bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐energy electron/atom elastic scattering cross sections from 0.1–30 keV
Authors: Browning R. , Li T. Z. , Chui B. , Ye Jun , Pease R. F. W. , Czyzewski Z. , Joy D. C.
Published: June 2010

Empirical forms for electron/atom scattering cross sections predict backscattering factors that compare well with those calculated using tabulated Mott data from 0.1 to 30 keV. The form of the empirical total cross section is similar to the screened Rutherford cross section. The fit to the tabulated differential Mott cross sections is decomposed into two parts, one part being of the same mathematical form as the screened Rutherford cross section (σR), and the second part being an isotropic distribution (σI). The ratio of the total cross sections (σR/σI) between the screened Rutherford part of the differential scattering cross section and the isotropic part of the distribution is fitted to give the same ratio of forward to backscattered currents as the tabulated Mott differential cross sections. The three equations, one for the total elastic cross section and two describing the differential cross section—one for the Rutherford screening parameter and one for the ratio σR/σI—give backscattering results covering all the major trends with energy and atomic number compared with the backscattering coefficients calculated using tabulated Mott cross sections. However, agreement with experiment is poor for some well‐researched examples such as Au. Monte Carlo calculations using the empirical cross sections show that surface effects may be critical in interpreting experimental results.
Properties and structures of Co‐based metallic glasses
Authors: Habib K. , Caceres P.
Published: June 2010

A fundamental study on Co‐based metallic glasses has been conducted. The study focused on understanding the changes of the properties and structures of an Fe‐B‐Si glass as a function of Co, Co‐Ni, Co‐Mn, and Co‐Ni‐Mo additions. The separate addition of Co, Co‐Ni, Co‐Mn, and Co‐Ni‐Mo elements was successful in such a way that four new metallic glasses were produced. The compositions of the new glasses are Fe66Co18B15Si1, Co66Fe4B14Si15, Co76Fe2Mn4B12Si6, and Co69Fe4Mo2B12Si12. Consequently, an evaluation of the physical and magnetic properties was determined. Furthermore, the internal and surface structures of the glasses have been characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), respectively. A comparison between the internal and surface structures of the glasses was carried out on both amorphous and crystalline forms. As a result, a correlation between the properties and structures of the glasses is established.
Image simulation using Monte Carlo methods: Electron beam and detector characteristics
Authors: Radzimski Zbigniew J. , Russ John C.
Published: June 2010

The rapid increase of computer speed allows using Monte Carlo simulation procedures for the analysis of complicated structures not only in a line scan mode but also in a three‐dimensional approach similar to the scanning procedure in a scanning electron microscope. Simulation of image formation is a vital link in performing image analysis to obtain precise measurements, to provide the necessary connection between image parameters and structural dimensions, and to reflect important microscope beam and detector parameters. Monte Carlo simulation based on a single‐scattering procedure was used for backscattered electron image simulation of three‐dimensional multilayer and multielement structures. The procedure takes into account the effect of a solid state detector's electrical and angular characteristics and the effect of the electron beam dimensions on the image quality and artifacts.
Application of Monte Carlo modelling in the measurement of photomask linewidths at the national physical laboratory
Authors: Nunn John W.
Published: June 2010

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) fitted with a helium‐neon laser interferometer is used to measure the widths of features on photomasks. In this way the magnification of the SEM can be known very precisely. Algorithms which use the backscattered electron (BSE) signal, yielding good measurement repeatability, have been developed, but in order to be able to relate measurements made on the image to the physical dimensions of the artefact, it has been necessary to model the image formation process. The modelled predicted offsets to be applied to the experimental measurements are governed largely by the angle of the sloping sides of the chromium edges of photomask lines; knowing this angle, it is possible to use a simple geometric relation to calculate what offset should be applied.
Deformation stage for quantitative acoustic emission measurements
Authors: Lawson Larry
Published: June 2010

A deformation stage capable of fully reversed fatigue loading for use in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is described. This stage incorporates a novel surface displacement transducer for the detection of acoustic emission (AE) signals, which has a flat response over a wide band and can be used as a receiver up to 12 MHz. Also described is a method for analysis of these signals to obtain the size, speed, and location of the source event. A special grip geometry is introduced such that the dynamic Greens function describing the surface displacement at the transducer contains an initial p‐wave delta function which is utilized to determine the source properties.
Remote operation of electron microscopes
Authors: Voelkl E. , Allard L. F. , Nolan T. A. , Hill D. , Lehmann M.
Published: June 2010

Due to the availability of fast local computer networks such as Ethernet and FDDI and fast point‐to‐point connections such as T1 and T3 links, the idea of telemicroscopy, including remote control of electron microscopes has gained momentum. Ellisman (1995), Fan et al. (1993), Parvin et al. (1995), and Zaluzec (1995) have discussed facets of systems which support such capabilities. In each of these reports the authors describe new stand‐alone software packages that are required to run their systems.

To make remote microscopy more universally available, we required the use of commercial software only and demanded scripting capabilities. By (1) expanding the de facto standard software DigitalMicrograph to include a complete set of SET and GET commands for microscope control, (2) using the software TimbuktuPro to provide remote control capabilities, and (3) using CUSeeMe and other video conferencing hardware and software for telecommunication, all our requirements were met. All three software packages together then provide remote microscope operation capabilities and an open system architecture (through the scripting language) for future design of automated procedures and telecommunication (Dodson et al. 1995, Gatan Inc., Voelkl et al. 1995a). The route for remote microscopy operation described herein allows microscope operation through local networks, the internet, and point‐to‐point connections with varying performance, and across Windows, Windows 95, and Macintosh platforms. The expenses for the remote user are essentially defined by the price tags on establishing and maintaining the communication lines and the video conference tool of choice. This general approach has recently been demonstrated at the SuperComputing ′95 conference in San Diego, Calif.
Imaging thin and thick sections of biological tissue with the secondary electron detector in a field‐emission scanning electron microscope
Authors: Wergin William P. , Yaklich Robert W. , Roym Stéphane , Joy David C. , Erbe Eric F. , Murphy Charles A. , Pooley Christopher D.
Published: June 2010

A field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with the standard secondary electron (SE) detector was used to image thin (70–90 nm) and thick (1–3 μm) sections of biological materials that were chemically fixed, dehydrated, and embedded in resin. The preparation procedures, as well as subsequent staining of the sections, were identical to those commonly used to prepare thin sections of biological material for observation with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results suggested that the heavy metals, namely, osmium, uranium, and lead, that were used for postfixation and staining of the tissue provided an adequate SE signal that enabled imaging of the cells and organelles present in the sections. The FESEM was also used to image sections of tissues that were selectively stained using cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. Furthermore, thick sections could also be imaged in the SE mode. Stereo pairs of thick sections were easily recorded and provided images that approached those normally associated with high‐voltage TEM.
A novel method for the discharge of electrostatic mirror formations in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Wong W. K. , Phang J. C. H. , Thong J. T. L.
Published: June 2010

A method for the removal of electrostatic mirror formations in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was conceptualised and implemented. This method utilises the controlled rampdown of the primary beam voltage to achieve mirror discharge. It is found that the new technique is effective in enabling imaging from high‐beam voltages (20 kV) down to low voltages (1 kV) without the loss of imaging capability due to electrostatic mirrors. The entire discharge cycle could be performed in ≤ 4 min depending on sample and operating conditions. Hence, this technique compares favourably with the time needed to air the specimen chamber for mirror removal, but without the disadvantage of disrupting SEM operation. This method holds great promise in applications where the imaging of insulating samples at both high and low kV ranges are required.
Color cathodoluminescence display in the scanning electron microscope of deep relief surfaces
Authors: Obyden S. K. , Ivannikov P. V. , Saparin G. V.
Published: June 2010

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a multifunctional instrument for the measurement of topographic relief on the surface of bulk specimen images. This instrument is also available to detect the physical effects induced by an electron beam into subsurface layers. Space distribution of the physical properties of measured effects in the relative microrelief is a very important problem in the SEM. We describe a method of displaying specimen information in the SEM using the color cathodoluminescence (CCL‐SEM) technique nondistorted by relief influence and CCL‐SEM images with composite (color and black / white ) contrast using CCL+BSEmode.
Scanning force microscopy—calibrative procedures for ‘best practice’
Authors: Gibson C. T. , Watson G. S. , Myhra S.
Published: June 2010

Scanning force microscopy (SFM) is gaining rapidly in popularity as a convenient and versatile tool for characterising and manipulating a great variety of physical and biological systems. In spite of being in the early stages of the learning curve, the SFM family has already made significant contributions to the rapidly expanding body of knowledge about surface structures and properties. However, many of the results emerging from SFM studies are the outcomes of incompletely characterised methodologies, and the reports often do not provide adequate information about instrumental and operational conditions. A typical SFM system consists of the following main elements: a sample stage with x‐y‐z positional control; a detector/sensor stage containing the optical deflection arrangement and the position‐sensitive sensor assembly; and the force‐sensing probe which consists of a lever and a tip. The elements will perform according to operational criteria, and their functionalities will be contingent on evaluation of sets of parameters, without which the interpretation of results may be open to questioning and/or be difficult to reproduce. Methodologies for evaluation and calibration of the various elements are now in the process of being developed; these will in due course constitute the basis on which prescriptions will be constructed for “best practice.” The current state of the literature is reviewed, and strengths and weaknesses are identified.
Characterization and identification of local defects in glass
Authors: Müller Hartmut , Strubel Christine , Bange Klaus
Published: June 2010

The most relevant defects in glasses are categorized and investigated by appropriate microanalytical techniques. Since these defects very often present a real challenge because of complex chemical and mineralogical properties, a multimethod approach is necessary to supplement or confirm the findings from scanning techniques. The combination of electron probe microanalysis/energy‐dispersive x‐ray (EPMA/EDX) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA‐ICP‐MS) allows the determination of element trace concentrations in a knot, a glassy defect, thus finally enabling the identification of a special source of the defect from otherwise nondistinguishable refractories. The type of crystals can be determined exactly by the use of EPMA and x‐ray dispersion (XRD), stones (a crystalline agglomerate) are analyzed by EPMA/EDX pointing to a possible source for this defect; results on metallic inclusions, “filled bubbles,” and surface defects are reported and defect sources are discussed. Since close cooperation with the production departments and knowledge of production techniques and conditions are necessary for the diagnosis to take appropriate countermeasures, an approach is presented which systematically accumulates all information into a data base. The structure of such “expert systems” is described, which leads to correlation of appearance, analytical data, and source of the defects for even more accurate diagnosis and faster reaction.
FerImage: An interactive program for fractal dimension, dper and dmin calculation
Authors: Bianchi F. D. , Bonetto R. D.
Published: June 2010

A computer program has been written for the determination of the D fractal dimension at low scale, of the dper representative parameter of the periodical region at high scale, and the dmin representative parameter of the minimum elemental cell which is repeated in the periodical structure from the variogram. It carries out the simultaneous obtention of the three previous parameters developed by Bonetto and Ladaga. The program also allows to obtain fractal dimension values from the Fourier power spectrum. FERImage has been developed so that the users could choose the rank where the behavior is fractal, not only in the variogram method but also in the Fourier spectrum method.
Investigation of corrosion and container integrity in metal food containers using scanning electron microscopy‐x‐ray microanalysis
Authors: Charbonneau James E.
Published: June 2010

Scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray microanalysis were used to investigate microleakage, two incidences of loss of coating integrity, filiform corrosion, and sulfide black corrosion in enamel‐lined metal food containers. Microleakage developed in a canned cheese sauce at the side seam weld and was traced to a hot weld and a cold weld defect. An enamel‐blistering problem developed in an aseptically processed milk‐based product when the tinplate was heated above its melting point; the tin melted under the enamel coating, causing the blistering. An enamel‐blistering problem, due to silicon contamination of the metal surface prior to enameling, developed on the bottom of a two‐piece can that contained a chicken‐based product. A sulfide black problem developed in canned clams, caused by scratches in the coating that were introduced during can manufacturing. A filiform corrosion problem developed on the outside of the easy score line of enameled tinplate lids with a light tin coating 0.08 microns thick.
Sectional voltage contrast topography of quantum well diodes
Authors: Mil'shtein Sam , Thurkins Eric , Merritt Nathan , Novaris Keith , Therrien Joel
Published: June 2010

Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an operational quantum well laser was performed using the differential voltage contrast (DVC) method. Quantitative measurements of Fermi energies in an operational device at high magnifications were possible due to a new calibration procedure described in this study. Precise tailoring of digitized DVC images of an operational laser taken at high and low magnifications is described. The ability to record and to analyze very detailed quasi‐Fermi energy (QFE) profiles across an operational laser or transistor with 30‐Angstrom features improved the DVC technique. A layered GaAs/GaxAl1−xAs/InyGa1−y As quantum well light emitter was tested through various operational steps, that is, inverse population, threshold, and full emission. The detailed QFE profile allowed us to analyze collective electron behavior at various steps of operation of the laser.
The context for development work in student affairs
Authors: Miller Thomas E.
Published: June 2010

This chapter reviews the circumstances in which fundraising in student affairs has evolved and the ways in which development work is well suited for student affairs operations.
More than an open door: Deploying philanthropy to student access and success in American community colleges
Authors: Romano Joyce C. , Gallagher Geraldine , Shugart Sanford C.
Published: June 2010

Foundations of community colleges have only recently become part of the higher education landscape, and they present substantial opportunities for the support of student financial needs. Professionals in student affairs can team with foundation colleagues in important ways to provide development opportunities and resources where they are most needed.
Scott's rule
Authors: Scott David W.
Published: June 2010

The optimal construction of a histogram is a fundamental task in data analysis. Many rules of thumb are available to get started. Some use the normal density as a reference distribution. Scott's rule is of that class, using as the measure of discrepancy the mean integrated squared error. This article discusses the origin and formulation of this formula, as well as comparisons with some other formulae and their relative performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Density Estimation
Repeat Resection of Pulmonary Metastasis Is Beneficial for Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Fengshi , Sakai Hiroaki , Miyahara Ryo , Bando Toru , Okubo Kenichi , Date Hiroshi
Published: June 2010

Background

The role for repeat pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal carcinoma has not been well defined. To identify the class of patients who benefit from pulmonary resection of recurrent pulmonary metastases, we herein reviewed our institutional experience.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2007, 84 patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinomas underwent complete pulmonary resection, and 22 of them (26%) later underwent complete resection for repeat pulmonary metastasis. Various perioperative variables were investigated retrospectively in these patients to confirm a role for repeat metastasectomy and analyze prognostic factors after repeat pulmonary metastasectomy.

Results

Overall survival and disease‐free survival after repeat pulmonary metastasectomy were, respectively, 61 and 32% at 5 years. On univariate analysis, male gender and less than 1 year of disease‐free status after the first pulmonary metastasectomy demonstrated significantly adverse overall survival (p = 0.01 and p = 0.009, respectively). Elevated preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and maximum tumor size larger than 3 cm were also significantly adverse prognostic factors for disease‐free survival (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). The overall survival curve after repeat pulmonary metastasectomy was almost identical with that after complete resection of the first pulmonary metastasis.

Conclusions

Patients with more than 1 year of disease‐free status after the first pulmonary metastasectomy demonstrated a significantly better overall survival. Normal preoperative serum CEA level and maximum tumor size <3 cm were significantly adverse prognostic factors for disease‐free survival. Our data imply that repeat pulmonary metastasectomy might be beneficial as it can salvage a subset of patients with colorectal carcinoma who retain favorable prognostic determinants.
Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil and Extracts of Cleistocalyx operculatus Buds Against the Bacteria of Xanthomonas spp.
Authors: Bajpai Vivek K. , Dung Nguyen Thi , Suh Hwa‐Jin , Kang Sun Chul
Published: June 2010

This study was undertaken to assess the antibacterial efficacy of the essential oil and extracts of Cleistocalyx operculatus buds against plant pathogenic bacteria of Xanthomonas spp. The diameter of inhibition zones of oil (1,000 μg/disc) and extracts (1,500 μg/disc) against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 7–23 mm. The MIC and MBC values of the oil and extracts against the tested Xanthomonas spp. ranged from 31.25–125 to 62.5–250 μg/ml and 125–500 and 250–1,000 μg/ml, respectively. The cell viability study demonstrated a potential detrimental effect of the oil (1,000 μg/ml) and hexane extract (250 μg/ml) on the tested Xanthomonas spp. Also the oil displayed significant antibacterial effects in vivo against Xoo KX019 and Xsp SK12 conducted on greenhouse‐grown oriental melon plants (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa). The results of this study suggest that C. operculatus‐derived essential oil and extracts could be used as natural bactericides in the food and agriculture industries.
The Economics of Sin: A Not So Dismal Science
Authors: Newsom Carol A.
Published: June 2010

Sin appears to be enjoying a recent surge of popularity, and not just among the religious. From Oxford University Press's popular series on the seven deadly sins to Alan Jacobs's Original Sin: A Cultural History,2 these books address a contemporary ambivalence about the traditional religious language of sin, even as they make a case for the continuing relevance of historical conceptions of sin. To this body of literature, Gary Anderson's Sin: A History is a distinguished addition. Like the books mentioned above, it is written to be accessible to a lay audience. Unlike them, however, it is much more explicitly theological and built on a much deeper scholarly foundation. While Anderson's title is provocative, it is possibly misleading. The issue of sin is protean, and much of the recent literature has focused on the moral psychology of sin. That is not Anderson's area of concern. Rather, his focus is specifically on the operations and implications of a key metaphor for describing the relationship that sin creates between a person and God. The metaphor in question is that of sin as debt. The history that Anderson traces is the emergence and development of this metaphor both in Jewish and in Christian theology and religious practice.
Hedgehog and Fox: Anderson as Historian and Philologist
Authors: Sommer Benjamin D.
Published: June 2010

To sin or transgress, according to one dictionary definition, is to go beyond a limit, to cross what is supposed to be a clear border. In this sense, one can say that Gary Anderson has succeeded in writing a very sinful book. Like Sennacherib as the rabbis describe him, Anderson is (he “erases boundaries between nations”)—only I use this phrase to describe Anderson in rather a more positive sense than the rabbis intended it when they applied it to the Assyrian emperor.2 Throughout this book we are discussing, Anderson crosses boundaries between academic disciplines: biblical criticisms that study the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, Qumranic scholarship, rabbinics, patristics, the study of both medieval Catholic and early Protestant theology. He crosses boundaries within some of these fields, as well: for example, by attending to modern Israeli biblical scholarship in a way that is, alas, all too rare among non-Jewish scholars in North America and Europe; or by showing scholars of rabbinics what they can learn from the study of the New Testament, especially when that study is conscious of its roots in medieval and early modern theology. Most importantly, Anderson tears down artificial barriers that separate historical, philological, descriptive scholarship on the one side from constructive theology and inter-religious dialogue on the other.
Role of selenium-containing proteins in T-cell and macrophage function
Authors: Carlson Bradley A. , Yoo Min-Hyuk , Shrimali Rajeev K. , Irons Robert , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Hatfield Dolph L. , Park Jin Mo
Published: June 2010

Selenium (Se) has been known for many years to have played a role in boosting the immune function, but the manner in which this element acts at the molecular level in host defence and inflammatory diseases is poorly understood. To elucidate the role of Se-containing proteins in the immune function, we knocked out the expression of this protein class in T-cells or macrophages of mice by targeting the removal of the selenocysteine tRNA gene using loxP-Cre technology. Mice with selenoprotein-less T-cells manifested reduced pools of mature and functional T-cells in lymphoid tissues and an impairment in T-cell-dependent antibody responses. Furthermore, selenoprotein deficiency in T-cells led to an inability of these cells to suppress reactive oxygen species production, which in turn affected their ability to proliferate in response to T-cell receptor stimulation. Selenoprotein-less macrophages, on the other hand, manifested mostly normal inflammatory responses, but this deficiency resulted in an altered regulation in extracellular matrix-related gene expression and a diminished migration of macrophages in a protein gel matrix. These observations provided novel insights into the role of selenoproteins in the immune function and tissue homeostasis.
The Effectiveness of Self-Regulation by the Private Military and Security Industry
Authors: DE NEVERS RENÉE
Published: June 2010

Security is generally considered a core public good provided by the state. Since outsourcing military and security tasks erodes the state's monopoly of force, we would expect regulation in this area to be stronger than in areas that do not have potentially lethal consequences. But neither caution nor careful regulation is evident in state responses to the emergence of private military and security companies; instead, the industry's rapid growth has outpaced government efforts to control their activities. This article assesses whether two industry associations, the US-based International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) and the British Association of Private Security Companies (BAPSC), have adopted mechanisms necessary for effective self-regulation, and it evaluates different national approaches to self-regulation. Neither the IPOA nor the BAPSC has established self-regulatory mechanisms able to monitor or sanction member companies' behavior. The IPOA's activities correspond to American patterns of self-regulation, while the BAPSC's efforts suggest weaker linkages with the British government than seen in other self-regulatory mechanisms.
Ultrastructure of in vitro oocyte maturation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Mondadori Rafael Gianella , Santin Tiago Rollemberg , Fidelis Andrei Antonioni Guedes , Name Khesller Patrícia Olázia , da Silva Juliana Souza , Rumpf Rodolfo , Báo Sônia Nair
Published: June 2010

The objective of the present study was to describe ultrastructural changes in the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles during in vitro maturation (IVM) of buffalo cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). The structures were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU). Some COCs, removed from maturation medium at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h, were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The average number of COCs collected by OPU/animal/session was 6.4, and 44% of them were viable. Immature oocytes had a peripherally located nucleus, Golgi complex and mitochondrial clusters, as well as a large number of coalescent lipid vacuoles. After 6 h of IVM, the oocyte nucleus morphology changed from round to a flatter shape, and the granulosa cells (GC) lost most of their contact with zona pellucida (ZP). At 12 h the first polar body was extruded and the aspect of lipid droplet changed to dark, probably denoting lipid oxidation. Cortical granules were clearly visible at 18 h of maturation, always located along the oocyte periphery. At 24 h of IVM the number of cortical granules increased. Ultrastructure studies revealed that: (1) immature oocytes have a high lipid content; (2) the perivitelline space (PS) increases during IVM; (3) Golgi complexes and mitochondrial clusters migrate to oocyte periphery during IVM; (4) 6 h of IVM are enough to lose contact between GC and ZP; (5) the oocyte lipid droplets’ appearance changes between 6 and 12 h of IVM.
In vitrocompetitive binding index using fluorochrome-labelled spermatozoa for predicting bull fertility
Authors: Puglisi R. , Krvavac L. , Bonacina C. , Galli A.
Published: June 2010

This work evaluated if anin vitrotest, with the combined power of the statistical evaluation of spermatozoa and zona pellucida (ZP) competitive binding ability and a rapid method for accessory sperm counts, could predict the bull fertility. Ten Holstein Friesian bulls of known field fertility (five of high and five of low fertility) were selected. Anin vitroheterospermic insemination approach, based on differential staining, was tested on 45 possible pairs of bulls (two batches per bull). Motility and quality (abnormalities and membrane status) seminal characteristics and estimated relative conception rates (ERCR) highlighted only one association between membrane integrity and ERCR (p= 0.007). Differences in ZP binding allowed us to rank bulls into two categories based on low and high binding ability. For eight bulls, this classification reflected the ERCR. Differences between batches were reported for two bulls, in which the effect of heterospermic insemination (the number of sperm binding to ZP from different bulls not in a 1:1 ratio) showed a significant bull-related effect (p< 0.001) in the first batch and no effect (p> 0.05) in the second batch for both bulls. Reduction of the number of oocytes per assay from 25 to 5 had no effect (p> 0.5) on the bulls’ ranking. Our results suggest thatin vitrocompetitive binding is a promising approach for estimating bull fertility and support concepts for further implementation, e.g. drastic reduction of oocyte number in a single pair assay and larger scale testing for batches.
Prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in south-east China, 1993–2005
Authors: Jin Lei , Yeung Lorraine F , Cogswell Mary E , Ye Rongwei , Berry Robert J , Liu Jianmeng , Hu Dale J , Zhu Li
Published: June 2010

Objective

To report the prevalence of anaemia by demographic characteristics and its secular trend over 13 years for south-east Chinese pregnant women, and to determine the focus of anaemia prevention in Chinese pregnant women.

Design

Prospective study of the data on Hb concentration and other demographic information from a large-scale population-based perinatal health surveillance system in south-east China.

Setting

Fourteen cities or counties in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Subjects

A total of 467 057 prenatal women who had participated in the perinatal health-care surveillance system and delivered babies from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 2005 and had a record of Hb in all three pregnancy trimesters.

Results

The overall prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was 39·6 % from 1993 to 2005. Anaemia prevalence increased from the first (29·6 %) to the second (33·0 %) and third (56·2 %) trimesters. The prevalence of anaemia was higher in villagers, in women with less education and in women with higher gravidity or parity. The prevalence of anaemia in all of the trimesters was higher in the spring, summer and autumn and lower in the winter. The prevalence decreased from 1993 to 2005, from 53·3 % to 11·4 % for the first trimester, 45·6 % to 22·8 % for the second trimester and 64·6 % to 44·6 % for the third trimester.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces decreased substantially from 1993 to 2005. However, anaemia in the third trimester is still a severe public health problem among pregnant women in these areas.
Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics in relation to dietary patterns among young Brazilian adults
Authors: Olinto Maria Teresa A , Willett Walter C , Gigante Denise P , Victora Cesar G
Published: June 2010

Objective

To identify dietary patterns among young adults and the relationships with socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study. Food intake was assessed by a frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified using principal components analysis.

Setting

Southern Brazil.

Subjects

A total of 4202 men and women aged 23 years, who participated in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study.

Results

Five dietary patterns were identified: common Brazilian, processed food, vegetable/fruit, dairy/dessert and tubers/pasta. Subjects who had low own or maternal educational levels, low social position or who were always poor throughout life had high adherence to the common Brazilian dietary pattern. In contrast, the processed food pattern was more likely to be followed by those belonging to middle and high social position and who were never poor. Men and smokers showed high adherence to the processed food and common Brazilian dietary patterns. Vegetable/fruit pattern was more likely to be followed by women and subjects engaged in physical activity. Women also showed high adherence to the dairy/dessert pattern.

Conclusions

Our study among young Brazilian adults has identified distinct dietary patterns that are clearly influenced by socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics, which have important policy implications in a country with marked social and economic inequalities.
Fruit and vegetables should be targeted separately in health promotion programmes: differences in consumption levels, barriers, knowledge and stages of readiness for change
Authors: Glasson Colleen , Chapman Kathy , James Erica
Published: June 2010

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether fruit and vegetables should be treated as separate groups in health promotion programmes by examining consumption levels, barriers, knowledge and the association between stage of change and potential predictors of fruit and vegetable intake.

Design

Computer-assisted telephone interview survey of the target population.

Setting

Hunter and New England regions of New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects

A total of 1403 parents and carers of primary-school-aged children.

Results

Consumption levels and knowledge of recommended intakes and serving size were greater for fruit than for vegetables. There were some differences in the main barriers to the consumption of fruit compared with those cited for vegetables. There was little congruence between the stages of change for fruit consumption and those for vegetable consumption. For fruit, knowledge of serving size and recommended intake, perceptions of adequate consumption, changes made to family intake and educational attainment were all correlated with stage of change categorisation. For vegetables, knowledge of recommended intake, perceptions of adequate consumption and changes made to family intake were correlated with stage of change categorisation.

Conclusions

Significant differences in consumption levels, barriers, knowledge and stages of readiness for change can be shown when fruit and vegetables are treated as separate groups. Health promotion planners may need to consider interventions that focus on improving vegetable consumption in preference to fruit consumption. Messages about the recommended number of servings and serving size must be simplified and this may be achieved by targeting messages towards vegetable consumption.
Developing countries in the WTO Trade Policy Review Mechanism
Authors: GHOSH ARUNABHA
Published: June 2010

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) has been an integral part of the GATT/WTO since 1989 and shoulders a fundamental responsibility in making the regime more transparent. This paper asks: how has the TPRM responded to demands from developing countries for information and transparency? The paper uses a typology of information systems to explain the evolution of surveillance in the trade regime and asks whether the TPRM was assigned the functions of an ideal-type information system. The paper, then, evaluates the performance of the TPRM against its given mandate of increasing transparency to promote improved adherence with trade rules. It presents, for the first time, empirical evidence on the content of reports and the participation of countries, to highlight persisting content- and participation-related challenges. It discusses the capacity challenges within the WTO Secretariat and briefly outlines efforts made by developing countries to boost surveillance capacity at home. The paper ends by outlining priorities for monitoring in the trade regime: generating specific information that developing countries need, supporting domestic capacity for surveillance (including from non-official sources), and concentrating on improved peer review and follow-up procedures.

Monitoring and surveillance is the rising agenda of the WTO.

Pascal Lamy1
Seeking mutual understanding: a discourse-theoretical analysis of the WTO Dispute Settlement System
Authors: CEVA EMANUELA , FRACASSO ANDREA
Published: June 2010

The WTO Dispute Settlement System (DSS) has been the object of many studies in politics, law, and economics focusing on institutional design problems. This paper contributes to such studies by accounting for the argumentative nature and sophisticated features of the DSS through a philosophical analysis of the procedures through which it is articulated. Jürgen Habermas's discourse theory is used as a hermeneutic device to disentangle the types of ‘orientations’ (compromise, consensus, and mutual understanding) pertaining to DSS procedures. We show that these latter are oriented primarily to put the parties in a position to reach mutual understanding. Such an orientation is no mere idiosyncrasy of the DSS but is the only one consistently conducive to the WTO's general aims, in response to the various types of disputes that may arise between its Members. Before closing, we bring our procedural considerations to bear on the reform proposals of the DSS.
Conclude Doha: it matters!
Authors: HOEKMAN BERNARD , MARTIN WILL , MATTOO AADITYA
Published: June 2010

The Doha Round must be concluded not because it will produce dramatic liberalization but because it will create greater security of market access. Its conclusion would strengthen, symbolically and substantively, the WTO's valuable role in restraining protectionism. What is on the table would constrain the scope for tariff protection in all goods, ban agricultural export subsidies in the industrial countries and sharply reduce the scope for distorting domestic support – by 70% in the EU and 60% in the US. Average farm tariffs that exporters face would fall to 12% (from 14.5%) and the tariffs on exports of manufactures to less than 2.5% (from about 3%). There are also environmental benefits to be captured, in particular disciplining the use of subsidies that encourage over-fishing and lowering tariffs on technologies that can help mitigate global warming. An agreement to facilitate trade by cutting red tape will further expand trade opportunities. Greater market access for the least-developed countries will result from the ‘duty free and quota free’ proposal and their ability to take advantage of new opportunities will be enhanced by the Doha-related ‘aid for trade’ initiative. Finally, concluding Doha would create space for multilateral cooperation on critical policy matters that lie outside the Doha Agenda, most urgently the trade policy implications of climate change mitigation.
Molekulare Früherkennung in der Kardiologie – Gendiagnostik bei hereditären Arrhythmien und plötzlichem Herztod
Authors: Keller Dagmar I.
Published: June 2010

Hereditäre Arrhythmien können zum plötzlichen Herztod führen. Dieser ist leider häufig die fatale Erstmanifestation dieser Krankheiten. Früherkennung im asymptomatischen Stadium der Erkrankung ist deshalb bei den betroffenen Patienten und ihren Angehörigen von vitaler Bedeutung. Das Long QT Syndrom und das Brugada Syndrom sind die bestuntersuchten, vererbbaren Rhythmusstörungen. Sie sind charakterisiert durch eine gestörte kardiale Repolarisation, die sich auf dem 12-Ableitungs EKG mit einem spezifischen, typischen Kurvenbild (Phänotypen) zeigt. In den krankmachenden Genen, welche häufig für Ionenkanäle und andere Membranproteine kodieren, konnten zahlreiche Mutationen identifiziert werden. Anhand von zwei Fallbeispielen werden die Aspekte der klinischen Diagnosestellung, der genetischen Testuntersuchung sowie der pathophysiologischen Mechanismen diskutiert.
Molekulare Früherkennung in der Infektiologie – Molekulare Diagnostik: Eine praktische Einführung für Kliniker
Authors: Tarr Philip , Frei Reno
Published: June 2010

Die Einführung von Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (PCR)-basierter DNA-Amplifikation zu Beginn der 90er-Jahre hat die Diagnostik von Infektionskrankheiten revolutioniert und fundamentale Erkenntnisse über deren Epidemiologie und Klinik erlaubt. Verglichen mit der Serologie zeichnet sich die PCR-Diagnostik durch erhöhte Sensibilität und Spezifität aus und kann eine frühere Diagnose erlauben. Sie kann, je nach klinischer Situation, im Blut, anderen klinischen Untersuchungsmaterialien oder direkt ab histopathologischen Proben durchgeführt werden. Die PCR Amplifikation von Erreger-DNA wird zur Bestätigung von serologischen Suchtests und zur Diagnose von Keimen, die schwierig zu kultivieren sind, verwendet. Bei chronisch persistierenden Erregern kann sie die Unterscheidung zwischen klinisch unbedeutender und relevanter Infektion erlauben. Die quantitative Bestimmung von viraler DNA oder RNA wird routinemäßig zur Verlaufskontrolle bei der Behandlung von chronischer Hepatitis B, C, oder HIV-Infektion eingesetzt. Wichtig sind adäquate Patientenproben und für die Resultatinterpretation kann sich der Beizug eines Infektiologen lohnen. Genetische Tests werden zunehmend zur antimikrobiellen Sensibilitätstestung eingesetzt (TB, MRSA) und könnten in Zukunft zur Vorhersage der Immunantwort auf Infektionserreger und der antiretroviralen Toxizität beitragen. Vollautomatische Geräte und Multiplex-Technik werden in Zukunft die Attraktivität der PCR-Diagnostik weiter steigern und deren Kosten senken.
A theory for the emergence of channelized drainage
Authors: Smith Terence R.
Published: June 2010

A theory of channel formation is derived from mass balance equations for water and sediment, the St. Venant equation for water flowing down an energy surface gradient, and generalized representations of sediment transport. The theory covers transport‐ and detachment‐limited erosion environments. Linearized analysis provides closed form stability criteria for the growth rates of channels in terms of aspect ratios, lateral spacings, and four mechanisms relating to water and sediment flows. Two mechanisms, a nonlinear advective transport of sediment that drives a channel‐cutting instability and a free water surface that selectively neutralizes perturbations, act down the energy surface gradient. Two other mechanisms, advectively driven and slope‐driven diffusion of sediment, act down the land surface gradient and selectively stabilize perturbations. Under subcritical and critical, but not supercritical, flow conditions, the first two mechanisms, together with arbitrary amounts of either diffusive mechanism, select strongly for aspect ratios and lateral spacings of the fastest‐growing channels. Thresholds for channel spacing emerge without requiring critical thresholds for sediment entrainment. Advective sediment transport and a free water surface acting alone select strongly for aspect ratios but weakly for lateral spacings. Numerical solutions and analysis of the nonlinear equations, however, indicate strong selection for spacing through nonlinear amplification and coloring of noise. The aspect ratios and lateral spacings of fastest‐growing channels are determined by six dimensionless ratios and parameters of the constitutive relations. The theory provides a scaling relation between increased lateral spacing of dominant channels and increasing discharge and predicts the emergence of Hack‐type scaling laws with variable exponents for the fastest‐growing channels.
Quantifying vertical axis rotation in curved orogens: Correlating multiple data sets with a refined weighted least squares strike test
Authors: Yonkee Adolph , Weil Arlo Brandon
Published: June 2010

Map‐scale curvature is a fundamental feature of most contractional orogenic belts and is central to understanding the kinematic and dynamic evolution of mountain systems. Paleomagnetic analysis, combined with detailed structural studies, is the most robust means of quantifying vertical axis rotations that produce curvature over a range of temporal and spatial scales. This paper explores how vertical axis rotations can best be evaluated for multiple data sets by applying a weighted least squares method to the classic strike test. This refined method provides measures of best fit slope, confidence interval, and goodness of fit between map‐scale structural trend, paleomagnetic rotations, and deformation fabric orientations. Structural trend is estimated by averaging fold axial trace, formation contact, and bed strike data over kilometer‐scale areas. Paleomagnetic and deformation fabric site‐mean orientations and measurement uncertainties are estimated using vector and bootstrap statistics. Weighting factors are estimated from combined measurement uncertainty, structural noise related to small‐scale block rotation and stress/strain refraction, and variations in restoration paths. The number of sites needed to obtain a significant confidence interval in strike test slope is a function of combined uncertainty in paleomagnetic or deformation fabric directions and the total range in structural trend around a curved orogen. Improved estimates of strike test slope and rotation thus require systematic sampling with a wide distribution of sites, evaluation of appropriate weighting factors, and statistical analysis. A case study is presented that highlights application of this refined method to paleomagnetic and deformation fabric data sets from the Wyoming salient of the Sevier thrust belt. Paleomagnetic data yield a strike test slope of 0.76 ± 0.11, indicating that the Wyoming salient is a progressive arc, with ∼3/4 secondary curvature related to vertical axis rotation synchronous with large‐scale thrusting and ∼1/4 initial curvature. Finite strain, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, and mesoscopic structural orientations, which are related to early layer‐parallel shortening, all yield strike test slopes of ∼0.9 ± 0.1. Comparing these slopes with paleomagnetic results indicates that deformation fabrics had initial curvature and thus cannot be used alone to accurately estimate rotations. By integrating systematic paleomagnetic and structural data using statistical analysis, curvature models for the Wyoming salient are closely constrained.