on owner‐perceived behavioural traits and repetitive behaviours.

Results: Cribbing/windsucking was significantly associated with colic but was unassociated with one category or severity of colic over another. No other repetitive behaviour was associated with colic. Age (≥20 years) was significantly associated with colic. An anxious temperament was not associated with risk of colic.

Conclusion: Animals at higher risk for colic may be identified based on history of cribbing/windsucking behaviour, but this behaviour was unassociated with increased risk for a particular category or severity of colic. Horses characterised as being more anxious were not at increased risk for colic.

Potential relevance: There is a need to elucidate a causal relationship between cribbing/windsucking and gastrointestinal function as development of more effective and humane strategies to treat cribbing/windsucking behaviour may help to improve equine welfare and reduce the risk of colic.