bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The function of 7D-cadherins: a mathematical model predicts physiological importance for water transport through simple epithelia
Authors: Ahl Mareike , Weth Agnes , Walcher Sebastian , Baumgartner Werner
Published: June 2011

Background

7D-cadherins like LI-cadherin are cell adhesion molecules and represent exceptional members of the cadherin superfamily. Although LI-cadherin was shown to act as a functional Ca2+-dependent adhesion molecule, linking neighboring cells together, and to be dysregulated in a variety of diseases, the physiological role is still enigmatic. Interestingly 7D-cadherins occur only in the lateral plasma membranes of cells from epithelia of water transporting tissues like the gut, the liver or the kidney. Furthermore LI-cadherin was shown to exhibit a highly cooperative Ca2+-dependency of the binding activity. Thus it is tempting to assume that LI-cadherin regulates the water transport through the epithelium in a passive fashion by changing its binding activity in dependence on the extracellular Ca2+.

Results

We developed a simple mathematical model describing the epithelial lining of a lumen with a content of variable osmolarity covering an interstitium of constant osmolarity. The width of the lateral intercellular cleft was found to influence the water transport significantly. In the case of hypertonic luminal content a narrow cleft is necessary to further increase concentration of the luminal content. If the cleft is too wide, the water flux will change direction and water is transported into the lumen. Electron microscopic images show that in fact areas of the gut can be found where the lateral intercellular cleft is narrow throughout the lateral cell border whereas in other areas the lateral intercellular cleft is widened.

Conclusions

Our simple model clearly predicts that changes of the width of the lateral intercellular cleft can regulate the direction and efficiency of water transport through a simple epithelium. In a narrow cleft the cells can increase the concentration of osmotic active substances easily by active transport whereas if the cleft is wide, friction is reduced but the cells can hardly build up high osmotic gradients. It is now tempting to speculate that 7D-cadherins, owing to their location and their Ca2+-dependence, will adapt their binding activity and thereby the width of the lateral intercellular cleft automatically as the Ca2+-concentration is coupled to the overall electrolyte concentration in the lateral intercellular cleft. This could provide a way to regulate the water resorption in a passive manner adapting to different osmotic conditions.
Evaluation of wet-cupping therapy for persistent non-specific low back pain: a randomised, waiting-list controlled, open-label, parallel-group pilot trial
Authors: Kim Jong-In , Kim Tae-Hun , Lee Myeong Soo , Kang Jung Won , Kim Kun Hyung , Choi Jun-Yong , Kang Kyung-Won , Kim Ae-Ran , Shin Mi-Suk , Jung So-Young , Choi Sun-mi
Published: June 2011

Background

Persistent non-specific low back pain (PNSLBP) is one of the most frequently experienced types of back pain around the world. Wet-cupping is a common intervention for various pain conditions, especially in Korea. In this context, we conducted a pilot study to determine the effectiveness and safety of wet-cupping treatment for PNSLBP.

Methods

We recruited 32 participants (21 in the wet-cupping group and 11 in the waiting-list group) who had been having PNSLBP for at least 3 months. The participants were recruited at the clinical research centre of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Korea. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to wet-cupping and waiting-list groups. Following the practice of traditional Korean medicine, the treatment group was provided with wet-cupping treatment at two acupuncture points among the BL23, BL24 and BL25 6 times within 2 weeks. Usual care, including providing brochures for exercise, general advice for PNSLBP and acetaminophen, was allowed in both groups. Separate assessors participated in the outcome assessment. We used the 0 to100 numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, the McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain intensity (PPI) and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and we assessed acetaminophen use and safety issues.

Results

The results showed that the NRS score for pain decreased (-16.0 [95% CI: -24.4 to -7.7] in the wet-cupping group and -9.1 [-18.1 to -0.1] in the waiting-list group), but there was no statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.52). However, the PPI scores showed significant differences between the two groups (-1.2 [-1.6 to -0.8] for the wet-cupping group and -0.2 [-0.8 to 0.4] for the waiting-list group, p < 0.01). In addition, less acetaminophen was used in the wet-cupping group during 4 weeks (p = 0.09). The ODQ score did not show significant differences between the two groups (-5.60 [-8.90 to -2.30] in the wet-cupping group and -1.8 [-5.8 to 2.2] in the waiting-list group, p = 0.14). There was no report of adverse events due to wet-cupping.

Conclusion

This pilot study may provide preliminary data on the effectiveness and safety of wet-cupping treatments for PNSLBP. Future full-scale randomised controlled trials will be needed to provide firm evidence of the effectiveness of this intervention.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: (Identifier: NCT00925951)

Date of trial registration: June 19th, 2009

The date when the first patient was randomised: July 15th, 2009

The date when the study was completed: November 27th, 2009
Screening for tuberculosis and prediction of disease in Portuguese healthcare workers
Authors: Torres Costa José , Silva Rui , Ringshausen Felix C , Nienhaus Albert
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Results of systematic screening of healthcare workers (HCWs) for tuberculosis (TB) with the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRA) in a Portuguese hospital from 2007 to 2010 are reported.

Methods

All HCWs are offered screening for TB. Screening is repeated depending on risk assessment. TST and QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube (QFT) are used simultaneously. X-ray is performed when TST is > 10 mm, IGRA is positive or typical symptoms exist.

Results

The cohort comprises 2,889 HCWs. TST and IGRA were positive in 29.5%, TST-positive but IGRA-negative results were apparent in 43.4%. Active TB was diagnosed in twelve HCWs - eight cases were detected during screening and four cases were predicted by IGRA as well as by TST. However, the progression rate in IGRA-positive was higher than in TST-positive HCWs (0.4% vs. 0.2%, p-value 0.06).

Conclusions

The TB burden in this cohort was high (129.8 per 100,000 HCWs). However, the progression to active TB after a positive TST or positive IGRA was considerably lower than that reported in literature for close contacts in low-incidence countries. This may indicate that old LTBI prevails in these HCWs.
A rapid, simple method for the genetic discrimination of intact Arabidopsis thaliana mutant seeds using metabolic profiling by direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Suk Weon , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jong Hyun , Kwon Yong Kook , Ahn Myung Suk , Jang Young Pyo , Liu Jang R
Published: June 2011

Background

Efficient high throughput screening systems of useful mutants are prerequisite for study of plant functional genomics and lots of application fields. Advance in such screening tools, thanks to the development of analytic instruments. Direct analysis in real-time (DART)-mass spectrometry (MS) by ionization of complex materials at atmospheric pressure is a rapid, simple, high-resolution analytical technique. Here we describe a rapid, simple method for the genetic discrimination of intact Arabidopsis thaliana mutant seeds using metabolic profiling by DART-MS.

Results

To determine whether this DART-MS combined by multivariate analysis can perform genetic discrimination based on global metabolic profiling, intact Arabidopsis thaliana mutant seeds were subjected to DART-MS without any sample preparation. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of DART-MS spectral data from intact seeds classified 14 different lines of seeds into two distinct groups: Columbia (Col-0) and Landsberg erecta (Ler) ecotype backgrounds. A hierarchical dendrogram based on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) subdivided the Col-0 ecotype into two groups: mutant lines harboring defects in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway and mutants without these defects. These results indicated that metabolic profiling with DART-MS could discriminate intact Arabidopsis seeds at least ecotype level and metabolic pathway level within same ecotype.

Conclusion

The described DART-MS combined by multivariate analysis allows for rapid screening and metabolic characterization of lots of Arabidopsis mutant seeds without complex metabolic preparation steps. Moreover, potential novel metabolic markers can be detected and used to clarify the genetic relationship between Arabidopsis cultivars. Furthermore this technique can be applied to predict the novel gene function of metabolic mutants regardless of morphological phenotypes.
Detecting differential allelic expression using high-resolution melting curve analysis: application to the breast cancer susceptibility gene CHEK2
Authors: Nguyen-Dumont Tú , Jordheim Lars P , Michelon Jocelyne , Forey Nathalie , McKay-Chopin Sandrine ,   Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Aspects of Breast Cancer (kConFab), Sinilnikova Olga , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , Southey Melissa C , Tavtigian Sean V , Lesueur Fabienne
Published: June 2011

Background

The geneCHEK2encodes a checkpoint kinase playing a key role in the DNA damage pathway. ThoughCHEK2has been identified as an intermediate breast cancer susceptibility gene, only a small proportion of high-risk families have been explained by genetic variants located in its coding region. Alteration in gene expression regulation provides a potential mechanism for generating disease susceptibility. The detection of differential allelic expression (DAE) represents a sensitive assay to direct the search for a functional sequence variant within the transcriptional regulatory elements of a candidate gene. We aimed to assess whetherCHEK2was subject to DAE in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from high-risk breast cancer patients for whom no mutation inBRCA1orBRCA2had been identified.

Methods

We implemented an assay based on high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis and developed an analysis tool for DAE assessment.

Results

We observed allelic expression imbalance in 4 of the 41 LCLs examined. All four were carriers of the truncating mutation 1100delC. We confirmed previous findings that this mutation induces non-sense mediated mRNA decay. In our series, we ruled out the possibility of a functional sequence variant located in the promoter region or in a regulatory element ofCHEK2that would lead to DAE in the transcriptional regulatory milieu of freely proliferating LCLs.

Conclusions

Our results support that HRM is a sensitive and accurate method for DAE assessment. This approach would be of great interest for high-throughput mutation screening projects aiming to identify genes carrying functional regulatory polymorphisms.
Genetic characterization, species differentiation and detection of Fasciola spp. by molecular approaches
Authors: Ai Lin , Chen Mu-Xin , Alasaad Samer , Elsheikha Hany M , Li Juan , Li Hai-Long , Lin Rui-Qing , Zou Feng-Cai , Zhu Xing-Quan , Chen Jia-Xu
Published: June 2011

Liver flukes belonging to the genusFasciolaare among the causes of foodborne diseases of parasitic etiology. These parasites cause significant public health problems and substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. Therefore, it is important to definitively characterize theFasciolaspecies. Current phenotypic techniques fail to reflect the full extent of the diversity ofFasciolaspp. In this respect, the use of molecular techniques to identify and differentiateFasciolaspp. offer considerable advantages. The advent of a variety of molecular genetic techniques also provides a powerful method to elucidate many aspects ofFasciolabiology, epidemiology, and genetics. However, the discriminatory power of these molecular methods varies, as does the speed and ease of performance and cost. There is a need for the development of new methods to identify the mechanisms underpinning the origin and maintenance of genetic variation within and amongFasciolapopulations. The increasing application of the current and new methods will yield a much improved understanding ofFasciolaepidemiology and evolution as well as more effective means of parasite control. Herein, we provide an overview of the molecular techniques that are being used for the genetic characterization, detection and genotyping ofFasciolaspp..
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from waste frying oil by Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Verlinden Rob AJ , Hill David J , Kenward Melvin A , Williams Craig D , Piotrowska-Seget Zofia , Radecka Iza K
Published: June 2011

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers, which can replace petrochemical plastics in many applications. However, these bioplastics are currently far more expensive than petrochemical plastics. Many researchers are investigating the use of inexpensive substrates derived from waste streams. Waste frying oil is abundant and can be used in PHA production without filtration.

Cupriavidus
necator (formerly known as Ralstonia eutropha) is a versatile organism for the production of PHAs. Small-scale batch fermentation studies have been set up, using different concentrations of pure vegetable oil, heated vegetable oil and waste frying oil. These oils are all rapeseed oils.

It has been shown that Cupriavidus necator produced the homopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from the rapeseed oils. The achieved PHB concentration from waste frying oil was 1.2 g/l, which is similar to a concentration that can be obtained from glucose. The PHB harvest from pure oil and heated oil was 0.62 g/l and 0.9 g/l respectively. A feed of waste frying oil could thus achieve more biopolymer than pure vegetable oil. While the use of a waste product is beneficial from a life-cycle perspective, PHB is not the only product that can be made from waste oil. The collection of waste frying oil is becoming more widespread, making waste oil a good alternative to purified oil or glucose for PHB production.
High-sensitivity versus conventional troponin in the emergency department for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Freund Yonathan , Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Bonnet Pascale , Claessens Yann-Erick , Allo Jean-Christophe , Doumenc Benoit , Leumani François , Cosson Claudine , Riou Bruno , Ray Patrick
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Recently, newer assays for cardiac troponin (cTn) have been developed which are able to detect changes in concentration of the biomarker at or below the 99th percentile for a normal population. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of a new high-sensitivity troponin T (HsTnT) assay to that of conventional cTnI for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) according to pretest probability (PTP).

Methods

In consecutive patients who presented to our emergency departments with chest pain suggestive of AMI, levels of HsTnT were measured at presentation, blinded to the emergency physicians, who were asked to estimate the empirical PTP of AMI. The discharge diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent experts on the basis of all available data.

Results

A total of 317 patients were included, comprising 149 (47%) who were considered to have low PTP, 109 (34%) who were considered to have moderate PTP and 59 (19%) who were considered to have high PTP. AMI was confirmed in 45 patients (14%), 22 (9%) of whom were considered to have low to moderate PTP and 23 (39%) of whom were considered to have high PTP (P < 0.001). In the low to moderate PTP group, HsTnT levels ≥ 0.014 μg/L identified AMI with a higher sensitivity than cTnI (91%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 79 to 100, vs. 77% (95% CI 60 to 95); P = 0.001), but the negative predictive value was not different (99% (95% CI 98 to 100) vs. 98% (95% CI 96 to 100)). There was no difference in area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve between HsTnT and cTnI (0.93 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.98) vs. 0.94 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.97), respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with low to moderate PTP of AMI, HsTnT is slightly more useful than cTnI. Our results confirm that the use of HsTnT has a higher sensitivity than conventional cTnI.
Quantitative interpretation for gas hydrate accumulation in the eastern Green Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico using seismic inversion and rock physics transform
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Han De-hua , Yao Qiuliang
Published: June 2011

Gas hydrate can be interpreted from seismic data through observation of bottom simulating reflector (BSR). It is a challenge to interpret gas hydrate without BSR. Three-dimensional qualitative and quantitative seismic interpretations were used to characterize gas hydrate distribution and concentration in the eastern Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico, where BSR is absent. The combination of qualitative and quantitative interpretation reduces ambiguities in the estimation and identification of gas hydrate. Sandy deposition and faults are qualitatively interpreted from amplitude data. The 3D acoustic impedance volume was interpreted in terms of high P-impedance hydrate zones and low P-impedance free gas zones. Gas hydrate saturation derived from P-impedance is estimated by a rock physics transform. We interpreted gas hydrate in the sand-prone sediments with a maximum saturation of approximately 50% of the pore space. Sheet-like and some bright spot gas hydrate accumulations are interpreted. The interpretation of sheet-like gas hydrate within sand-prone sediments around faults suggests that fluid moves into the sand zones laterally by conduits. Variations in depths of interpreted gas hydrate zones imply nonequilibrium conditions. Low P-impedance free gas zones within high P-impedance gas hydrate zones imply possible coexistence of hydrate and free gas within the hydrate stability zone. We propose that gas hydrate distribution and concentration are associated with structures, buried sedimentary bodies, sources of gas, and fluid flux.
Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Regulation of Voltage-Gated Chloride Channels by Ligands Preferring a VDR-Alternative Pocket (VDR-AP)
Authors: Menegaz Danusa , Mizwicki Mathew T. , Barrientos-Duran Antonio , Chen Ning , Henry Helen L. , Norman Anthony W.
Published: June 2011

We have postulated that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) contains two overlapping ligand binding sites, a genomic pocket and an alternative pocket (AP), that mediate regulation of gene transcription and rapid responses, respectively. Flexible VDR + ligand docking calculations predict that the major blood metabolite, 25(OH)-vitamin D3 (25D3), and curcumin (CM) bind more selectively to the VDR-AP when compared with the seco-steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3). In VDR wild-type-transfected COS-1 cells and TM4 Sertoli cells, 1,25D3, 25D3, and CM each trigger voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying chloride channel (ORCC) currents that can be blocked by the VDR antagonist 1β,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 and the chloride channel antagonist (4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid). VDR mutational analysis in transfected COS-1 cells demonstrate the DNA-binding domain is not, but the ligand binding and hinge domains of the VDR are, required for 1,25D3 and 25D3 to activate the ORCC. Dose-response studies demonstrate that 25D3 and 1,25D3 are approximately equipotent in stimulating ORCC rapid responses, whereas 1 nm 1,25D3 was 1000-fold more potent than 25D3 and CM in stimulating gene expression. The VDR-AP agonist effects of 1,25D3, 25D3, and low-dose CM are lost after pretreatment of TM4 cells with VDR small interfering RNA. Collectively, these results are consistent with an essential role for the VDR-AP in initiating the signaling required for rapid opening of ORCC. The fact that 25D3 is equipotent to 1,25D3 in opening ORCC suggests that reconsideration of the ability of 25D3 to generate biological responses in vivo may be in order.
Esterase 1 is a Novel Transcriptional Repressor of Growth Hormone Receptor Gene Expression: A Unique Noncatalytic Role for a Carboxyesterase Protein
Authors: Sun Jinhong , Kumar P. Anil , Thimmarayappa Jamuna , Saini Natinder , Goel Pooja , Maures Travis , Lu Chunxia , Menon Ram K.
Published: June 2011

The pleiotropic actions of GH result from its engagement with the GH receptor (GHR). GHR expression is regulated by free fatty acids (FFA). A cDNA phage expression library was screened to identify a phage clone expressing esterase 1 (ES1) binding to the FFA-response element (FARE), L2-D1, in the murine GHR promoter. Ectopically expressed ES1 inhibited GHR promoter activity via effects at two FARE, L2-D1 and L2-A2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated specific association of ES1 with the FARE. Catalytically inactive ES1 retained inhibitory activity on the GHR promoter and excluded the possibility that the effect on the GHR promoter was an indirect effect secondary to ES1's actions on the intracellular metabolism of FFA. Ectopically expressed ES1 inhibited the endogenous GHR mRNA and protein expression in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes. Subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy established that ES1 localizes both to the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Experiments demonstrated chromosome region maintenance 1-dependent nuclear export and the presence of a functional nuclear export signal in ES1. The domain of ES1 responsible for the effect on the GHR promoter was localized to the C-terminal portion of the protein. The in vivo significance of ES1's effect on GHR expression was suggested by decreased liver GHR mRNA expression in mice on a high-fat diet correlating with increased steady-state abundance of liver ES1 mRNA. Our results identify and characterize ES1 as a novel transcriptional regulator of GHR gene expression, thereby establishing a unique nonenzymatic role for a carboxyesterase and expanding the potential biological roles of this protein superfamily.
Theater Festivals and Their Audiences
Authors: Meersman Brent , Patsalidis Savas , Glauner Max , Orel Barbara , Dennemann Rolf
Published: June 2011

This forum compiles contributions from a group of leading international critics and producers on the subject of theater festival culture in a globalized world. Brent Meersman discusses the politics of arts festivals in the new South Africa; Savas Patsalidis considers the elusive question of who actually is the “audience” for theater festivals; Max Glauner examines new models of tailoring festival experiences to individual spectators; Barbara Orel parses the situation of national arts festivals in an increasingly borderless Europe; and Rolf Dennemann describes the use of nontraditional venues and site-specific performances to draw unexpected audiences together.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Examination of Charred Pine Wood, Bark, Cellulose and Lignin: Implications for the Quantitative Determination of Charcoal in Soils
Authors: Reeves James B. , McCarty Gregory W. , Rutherford David W. , Wershaw Robert L.
Published: June 2011

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of charring on near infrared spectra of materials likely to be present in forest fires in order to determine the feasibility of determining charred carbon in soils. Four materials (cellulose, lignin, pine bark and pine wood) and char from these materials created by charring for various durations (1 to 168 h) and at various temperatures (200 to 450°C) were studied. Near infrared spectra and measures of acidity (total acids, carboxylic acids, lactones and phenols as determined by titration) were available for 56 different samples (Not all samples charred at all temperatures/durations). Results showed spectral changes that varied with the material, temperature and duration of charring. Examination of spectra and correlation plots indicated that changes in the constituents of the materials in question, such as loss of OH groups in carbohydrates, rather than direct determination of typical products produced by charring, such as carboxylic acids, lactones and phenols, were the basis for the spectral changes. Finally, while the spectral changes resulting from charring appeared to be relatively unique to each material, PLS calibrations for total acids, carboxylic acids, lactones and phenols were successfully created (with R2 of 0.991, 0.943, 0.931 and 0.944, respectively) indicating that there is a sufficient commonality in the changes to develop calibrations without the need for unique calibrations for each specific set of charring conditions (i.e. material, temperature and time of heating).
Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Polymer Research, Quality Control and Reaction Monitoring
Authors: Heigl N. , Petter C.H. , Rainer M. , Najam-ul-Haq M. , Vallant R.M. , Bakry R. , Bonn G.K. , Huck C.W.
Published: June 2011

This review covers recent applications of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in the determination of physico-chemical and morphological parameters of polymeric materials. Near infrared measurements in the diffuse reflection mode are highlighted, which analyse the structural parameters such as porosity, surface area and particle size. Fundamentals and applications of the technique are discussed and examples of quantitative and qualitative analysis are explained. Various approaches like on- and in-line techniques, bulk measurements and kinetic studies for recording spectra are discussed. Furthermore, this review addresses the development of calibrations, which allow for the differentiation and quantification of materials with varying physical and morphological properties. Parameters like constitution, composition and crystallinity have a strong affect on the material characteristics. Therefore, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of synthetic as well as natural substances, such as polymeric composites and cotton or wool, need to be studied in-depth. To sum up, NIR spectroscopy has been developed as a flexible, robust and high-throughput analytical method that can be combined with chemometric and multivariate data analysis for fast and reliable screening in material science.
Aggregating Large Sets of Probabilistic Forecasts by Weighted Coherent Adjustment
Authors: Wang Guanchun , Kulkarni Sanjeev R. , Poor H. Vincent , Osherson Daniel N.
Published: June 2011

Probability forecasts in complex environments can benefit from combining the estimates of large groups of forecasters (“judges”). But aggregating multiple opinions raises several challenges. First, human judges are notoriously incoherent when their forecasts involve logically complex events. Second, individual judges may have specialized knowledge, so different judges may produce forecasts for different events. Third, the credibility of individual judges might vary, and one would like to pay greater attention to more trustworthy forecasts. These considerations limit the value of simple aggregation methods like unweighted linear averaging. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed for combining probabilistic assessments from a large pool of judges, with the goal of efficiently implementing the coherent approximation principle (CAP) while weighing judges by their credibility. Two measures of a judge's likely credibility are introduced and used in the algorithm to determine the judge's weight in aggregation. As a test of efficiency, the algorithm was applied to a data set of nearly half a million probability estimates of events related to the 2008 U.S. presidential election (∼16,000 judges). Compared with unweighted scalable CAP algorithms, the proposed weighting schemes significantly improved the stochastic accuracy with a comparable run time, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the weighting methods for aggregating large numbers and varieties of forecasts.
From the Editors—Deterrence, Multiattribute Utility, and Probability and Bayes' Updating
Authors: Keller L. Robin , Kophazi Kelly M.
Published: June 2011

We review the past year in this issue's “From the Editors” column, which is coauthored with Managing Editor Kelly M. Kophazi, then we preview this issue's five research articles. Our first article, by Naraphorn Haphuriwat, Vicki M. Bier, and Henry H. Willis, is on “Deterring the Smuggling of Nuclear Weapons in Container Freight Through Detection and Retaliation.” Next, Ali E. Abbas presents a method for “Decomposing the Cross Derivatives of a Multiattribute Utility Function into Risk Attitude and Value.” The next two articles contain methods for determining probabilities. In our third article, Robert F. Bordley develops a method for “Using Bayes' Rule to Update an Event's Probabilities Based on the Outcomes of Partially Similar Events.” Next, a method for “Aggregating Large Sets of Probabilistic Forecasts by Weighted Coherent Adjustment” is developed by Guanchun Wang, Sanjeev R. Kulkarni, H. Vincent Poor, and Daniel N. Osherson. The final article is by Xiting Yang, Joseph B. Kadane, Heidi M. Crane, and Mari M. Kitahata on “Whether to Retest the Lipids of HIV-Infected Patients: How Much Does Fasting Bias Matter?”
Oligomerisation of linear 1-olefins using a chlorogallate(III) ionic liquid
Authors: Atkins Martin P. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Swadźba-Kwaśny Małgorzata
Published: June 2011

A Lewis acidic chlorogallate(III) ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hepta-chlorodigallate(III), [C2mim][Ga2Cl7], was successfully used to oligomerise 1-pentene. The influence of temperature, time, catalyst concentration, and stirring rate on conversion and product distribution was modelled using a design of experiment (DoE) approach (chemo-metrics). The process was optimised for lubricant base oils production; the C20–C50 fraction (where Cn indicates the number of carbons in the oligomer) was maximised, while the heavier oligomer fraction (>C50) was minimised.
A Retrospective Comparison of Varenicline Monotherapy Versus the Combination of Varenicline and Bupropion or Bupropion and Nicotine Patches in a VA Tobacco Cessation Clinic
Authors: Shiltz Dane , Paniagua Angie , Hastings James E.
Published: June 2011

Purpose:To determine whether the combination of bupropion SR and varenicline offers improved smoking cessation outcomes compared to varenicline monotherapy or to combination of bupro-pion SR and nicotine patch.Methods:This retrospective chart review included 489 volunteer enrolees in a Veterans Affairs (VA) tobacco cessation clinic who received one of the three treatments upon clinic enrolment. The study endpoints were smoking cessation and clinic completion rates, changes in the number of cigarettes smoked, carbon monoxide (CO) levels, urges to smoke, self-confidence to quit and medication-attributed adverse effects.Results:The relative smoking cessation rates were 33%, 32%, and 40% for bupropion SR and nicotine patch, bupropion SR and varenicline, and varenicline groups, respectively. The 0.21 p value established that no significant cessation rate differences existed between any of the groups. Varenicline alone or in combination was as well tolerated as the combination of bupropion SR and nicotine patch.Conclusions:The combination of bupropion SR and varenicline did not demonstrate any smoking cessation advantage over varenicline monotherapy or the combination of bupropion SR and nicotine patch and therefore do not support the use of bupro-pion SR and varenicline over varenicline monotherapy.
The Association Between Household Smoking Restrictions and Smoking Abstinence: Does Age Matter?
Authors: Edjoc Rojiemiahd
Published: June 2011

Aim: The purpose of this study is to explore how effective household smoking restrictions (HSRs) are in different age groups in predicting smoking abstinence. Methods: The study analysed the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycle, 3.1. Smoking abstinence was defined as individuals who reported to not have smoked greater than 100 cigarettes (n = 1 024 578) and were selected for this analysis. Important covariates include sex, age, education and immigrant status. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between smoking household restrictions and smoking abstinence when taking covariates into consideration. Results: Individuals who implemented HSRs reported to be abstinent from smoking at 12% compared to those with no HSRs at 0.7%. When adjusted for covariates of interest, the odds ratio (OR) for smoking abstinence was 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.97; P < .026). It was found that age was a strong predictor of smoking abstinence particularly in youths at 3.11 (95% CI: 1.65, 5.84; P < .001) and young adults at 1.92 (95% CI: 1.44, 1.92; P < .001). Conclusion: It is suggested that HSRs is an important anti-tobacco socialisation tool in youths and young adults. Individuals living in a home with HSRs may internalise behavioural norms against the initiation or continuation of smoking.
Gender Differences in Smoking Behaviour and Cessation
Authors: Torchalla Iris , Okoli Chizimuzo T.C. , Hemsing Natalie , Greaves Lorraine
Published: June 2011

This article reviews the literature to compare differential outcomes among men and women after smoking cessation, assess barriers they may face during cessation and provide recommendation to address gender-specific challenges in smoking cessation interventions. There is some evidence that women achieve lower abstinence rates than men after a quit attempt with nicotine replacement therapy, as well as without pharmacotherapy, and several underlying mechanisms were discussed to account for these findings. These include: (a) women have specific genetic variants that affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the medication, (b) hormonal influences increase nicotine metabolism and withdrawal symptoms, (c) women are more responsive to nonpharmacological aspects of smoking than men, (d) women are more vulnerable to depression and negative mood than men, (e) weight concerns are greater barriers for women than for men and (g) women receive less effective social support than men during a quit attempt. Gender-specific counselling that accounts for these factors and addresses the different needs of men and women may be a promising approach to improve long-term abstinence rates. However, more research is required to identify gender-related underlying mechanisms of differential smoking cessation outcomes, develop tailored interventions that account for gender differences and study the implementation and outcomes of gender-responsive treatment approaches.
Re-reading de Beauvoir after race: Woman-as-slave revisited
Authors: Broeck Sabine
Published: June 2011

This article reads Simone de Beauvoir's Ethics of Ambiguity (2000, [1948]) and The Second Sex (1989, [1949]) in light of recent decolonial critiques of (post) modernity. It situates de Beauvoir's employment of the woman-as-slave analogy within the heated controversies
of her political moment. Marxists, Existentialists, Jewish intellectuals and Pan-Africanists, among others, engaged around issues of anti-fascist, anti-colonialist and anti-capitalist struggle. De Beauvoir's avant-gardist project to insert early feminist articulation into these controversies
laid the foundation for international second-wave feminism. Radical as it was in terms of her formulation of (white) gender difference, however, her work was based on a rhetorical distancing of white women from slavery which separates black women from the conceptualization of gender altogether,
and thus has erased the history and claims of black women from the critical purview of feminism.
Ted Joans' surrealist history lesson
Authors: Pawlik Joanna
Published: June 2011

This article argues for the importance of Ted Joans within histories of surrealism, which seldom acknowledge the existence of the movement post-World War II or its participants outside of interwar Paris. Since the early 1960s, Joans contributed to both the Paris and Chicago groups of surrealists, who continued to proclaim the relevance of mad love, the marvellous, and dreams to a radical politics long after the movement was alleged to have deceased. The majority of the article, however, addresses Joans' work composed prior to his formal involvement with surrealism, exploring how his invocation of surrealist influence was framed by a narrative of surrealism's legacy of radical anti-colonialism and anti-racism to diasporic writers, artists and intellectuals such as Etienne Lro and Aim Csaire. Joans' work self-consciously embeds his engagement with surrealism within a matrix of transatlantic cultural dialogues which dislodge it from its supposed headquarters in Paris in the interwar years, undermines its profile as white, Francophone and bourgeois, and problematizes unilateral models of influence. Drawing on Surrealist aesthetics, his early work deploys modernist formal innovation as a means to reflect on the historiography of modernism, and performatively protests the unequal access to the political and cultural ideals of modernity.
Book Reviews
Authors: Aissaoui Rabah , Blackwood Robert , Fraiture Pierre-Philippe , Frith Nicki , Murdoch H. Adlai , Nzengou-Tayo Marie-Jos , O'Flaherty Ailbhe , O'Flaherty Ailbhe , Oktapoda Efstratia , Oktapoda Efstratia , Parris David L , Redouane Rabia , Redouane Rabia , Rice Alison , Zayzafoon Lamia Ben Youssef
Published: June 2011

Collective memory, France and the Algerian War (19541962),
Jo McCormack (2007) 1st edition, Lanham, MD and Plymouth: Lexington Books, xiii 221 pp. ISBN 978-0-7391-0921-2, Hardback, US $65.00
Langue franaise en Francophonie: Pratiques et rflexions,

Julien Kilanga Musinde, (2010) Paris: L'Harmattan, 196 pp., ISBN 978-2-296-10754-0, Paperback, 19.00
The French Atlantic: Travels in Culture and History
, Bill Marshall, (2009) Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 375 pp., ISBN 978-I-84631-050-8, Paperback, 19.00
Friends
and Enemies: The Scribal Politics of Post/Colonial Literature,
Chris Bongie, (2008) Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 412 pp., ISBN 978-1-84631-142-0, Paperback, 25, ISBN 978-1-84631-143-7, Hardback, 65.00
Transnational Spaces and Identities in the Francophone World,

Hafid Gafaiti, Patricia M.E. Lorcin and David E. Troyansky (eds), (2009) Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 460 pp., ISBN 978-0-8032-4452-8, Paperback, $40Franco-Thtres hosted by Carleton University and created by Alvina Ruprecht (URL: <ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="http://www.carleton.ca/franco-theatres/index.html">www.carleton.ca/franco-theatres/index.html)
Chroniques de l'le Maurice,
Dominique Ranaivoson (ed.), (2009) Saint-Maur-des-Fosss: Editions Sepia, 182 pp., ISBN 978-2-84280-151-9,
Paperback, 6.00
Multiple Identities in Action: Mauritius and Some Antillean Parallelisms,
Vinesh Y. Hookoomsing, Ralph Ludwig & Bernard Schnepel (eds), (2009) Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 317 pp., ISBN 978-3-631-56561-2, Paperback, 46.50
L'preuve de la Bance.
L'criture nomade chez Hdi Bouraoui,
Abderrahman Beggar (2009) New Orleans: Presses Universitaires du Nouveau Monde, 109 pp., ISBN 1-931948-78-X, Paperback, $40.00
Marie Paris. Rpudie Beyrouth
, Ezza Agha Malak, (2009) Paris: L'Harmattan, 453pp., ISBN 978-2-296-07795-9,
Paperback, 35.00
Science Fiction From Qubec: A Postcolonial Study,
Amy J. Ransom, (2009) Jefferson, North Carolina and London: McFarland & C Inc., 265 pp., ISBN 978-0-7864-3824-7, Paperback, 32.78
Rflexions littraires sur l'espace public marocain dans l'uvre d'Abdellatif
Labi,
Safoi Babana-Hampton (2008) Birmingham, Alabama: Summa Publications INC, 226 pp., ISBN 978-1-883479-57-2, $43.95
Un moment d'oubli
, Paris, Abdelkader Djema, (2009) Paris: Seuil, 96 pp., ISBN 978-2-02-098638-0 (pbk), 13.00
Bourdieu in Algeria:
Colonial Politics, Ethnographic Practices, Theoretical Developments
, Jane E. Goodman & Paul A. Silverstein (eds), (2009) Lincoln & London: University of Nebraska Press, 282 pp., ISBN 978-0-8032-1362-3, Paperback, $35.00
Of Irony and Empire: Islam, the West and
the Transcultural Invention of Africa,
Laura Rice, (2007) SUNY Press, SUNY Series: Explorations in Postcolonial Studies, 251 pp., ISBN13: 978-0-7914-7215-6, Hardcover, $70.00
Traces of the ephemeral: Afromodern connections in the jazz and travel writings of Elisabeth Sauvy aka Titana
Authors: Dutton Jacqueline , Nettelbeck Colin
Published: June 2011

The adventurous life and work of Tita na, or Elisabeth Sauvy, is all but forgotten today, due in part to her condemnation as a collaborationist during World War II, but also because of the ephemeral nature of her journalistic prose. Her jazz and travel writings had, however, a significant
role in the transmission of the new musical, literary, and art forms that were traversing the Atlantic, and her editorial activities allowed her to introduce new black cultural actors to a highly influential European circle. This article examines Tita na's controversial trajectory in an attempt
to shed light on an unorthodox contribution to Afromodernism in the early years of the twentieth century.
A Torelli theorem for the moduli space of parabolic Higgs bundles
Authors: Gómez Tomas L. , Logares Marina
Published: June 2011

In this article we extend the proof given by Biswas and Gómez [Quart. J. Math. 54: 159–169, 2003] of a Torelli theorem for the moduli space of Higgs bundles with fixed determinant, to the parabolic situation.
On linkages in polytope graphs
Authors: Werner Axel , Wotzlaw Ronald F.
Published: June 2011

A graph is k-linked if any k disjoint vertex-pairs can be joined by k disjoint paths. We slightly improve a lower bound on the linkedness of polytopes. This results in exact values for the minimal linkedness of 7-, 10- and 13-dimensional polytopes.

We analyze in detail linkedness of d-polytopes on at most (6d + 7)/5 vertices. In that case, a tight lower bound on minimal linkedness is derived, and examples meeting this lower bound are constructed. These examples contain a class of examples due to Gallivan.
Combinatorial differential geometry and ideal Bianchi–Ricci identities
Authors: Janyška J. , Markl M.
Published: June 2011

We apply the graph complex approach of [Markl, Differential Geom. Appl. 27: 257–278, 2009] to vector fields depending naturally on a set of vector fields and a linear symmetric connection. We characterize all possible systems of generators for such vector-field valued operators including the classical ones given by normal tensors and covariant derivatives. We also describe the size of the space of such operators and prove the existence of an ‘ideal’ basis consisting of operators with given leading terms which satisfy the (generalized) Bianchi–Ricci identities without the correction terms. The proofs given in this paper combine the classical methods of normal coordinates with the graph complex method.
Lignin oxidation mechanisms under oxygen delignification conditions. Part 2: Advanced methods for the detailed characterization of lignin oxidation mechanisms
Authors: Rovio Stella , Kuitunen Susanna , Ohra-aho Taina , Alakurtti Sami , Kalliola Anna , Tamminen Tarja
Published: June 2011

Advanced analysis methods have been developed to follow the reactions of lignin during alkaline oxygen delignification conditions more comprehensively than before. This aim was attained by monitoring both the lignin macromolecule and the dissolved reaction products. Softwood (SW) and hardwood (HW) kraft spent liquor lignins were studied as substrates under various reaction conditions. The decrease in the contents of different types of free phenolic hydroxyl groups and the concurrent formation of carboxylic acids was followed by31P NMR of the phosphitylated products. In addition, the formation of acidic degradation products with low molecular weight was determined by capillary zone electrophoresis (CE). This way, it was possible to distinguish the carboxylic acids bound to the lignin macromolecule from the cleaved reaction products, even if they partly co-precipitated during sample preparation. Peak deconvolution was applied to get information on syringyl type phenolic structures and on C(5) condensed guaiacyl structures in hardwood lignin. Pyrolysis-GC/MS was applied to provide additional information about the distribution of guaiacyl/syringyl/p-hydroxyphenyl (G/S/H) type lignin subunits, as well as changes in the phenylpropane side chain.
Solvent extraction as a means of preparing homogeneous lignin fractions
Authors: Ropponen Jarmo , Räsänen Lea , Rovio Stella , Ohra-aho Taina , Liitiä Tiina , Mikkonen Hannu , van de Pas Daniel , Tamminen Tarja
Published: June 2011

Sequential extraction method was applied to lignins from hardwood and softwood isolated by kraft and VTT organosolv processes. Solvent extraction was found to fractionate lignin according to the molecular weight: small molecular weight lignin is dissolved in the organic solvents and the lignin with higher molecular weight is enriched into the residue. Isolated acetone fractions of lignin are more homogeneous with narrow molecular weight distributions. Based on the31P NMR results, both total hydroxyl content and the content of phenolic hydroxyl units are higher in the acetone fraction than in the residue. Pyrolysis-GC/MS of all lignins showed thatp-hydroxy phenols are enriched to the residues. Preferential dissolution of syringyl type lignin in acetone was observed for hardwood kraft lignin, whereas the opposite behavior was seen for the hardwood organosolv lignin. Glass transition temperatures of all acetone soluble fractions were notably low compared to starting and residue lignins, which gives possibilities for future applications as a material with specific properties.
Ionic liquids as media for biomass processing: opportunities and restrictions
Authors: Schrems Michael , Brandt Agnieszka , Welton Tom , Liebner Falk , Rosenau Thomas , Potthast Antje
Published: June 2011

The present study provides insight into the dissolution behavior of renewable materials in ionic liquids. Beech, spruce and rye straw were dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as the ionic liquid of choice, which is currently one of the most frequently used cation-anion combinations among ionic liquids for biomaterial processing. The dissolution was followed by selective precipitation of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. The obtained lignin was analyzed with Curie-point pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Cu-Py-GC/MS) and the separated cellulose/hemicellulose fractions with gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Time dependence of the dissolution process was studied on rye straw, eucalyptus kraft pulp and beech sulfite pulp. The results show a changing dissolution profile over time, which is due to progressing degradation of the cellulose in the ionic liquid.
Conditioning of SO2-ethanol-water spent liquor from spruce for the production of chemicals by ABE fermentation
Authors: Sklavounos Evangelos , Iakovlev Mikhail , Yamamoto Minna , Teräsvuori Lydia , Jurgens German , Granström Tom , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: June 2011

The objective of this study is to develop a process for conditioning spent liquor produced by SO2-ethanol-water (SEW) fractionation of spruce wood chips for fermentation to butanol, ethanol and acetone/isopropanol, i.e., by means of the so called acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) process using Clostridia bacteria. This study serves as part of an overall project aiming at the development of economic processes for producing chemicals and biofuels from mixed forest biomass via SEW fractionation and ABE fermentation technologies.