bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focused Magnetic Stem Cell Targeting to the Retina Using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Yanai Anat , Häfeli Urs O. , Metcalfe Andrew L. , Soema Peter , Addo Lois , Gregory-Evans Cheryl Y. , Po Kelvin , Shan Xianghong , Moritz Orson L. , Gregory-Evans Kevin
Published: March 2012

Developing new ways of delivering cells to diseased tissue will be a key factor in translating cell therapeutics research into clinical use. Magnetically targeting cells enables delivery of significant numbers of cells to key areas of specific organs. To demonstrate feasibility in neurological tissue, we targeted cells magnetically to the upper hemisphere of the rodent retina. Rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were magnetized using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). In vitro studies suggested that magnetization with fluidMAG-D was well tolerated, that cells remained viable, and they retained their differentiation capabilities. FluidMAG-D-labeled MSCs were injected intravitreally or via the tail vein of the S334ter-4 transgenic rat model of retinal degeneration with or without placing a gold-plated neodymium disc magnet within the orbit, but outside the eye. Retinal flatmount and cryosection imaging demonstrated that after intravitreal injection cells localized to the inner retina in a tightly confined area corresponding to the position of the orbital magnet. After intravenous injection, similar retinal localization was achieved and remarkably was associated with a tenfold increase in magnetic MSC delivery to the retina. Cryosections demonstrated that cells had migrated into both the inner and outer retina. Magnetic MSC treatment with orbital magnet also resulted in significantly higher retinal concentrations of anti-inflammatory molecules interleukin-10 and hepatocyte growth factor. This suggested that intravenous MSC therapy also resulted in significant therapeutic benefit in the dystrophic retina. With minimal risk of collateral damage, these results suggest that magnetic cell delivery is the best approach for controlled delivery of cells to the outer retina—the focus for disease in age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of calamitic malonates and cyanoacetates tethered to 4-cyanobiphenyls
Authors: Kress Katharina C , Kaller Martin , Axenov Kirill V , Tussetschläger Stefan , Laschat Sabine
Published: March 2012

4-Cyano-1,1'-biphenyl derivatives bearing ω-hydroxyalkyl substituents were reacted with methyl 3-chloro-3-oxopropionate or cyanoacetic acid, giving liquid-crystalline linear malonates and cyanoacetates. These compounds formed monotropic nematic phases at 62 °C down to ambient temperature upon cooling from the isotropic liquid. The mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (WAXS).
Damage caused by natural disasters in Slovenia and globally between 1995 and 2010
Authors: Zorn Matija , Komac Blaž
Published: March 2012

This paper describes the damage caused by natural disasters in Slovenia and around the world between 1995 and 2010. The fundamental purpose of the article is to present damage caused by different natural hazards in Slovenia and abroad together with the analysis of the amount of damage caused by natural disasters together and a discussion on the comparability of data. Described is the damage caused by earthquakes, floods, fires, droughts, strong winds, hail, frost and ice, and landslides and avalanches. From the analyzed material on the amount of damage we can evaluate the financial importance of prevention, which is be a key activity in the field of protection against natural disasters.
Air temperature characteristics of the Postojna and Predjama cave systems
Authors: Šebela Stanka , Turk Janez
Published: March 2012

Monitoring of air temperature takes place at five locations in two cave systems. At monitoring location Velika gora (Postojna 1), mean air temperature for the time period 2009–2010 was 11.10 °C. Of three monitoring locations Velika gora is situated at the highest absolute height. Mean air temperature in the same period was 10.66 °C in the central part of the Lepe jame cave (Postojna 3) and 10.30 °C in the side passage (Postojna 2). Temperature difference between outside and cave temperature is the highest at Postojna 2 monitoring location, due to the inflow of the air currents from the unknown parts, especially in winter time. Manual temperature measurements (2004–2010) exhibit slight increase of air temperature at Postojna 1 and Postojna 2 monitoring sites. In the Predjama cave system, the air temperature in Velika dvorana is much more stable than in Konjski hlev passage, which is more subject to external influences.
Limnological characteristics, water regime and water quality problems of Borkovac reservoir (Vojvodina, Serbia)
Authors: Dolinaj Dragan , Marković Slobodan , Svirčev Zorica , Jovanović Mlađen , Savić Stevan , Lazić Lazar , Đorđević Jasmina
Published: March 2012

In this study we present interdisciplinary investigations of the Borkovac reservoir (Vojvodina, Serbia). The limnological characteristics of the reservoir were analysed in the scope of its sustainable use for irrigation, fishing and tourism. This multipurpose water accumulation has been established in 1975 as a part of regional hydrological system of the Fruška Gora mountain region.The main environmental problems recognized in this study were: water regime, intensive sedimentation in the reservoir, enhanced water eutrophycation and toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Observed environmental problems and proposed solutions in the case of the Borkovac accumulation including construction of the sediment precipitator at the Borkovac stream junction to lake, sediment removal, artificial water mixing and oxygenation, phosphorous inactivitation, different kinds of biomanipulations and biomass removal and introduction of ecoremedation methods could also be applied to other artificial water bodies of the Fruška Gora slopes.
Spatial limitations on farms in urban outskirts
Authors: Razpotnik Visković Nika
Published: March 2012

Farms face spatial pressures, disagreements with the non-farming population, and accessibility restrictions especially on urban outskirts. Limitations within settlements prevent them from expanding farm buildings or making changes to the areas used for work on the farm. Such a situation is the result of unsuitable spatial planning of settlements, in which farmland was included within areas zoned for development. This article focuses on spatial limitations on farms in the settlement of Moste in the Municipality of Komenda. These were determined by using officially available spatial data and records and by using geographical information systems. The analysis also included applicable spatial acts by the Municipality of Komenda, on the basis of which future expansion opportunities for farms were assessed.
Cultural landscape evaluation and possibilities for future development – a case study of the island of Krk (Croatia)
Authors: Rechner Dika Iva , Aničić Branka , Krklec Kristina , Andlar Goran , Hrdalo Ines , Pereković Petra
Published: March 2012

Agricultural landscapes that resulted from many centuries of traditional agricultural cultivation are an important part of the cultural heritage in the European Mediterranean areas. Since a systematic study in the Republic of Croatia aimed at inventarisation and protection of cultural landscapes has not been carried out yet, the main purpose of this paper was to, based on a case study that took place on the island of Krk, show the method of agricultural landscape evaluation and possibilities for future development and protection of outstanding agricultural landscapes. The evaluation of all 12 identified agricultural landscape types was conducted and six of them were singled out as outstanding cultural landscapes. Possible structural changes of those landscapes were considered and a proposal for a strategy of the preservation of the valuable landscape heritage on the island of Krk has been formulated. It was concluded that for field landscapes, the preservation is possible through agricultural production modernization. Those outstanding agricultural landscapes that are not profitable, but have a great cultural and historical value, should be maintained through regular procedures for cultural monuments with 100% subsidy.
Organic farming as a potential for the development of protected areas
Authors: Štraus Saša , Bavec Franc , Bavec Martina
Published: March 2012

The objectives of organic farming are consistent with the objectives of protected areas. In this paper, possibilities for development of organic farming in protected areas are analyzed against the background of the current state of organic farming in Slovenia, current legislation regarding farming in protected areas, and economic and demographic characteristics of the selected protected areas in that country. Organic farmers are important providers of healthy, locally produced food, which can be an important component of tourism. Low interconnections between farmers, insufficient supporting legislation, limiting natural factors, and aspects of demographic structure inhibit the development of organic farming in protected areas.
Les nombres dans la publicité scientifique ou technique : quand la langue de l'industrie devient industrie de la langue
Authors: Fries-Verdeil Marie-Hélène
Published: March 2012

Cet article explore l'utilisation des nombres dans les publicités à caractère scientifique et technique. À partir d'une publicité chimique type promouvant une technique, différentes utilisations des nombres sont décrites, montrant comment le discours publicitaire les détourne à son profit, à des fins de persuasion, si bien que les sciences exactes cèdent le pas à la sémiologie et à la rhétorique. Les figures de rhétorique les plus couramment utilisées pour les nombres sont ensuite analysées selon trois axes principaux : l'abondance, le jeu et l'imaginaire. Quelques pistes pour une application didactique du concept de nombre comme icône concluent l'article.
Die stryd om die aard en omvang van die tugreg by die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Sendingkerk (1881−1994)
Authors: Plaatjies Van Huffel Mary-Anne
Published: March 2012

The struggle of the Dutch Reformed Mission Churches (1881–1994) with reference to the character and extend of discipline. In this article the struggle concerning the nature and extent of the disciplinary power in the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) (1881–1994) is discussed. Since the establishment of the DRMC in 1881 until 1982 the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) retained the right to censure and discipline the missionaries in the DRMC. The article argues that the struggle for disciplinary power under the Constitution of the DRMC, the Statute of the DRMC as well as under the memorandum of agreement between the DRMC and the DRC, was nothing less than an attempt by the DRMC to entrench the principles of Voetius in the disciplinary power of the church polity and church government of the DRMC. In 1982 the DRMC accepted a new church order in which these principles were entrenched. The acceptance of this church order provision concluded the DRMC’s struggle for disciplinary power of all its officers, missionaries included, which already began in 1908. At the inaugural meeting of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa a Church Order was adopted in which provisions with regards to the disciplinary power based on above principles was hedged.
Protracted lawfare: the tale of Chevron Texaco in the Amazon
Authors: Joseph Sarah
Published: March 2012

The Texaco oil company has long been accused of creating an environmental and human rights catastrophe while conducting oil operations in the Ecuadorian Amazon over a number of decades to 1990. Plaintiffs from the area, largely Indigenous people, have sought compensation via litigation for nearly twenty years, first against Texaco, then against the merged successor company ChevronTexaco (now known as ‘Chevron’). This article tells the tale (so far) of that litigation, which has wound its way from the United States to Ecuador and back again. The plaintiffs won a US$18 billion judgment in Ecuador in early 2011, though an appeal is pending. Furthermore, related litigation remains ongoing in the US as well as in the Hague in the Netherlands. This story of protracted and ongoing ‘lawfare’ reveals just how difficult it can be to hold major multinational corporations accountable for environmental and human rights harms when those harms have taken place in a weak developing State in a virtual regulatory vacuum.
The trinity and the dragon: reconciling finance, human rights and the environment in China
Authors: Cunningham Fiona , Kinley David
Published: March 2012

This article considers the Equator Principles experiment in forging a ‘trinity’ of corporate responsibilities – financial, social and environmental – and in particular, the importance of China's commercial banks to the future of the Equator Principles. The authors explore the obstacles that appear to be preventing those banks from adopting the Principles, suggesting that such an examination casts an important and unique light upon how a non-Western country of increasing significance to global affairs grapples with the trinity of finance, the environment and human rights.
The Japanese Economy in Crises: A Time Series Segmentation Study
Authors: Cheong Siew Ann , Fornia Robert Paulo , Lee Gladys Hui Ting , Kok Jun Liang , Yim Woei Shyr , Xu Danny Yuan , Zhang Yiting
Published: March 2012

The authors performed a comprehensive time series segmentation study on the 36 Nikkei Japanese industry indices from 1 January 1996 to 11 June 2010. From the temporal distributions of the clustered segments, we found that the Japanese economy never fully recovered from the extended 1997–2003 crisis, and responded to the most recent global financial crisis in five stages. Of these, the second and main stage affecting 21 industries lasted only 27 days, in contrast to the two-and-a-half-years acrossthe- board recovery from the 1997–2003 financial crisis. We constructed the minimum spanning trees (MSTs) to visualize the Pearson cross correlations between Japanese industries over five macroeconomic periods: (i) 1997–1999 (Asian Financial Crisis), (ii) 2000–2002 (Technology Bubble Crisis), (iii) 2003–2006 (economic growth), (iv) 2007–2008 (Subprime Crisis), and (v) 2008–2010 (Lehman Brothers Crisis). In these MSTs, the Chemicals and Electric Machinery industries are consistently hubs. Finally, we present evidence from the segment-to-segment MSTs for flights to quality within the Japanese stock market.
A sun-tracking method to improve the pointing accuracy of weather radar
Authors: Muth X. , Schneebeli M. , Berne A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Accurate positioning of data collected by a weather radar is of primary importance for their appropriate georeferencing, which in turn makes it possible to combine those with additional sources of information (topography, land cover maps, meteorological simulations from numerical weather models to list a few). This issue is especially acute for mobile radar systems, for which accurate and stable leveling might be difficult to ensure. The sun is a source of microwave radiation, which can be detected by weather radars and used for accurate positioning of radar data. This paper presents a technique based on the similarity between theodolites and radar systems as well as on the sun echoes to quantify and hence correct the instrumental errors which can affect the pointing accuracy of radar antenna. The proposed method is applied to data collected in the Swiss Alps using a mobile X-band radar system. The obtained instrumental bias values are evaluated by comparing the locations of the ground echoes predicted using these bias estimates with the observed ground echo locations. The very good agreement between the two confirms the accuracy of the proposed method.
Smoke aerosol and its radiative effects during extreme fire event over Central Russia in summer 2010
Authors: Chubarova N. , Nezval' Ye. , Sviridenkov I. , Smirnov A. , Slutsker I.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Different microphysical, optical and radiative properties of aerosol were analyzed during the severe fires in summer 2010 over Central Russia using ground measurements at two AERONET sites in Moscow (Meteorological Observatory of Moscow State University – MSU MO) and Zvenigorod (Moscow Region) and radiative measurements at the MSU MO. Volume aerosol size distribution in smoke conditions had a bimodal character with the significant prevalence of fine mode particles, for which effective radius was shifted to higher values (reff-fine = 0.24 μm against approximately 0.15 μm in typical conditions). For smoke aerosol, the imaginary part of refractive index (REFI) in the visible spectral region was lower than that for typical aerosol (REFIλ =675 nm = 0.006 against REFIλ =675 nm = 0.01), while single scattering albedo (SSA) was significantly higher (SSAλ =675 nm = 0.95 against SSAλ =675 nm ~ 0.9). Extremely high aerosol optical thickness at 500 nm (AOT500) was observed on 6–8 August reaching the absolute maximum on 7 August in Moscow (AOT500 = 6.4) and at Zvenigorod (AOT500 = 5.9). A dramatic attenuation of solar irradiance at ground was also recorded. Maximum irradiance loss had reached 64% for global shortwave irradiance, 91% for UV radiation 300–380 nm, and 97% for erythemally-weighted UV irradiance at relatively high solar elevation 47°. Significant spectral dependence in attenuation of solar irradiance in smoky conditions was mainly explained by higher AOT and smaller SSA in UV (0.8–0.9) compared with SSA in the visible region of spectrum. The assessments of radiative forcing effect (RFE) at the TOA indicated a significant cooling of the smoky atmosphere. Instant RFE reached −167 Wm−2 at AOT500 = 6.4, climatological RFE calculated with August 2010 monthly mean AOT was about −65 Wm−2, compared with −20 Wm−2 for typical aerosol according to the 10 yr period of measurements in Moscow.
Process based model sheds light on climate sensitivity of Mediterranean tree-ring width
Authors: Touchan R. , Shishov V. V. , Meko D. M. , Nouiri I. , Grachev A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. We use the process-based VS (Vaganov-Shashkin) model to investigate whether a regional Pinus halepensis tree-ring chronology from Tunisia can be simulated as a function of climate alone by employing a biological model linking day length and daily temperature and precipitation (AD 1959–2004) from a climate station to ring-width variations. We check performance of the model on independent data by a validation exercise in which the model's parameters are tuned using data for 1982–2004 and the model is applied to generate tree-ring indices for 1959–1981. The validation exercise yields a highly significant positive correlation between the residual chronology and estimated growth curve (r=0.76 p<0.0001, n=23). The model shows that the average duration of the growing season is 191 days, with considerable variation from year to year. On average, soil moisture limits tree-ring growth for 128 days and temperature for 63 days. Model results depend on chosen values of parameters, in particular a parameter specifying a balance ratio between soil moisture and precipitation. Future work in the Mediterranean region should include multi-year natural experiments to verify patterns of cambial-growth variation suggested by the VS model.
Fire history in western Patagonia from paired tree-ring fire-scar and charcoal records
Authors: Holz A. , Haberle S. , Veblen T. T. , De Pol-Holz R. , Southon J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Fire history reconstructions are typically based on tree ages and tree-ring fire scars or on charcoal in sedimentary records from lakes or bogs, but rarely on both. In this study of fire history in western Patagonia (47–48° S) in southern South America (SSA) we compared three sedimentary charcoal records collected in bogs with tree-ring fire-scar data collected at 13 nearby sample sites. We examined the temporal and spatial correspondence between the two fire proxies and also compared them to published charcoal records from distant sites in SSA, and with published proxy reconstructions of regional climate variability and large-scale climate modes. Two of our three charcoal records record fire activity for the last 4 ka yr and one for the last 11 ka yr. For the last ca. 400 yr, charcoal accumulation peaks tend to coincide with high fire activity in the tree-ring fire scar records, but the charcoal records failed to detect some of the fire activity recorded by tree rings. Potentially, this discrepancy reflects low-severity fires that burn in herbaceous and other fine fuels without depositing charcoal in the sedimentary record. Periods of high fire activity tended to be synchronous across sample areas, across proxy types, and with proxy records of regional climatic variability as well as major climate drivers. Fire activity throughout the Holocene in western Patagonia has responded to regional climate variation affecting a broad region of southern South America that is teleconnected to both tropical- and high-latitude climate drivers-El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode. An early Holocene peak in fire activity pre-dates any known human presence in our study area, and consequently implicates lightning as the ignition source. In contrast, the increased fire activity during the 20th century, which was concomitantly recorded by charcoal from all the sampled bogs and at all fire-scar sample sites, is attributed to human-set fires and is outside the range of variability characteristic of these ecosystems over many centuries and probably millennia.
Changes in the strength and width of the Hadley circulation since 1871
Authors: Liu J. , Song M. , Hu Y. , Ren X.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Recent studies demonstrate that the Hadley Circulation has intensified and expanded for the past three decades, which has important implications for subtropical societies and may lead to profound changes in global climate. However, the robustness of this intensification and expansion that should be considered when interpreting long-term changes of the Hadley Circulation is still matters of debate. It also remains largely unknown how the Hadley Circulation has evolved over longer periods. Here we present long-term variability of the Hadley Circulation using the 20th Century Reanalysis. It shows a slight strengthening and widening of the Hadley Circulation since the late 1970s, which is not inconsistent with recent assessments. However, over centennial timescales (1871–2008), the Hadley Circulation shows a tendency towards more intense and narrower state. More importantly, the width of the Hadley Circulation has not yet completed a life-cycle since 1871. The strength and width of the Hadley Circulation during the late 19th and early 20th century show strong natural variability, exceeding variability that coincides with global warming in recent decades. These findings raise the question that the recent change of the Hadley Circulation is primarily attributed to greenhouse warming or a long-period oscillation of the Hadley Circulation substantially longer than that observed in previous studies.
Set-up and preliminary results of mid-Pliocene climate simulations with CAM3.1
Authors: Yan Q. , Zhang Z. S. , Wang H. J. , Gao Y. Q. , Zheng W. P.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The mid-Pliocene warm period ~3.264 to 3.025 Ma) is a potential analogue for future climate under global warming. In this study, we use an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) called CAM3.1 to simulate the mid-Pliocene climate with the PRISM3D boundary conditions. The simulations show that the global annual mean surface air temperature (SAT) increases by 2.0 °C in the mid-Pliocene compared with the pre-industrial temperature. The greatest warming occurs at high latitudes of both hemispheres, with little change in SAT at low latitudes. The equator-to-pole SAT gradient is reduced in the mid-Pliocene simulation. The annual mean precipitation is enhanced by 3.6% of the pre-industrial value. However, the changes in precipitation are greater at low latitudes than at high latitudes.
Antarctic sea ice variability and trends, 1979–2010
Authors: Parkinson C. L. , Cavalieri D. J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. In sharp contrast to the decreasing sea ice coverage of the Arctic, in the Antarctic the sea ice cover has, on average, expanded since the late 1970s. More specifically, satellite passive-microwave data for the period November 1978–December 2010 reveal an overall positive trend in ice extents of 17 100 ± 2300 km2 yr−1. Much of the increase, at 13 700 ± 1500 km2 yr−1, has occurred in the region of the Ross Sea, with lesser contributions from the Weddell Sea and Indian Ocean. One region, that of the Bellingshausen/Amundsen Seas, has, like the Arctic, instead experienced significant sea ice decreases, with an overall ice extent trend of −8200 ± 1200 km2 yr−1. When examined through the annual cycle over the 32-yr period 1979–2010, the Southern Hemisphere sea ice cover as a whole experienced positive ice extent trends in every month, ranging in magnitude from a low of 9100 ± 6300 km2 yr−1 in February to a high of 24 700 ± 10 000 km2 yr−1 in May. The Ross Sea and Indian Ocean also had positive trends in each month, while the Bellingshausen/Amundsen Seas had negative trends in each month, and the Weddell Sea and Western Pacific Ocean had a mixture of positive and negative trends. Comparing ice-area results to ice-extent results, in each case the ice-area trend has the same sign as the ice-extent trend, but differences in the magnitudes of the two trends identify regions with overall increasing ice concentrations and others with overall decreasing ice concentrations. The strong pattern of decreasing ice coverage in the Bellingshausen/Amundsen Seas region and increasing ice coverage in the Ross Sea region is suggestive of changes in atmospheric circulation. This is a key topic for future research.
Arctic sea ice variability and trends, 1979–2010
Authors: Cavalieri D. J. , Parkinson C. L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Analyses of 32 yr (1979–2010) of Arctic sea ice extents and areas derived from satellite passive microwave radiometers are presented for the Northern Hemisphere as a whole and for nine Arctic regions. There is an overall negative yearly trend of −51.5 ± 4.1 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−4.1 ± 0.3% decade−1) in sea ice extent for the hemisphere. The sea ice extent trends for the individual Arctic regions are all negative except for the Bering Sea: −3.9 ± 1.1 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−8.7 ± 2.5% decade−1) for the Seas of Okhotsk and Japan, +0.3 ± 0.8 × 103 km2 yr−1 (+1.2 ± 2.7% decade−1) for the Bering Sea, −4.4 ± 0.7 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−5.1 ± 0.9% decade−1) for Hudson Bay, −7.6 ± 1.6 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−8.5 ± 1.8% decade−1) for Baffin Bay/Labrador Sea, −0.5 ± 0.3 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−5.9 ± 3.5% decade−1) for the Gulf of St. Lawrence, −6.5 ± 1.1 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−8.6 ± 1.5% decade−1) for the Greenland Sea, −13.5 ± 2.3 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−9.2 ± 1.6% decade−1) for the Kara and Barents Seas, −14.6 ± 2.3 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−2.1 ± 0.3% decade−1) for the Arctic Ocean, and −0.9 ± 0.4 × 103 km2 yr−1 (−1.3 ± 0.5% decade−1) for the Canadian Archipelago. Similarly, the yearly trends for sea ice areas are all negative except for the Bering Sea. On a seasonal basis for both sea ice extents and areas, the largest negative trend is observed for summer with the next largest negative trend being for autumn.
Alimentación práctica del cerdo
Authors: García-Contreras AC , De Loera Ortega YG , Yagüe AP , Guevara González JA , García Artiga C.
Published: March 2012

La alimentación representan alrededor del 65% de los costes de producción, por ello debe establecerse como una prioridad. No es suficiente que una dieta cumpla con las necesidades nutricionales de los cerdos, la formulación debe obedecer las normativas oficiales que rigen en cada país para el uso y fabricación de alimentos. Asimismo, el alimento debe ser fácil de conservar y suministrar, asumiendo la gran variedad de instalaciones (comederos y bebederos) utilizadas en las distintas etapas de los cerdos. Sin embargo, el objetivo fundamental de la formulación de una dieta es que contenga los nutrientes necesarios en las cantidades correctas y equilibradas, considerando la etapa fisiológica, peso, edad, sexo, potencial genético, estado de salud, época del año, objetivos productivos y de producto final, así como las limitantes legales. Una vez cumplida la formulación, el siguiente paso es asegurar que ésta sea elaborada bajo condiciones que garanticen la inocuidad, trazabilidad y bajo costo de la misma. A este desafío, se añade la necesidad de cumplir con las normativas ambientales relacionadas con la alimentación y bienestar animal.
Microcephaly, intellectual impairment, bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, distichiasis, and glomuvenous malformations associated with a 16q24.3 contiguous gene deletion and a Glomulin mutation
Authors: Butler Matthew G. , Dagenais Susan L. , Garcia‐Perez José L. , Brouillard Pascal , Vikkula Miikka , Strouse Peter , Innis Jeffrey W. , Glover Thomas W.
Published: March 2012

Two hereditary syndromes, lymphedema‐distichiasis (LD) syndrome and blepharo‐chelio‐dontic (BCD) syndrome include the aberrant growth of eyelashes from the meibomian glands, known as distichiasis. LD is an autosomal dominant syndrome primarily characterized by distichiasis and the onset of lymphedema usually during puberty. Mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXC2 are the only known cause of LD. BCD syndrome consists of autosomal dominant abnormalities of the eyelid, lip, and teeth, and the etiology remains unknown. In this report, we describe a proband that presented with distichiasis, microcephaly, bilateral grade IV vesicoureteral reflux requiring ureteral re‐implantation, mild intellectual impairment and apparent glomuvenous malformations (GVM). Distichiasis was present in three generations of the proband's maternal side of the family. The GVMs were severe in the proband, and maternal family members exhibited lower extremity varicosities of variable degree. A GLMN (glomulin) gene mutation was identified in the proband that accounts for the observed GVMs; no other family member could be tested. TIE2 sequencing revealed no mutations. In the proband, an additional submicroscopic 265 kb contiguous gene deletion was identified in 16q24.3, located 609 kb distal to the FOXC2 locus, which was inherited from the proband's mother. The deletion includes the C16ORF95, FBXO31, MAP1LC3B, and ZCCHC14 loci and 115 kb of a gene desert distal to FOXC2 and FOXL1. Thus, it is likely that the microcephaly, distichiasis, vesicoureteral, and intellectual impairment in this family may be caused by the deletion of one or more of these genes and/or deletion of distant cis‐regulatory elements of FOXC2 expression. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De novo 6.9 Mb interstitial deletion on chromosome 4q31.1‐q32.1 in a girl with severe speech delay and dysmorphic features
Authors: Fabretto Antonella , Rocca Maria Santa , Perrone Maria Dolores , Skabar Aldo , Pecile Vanna , Gasparini Paolo
Published: March 2012

Deletion of the terminal part of long arm of chromosome 4 is a condition characterized by facial dysmorphisms, cardiac and limb defects, and developmental delay. Deletions usually involve the terminal part of the chromosome and most frequently are interstitial. Here, we report a de novo interstitial deletion resulting in a microdeletion of 6.9 Mb involving 4q31.3‐q32.1 segment, detected by SNPs‐Array technique in a 4‐year‐old female showing severe speech delay, mild facial dysmorphisms, and joint laxity. Phenotype–genotype relationships looking at the genes involved in this part of the chromosome were also carried out and data compared with those previously described. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recessive RYR1 mutations in a patient with severe congenital nemaline myopathy with ophthalomoplegia identified through massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Kondo Eri , Nishimura Takafumi , Kosho Tomoki , Inaba Yuji , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Ishida Takefumi , Baba Atsushi , Koike Kenichi , Nishino Ichizo , Nonaka Ikuya , Furukawa Toru , Saito Kayoko
Published: March 2012

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a group of congenital myopathies, characterized by the presence of distinct rod‐like inclusions “nemaline bodies” in the sarcoplasm of skeletal muscle fibers. To date, ACTA1, NEB, TPM3, TPM2, TNNT1, and CFL2 have been found to cause NM. We have identified recessive RYR1 mutations in a patient with severe congenital NM, through high‐throughput screening of congenital myopathy/muscular dystrophy‐related genes using massively parallel sequencing with target gene capture. The patient manifested fetal akinesia, neonatal severe hypotonia with muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency, swallowing disturbance, and ophthalomoplegia. Skeletal muscle histology demonstrated nemaline bodies and small type 1 fibers, but without central cores or minicores. Congenital myopathies, a molecularly, histopathologically, and clinically heterogeneous group of disorders are considered to be a good candidate for massively parallel sequencing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical epidemiology of skeletal dysplasias in South America
Authors: Barbosa‐Buck Cecília O. , Orioli Iêda M. , da Graça Dutra Maria , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge , Castilla Eduardo E. , Cavalcanti Denise P.
Published: March 2012

Currently accepted birth prevalence for osteochondrodysplasias (OCD) of about 2/10,000 is based on few studies from small series of cases. We conducted a study based on more than 1.5 million births. OCD cases were detected from 1,544,496 births occurring and examined in 132 hospitals of ECLAMC (Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations) between 2000 and 2007. Cases were detected and registered according to a pre‐established protocol, and then ranked in four diagnostic evidence levels (DEL), according to available documentation. For the analysis of risk factors, a healthy control sample born in the same period was used. OCD was diagnosed in 492 newborns, resulting in a prevalence per 10,000 of 3.2 (95% CI: 2.9–3.5). Perinatal lethality (stillbirths plus early neonatal deaths) occurred in 50% of cases. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis was made in 73% of cases (n = 359). Among 211 cases from the best documented group (DEL‐1) and according to international classification, 33% of cases fit into the G‐25 (osteogenesis imperfecta), 29% in Group‐1 (FGFR3), and 8% in Group‐18 (Bent bones). The prevalence of the main OCD types were: OI—0.74 (0.61–0.89); thanatophoric dysplasia—0.47 (0.36–0.59); and achondroplasia—0.44 (0.33–0.55). Paternal age (31.2 ± 8.5), parity (2.6), and parental consanguinity rate (5.4%) were higher in cases than in controls (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the OCD overall prevalence of 3.2 per 10,000 found seems to be more realistic than previous estimates. This study also confirmed the high perinatal mortality, and the association with high paternal age, parity, and parental consanguinity rate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rear‐end crash potential estimation in the work zone merging areas
Authors: Weng Jinxian , Meng Qiang
Published: March 2012

This paper proposed a methodology to estimate rear‐end crash potential of the merging vehicles traveling in the merge lane, on the basis of the traffic data extracting from the available videotapes. First, we developed a binary logit model to identify drivers' merging behavior in the work zone merging area. Subsequently, the occurrence potential of rear‐end crash based on time‐to‐collision was computed between the merging vehicle and its neighboring vehicles. The overall crash potential of the merging vehicle was finally determined. It was found that the crash potential decreases with the remaining distance to work zone. Moreover, there will be a rear‐end crash potential of 4.0% if the merging vehicle fails to complete merging at the end of work zone merging area. If the merging vehicle takes an early merge, there will be a lower rear‐end crash potential (1.2%). These findings suggest that we should encourage merging vehicles to take early merges for improving the traffic safety in the work zone merging areas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐space refinement with DireX: From global fitting to side‐chain improvements
Authors: Wang Zhe , Schröder Gunnar F.
Published: March 2012

Single‐particle cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) has become an important tool to determine the structure of large biomolecules and assemblies thereof. However, the achievable resolution varies considerably over a wide range of about 3.5–20 Å. The interpretation of these intermediate‐ to low‐resolution density maps in terms of atomic models is a big challenge and an area of active research. Here, we present our real‐space structure refinement program DireX, which was developed primarily for cryo‐EM‐derived density maps. The basic principle and its main features are described. DireX employs Deformable Elastic Network (DEN) restraints to reduce overfitting by decreasing the effective number of degrees of freedom used in the refinement. Missing or reduced density due to flexible parts of the protein can lead to artifacts in the structure refinement, which is addressed through the concept of restrained grouped occupancy refinement. Furthermore, we describe the performance of DireX in the 2010 Cryo‐EM Modeling Challenge, where we chose six density maps of four different proteins provided by the Modeling Challenge exemplifying typical refinement results at a large resolution range from 3 to 23 Å. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 687–697, 2012.
Policies for Enhancing Corporate Environmental Management: a Framework and an Applied Example
Authors: Valentine Scott Victor
Published: March 2012

This paper develops a four‐phase schematic representation dubbed the CEM lifecycle for conceptualizing how corporate environmental management (CEM) programs typically evolve in a given organization and then explicates the forces that influence corporate commitment as a CEM program progresses from inception to later phases of the CEM lifecycle. Examples are then presented on how the Singaporean government encourages enhancement of CEM programs by designing support programs that target the underlying corporate needs inherent to the first three CEM lifecycle phases. The examples provided in this paper of Singaporean CEM support programs illustrate how policy can be strategically designed to improve corporate uptake of CEM programs by enhancing CEM knowledge in the initial phase of the CEM lifecycle, providing technical support in the second lifecycle phase and providing opportunities for public recognition in the third lifecycle phase. The article concludes that replicating the strategic approach to policymaking exemplified in the Singaporean case study can significantly improve the competitiveness of domestic firms through encouraging more efficient use of resources; however, in order to design truly sustainable economies (provide for the needs of future generations), governments must be prepared to more coercively regulate the exploitation of natural endowments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Employee Engagement in CSR: The Case of Payroll Giving in Australia
Authors: Haski‐Leventhal Debbie
Published: March 2012

Payroll giving (on‐going donations deducted from an employee's salary) is an effective way to engage employees – important Stakeholders – in the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR). This paper is based on a study that was conducted among 24 Australian companies, with over 4500 employees, to examine how participation and levels of giving relate to background variables (income, job level, education, age, family status, and giving behavior), attitudes (motivations, barriers, attitudes toward the employers’ engagement in the community and organizational commitment), as well as organizational factors (size, industry type, overall level of participation, and matching donations by the employer). We found payroll giving to be significantly related to all background variables and organizational factors. As for attitudes, we found significant differences between high‐level givers, low‐level givers, former givers and non‐givers in regards to their motivations, barriers and attitudes towards their employer's engagement in the community, but not to organizational commitment. The study shows that stakeholder theory and corporate giving theories can be combined to involve employees in the company's giving. The findings can help companies to understand how to better communicate, segment and donate in a way that will increase participation of employees. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The difference of glucostatic parameters according to the remission of diabetes after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass
Authors: Kim Mee Kyoung , Lee Hong Chan , Lee Seung Hwan , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Baek Ki‐Hyun , Kim Eung Kook , Lee Kwang Woo , Song Ki‐Ho
Published: March 2012

Background

Gut hormones play a role in diabetes remission after a Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our aim was to investigate differences in gut hormone secretion according to diabetes remission after surgery. Second, we aimed to identify differences in insulin secretion and sensitivity according to diabetes remission after RYGB.

Methods

Twenty‐two severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. A meal tolerance test (MTT) was performed 12 months after RYGB. The secretions of active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (active GLP‐1), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), peptide YY, C‐peptide and insulin during the MTT test were calculated using total area under the curve values (AUC). Remission was defined as glycated haemoglobin (A1C) of <6.5% and a fasting glucose concentration of <126 mg/dL for 1 year or more without active pharmacological therapy.

Results

Of the 22 patients, 16 (73%) had diabetes remission (remission group). The secretion CURVES of active GLP‐1, GIP and peptide YY were not different between the groups. AUC of insulin and C‐peptide were also not different. Homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance was significantly lower (1.26 ± 1.05 versus 2.37 ± 1.08, p = 0.006), and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity was significantly higher in the remission group (10.5 ± 6.2 versus 5.8 ± 2.1, p = 0.039). The disposition index (functional reserve of beta cells) was significantly higher in the remission group compared with that in the non‐remission group (5.34 ± 2.74 versus 1.83 ± 0.70, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Remission of diabetes after RYGB is not associated with a difference in gut hormone secretion. Patients remaining diabetic had higher insulin resistance and decreased β cell functional reserve. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection methods for autologous blood doping
Authors: Segura J. , Monfort N. , Ventura R.
Published: March 2012

The use of blood doping is forbidden by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. Several practices, such as blood transfusions are used to increase oxygen delivery to muscles and all of them are highly pursued. In this regard, the development of accurate methodologies for detecting these prohibited practices is one of the current aims of the anti‐doping control laboratories. Flow cytometry methods are able to detect allogeneic blood transfusions but there is no official methodology available to detect autologous blood transfusions.

This paper reviews protocols, including the Athlete Biological Passport, that use indirect markers to detect misuse of blood transfusions, especially autologous blood transfusions. The methods of total haemoglobin mass measurements and the detection of metabolites of blood bags plasticizers in urine are reviewed. The latter seems to be an important step forward because it is a fast screening method and it is based on urine, a fluid widely available for doping control. Other innovative approaches to blood transfusion detection are also mentioned. A combination of the reported methodologies and the implementation of the Athlete Biological Passport is becoming a promising approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cross‐sectional analysis of the cognitive model of bulimia nervosa
Authors: Bergin Jacqueline L. , Wade Tracey D.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The present study aimed to directly test Cooper et al.'s cognitive model of the maintenance of bulimia nervosa.

Method:

The major predictions of the model were tested cross‐sectionally using multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling in a mixed sample comprising nonclinical female university students (n = 298) and clinical eating disorder patients (n = 44).

Results:

Consistent with model, negative self‐beliefs was associated with negative emotion, negative emotion with positive and negative beliefs about eating, beliefs about eating with eating behavior, and binge eating with negative self‐beliefs. However, contrary to hypotheses, results did not consistently support a direct link between compensatory behavior and negative self‐beliefs. Furthermore, the role of permissive thoughts was found to be questionable. Of note, results suggested that components of the model may operate to maintain bulimic pathology in a slightly different way for purging and nonpurging behaviors.

Discussion:

While the results of this research provide some preliminary evidence for the validity of the cognitive model as an explanation of the persistence of bulimic symptoms, further work is required to develop the model. (Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:776–786)
Rotenone formulation fate in Lake Davis following the 2007 treatment
Authors: Vasquez Martice E. , Rinderneck Janna , Newman Julie , McMillin Stella , Finlayson Brian , Mekebri Abdou , Crane David , Tjeerdema Ronald S.
Published: March 2012

In September 2007, Lake Davis (near Portola, California) was treated by the California Department of Fish and Game with CFT Legumine, a rotenone formulation, to eradicate the invasive northern pike (Esox lucius). The objective of this report is to describe the fate of the five major formulation constituents—rotenone, rotenolone, methyl pyrrolidone (MP), diethylene glycol monethyl ether (DEGEE), and Fennedefo 99—in water, sediment, and brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus; a rotenone-resistant species) by determination of their half-lives (t1/2) and pseudo first-order dissipation rate constants (k). The respective t1/2 values in water for rotenone, rotenolone, MP, DEGEE, and Fennedefo 99 were 5.6, 11.1, 4.6, 7.7, and 13.5 d; in sediments they were 31.1, 31.8, 10.0, not able to calculate, and 48.5 d; and in tissues were 6.1, 12.7, 3.7, 3.2, and 10.4 d, respectively. Components possessing low water solubility values (rotenone and rotenolone) persisted longer in sediments (not detectable after 157 d) and tissues (<212 d) compared with water, whereas the water-miscible components (MP and DEGEE) dissipated more quickly from all matrices, except for Fennedefo 99, which was the most persistent in water (83 d). None of the constituents was found to bioaccumulate in tissues as a result of treatment. In essence, the physicochemical properties of the chemical constituents effectively dictated their fate in the lake following treatment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1032–1041. © 2012 SETAC