bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of lactoferrin and IL‐8 release from human neutrophils by tryptic enzymes via proteinase activated receptor‐2
Authors: Wang Haoyang , He Shaoheng
Published: May 2006

Tryptic enzymes such as tryptase, trypsin and thrombin are reportedly able to alter neutrophil behavior. However, little is known of the influence of these proteinases on lactoferrin or IL‐8 release from neutrophils. In the present study, we investigated the effects of tryptase, trypsin, thrombin and elastase, and agonist peptides of PAR‐1 SFLLR‐NH2 and PAR‐2 SLIGKV‐NH2 and tc‐LIGRLO‐NH2 on lactoferrin and IL‐8 release from highly purified human neutrophils. Flow cytometry shows CD16+ neutrophils express PAR‐1 and PAR‐2, but not PAR‐3 and PAR‐4 proteins. RT‐PCR analysis reveals that neutrophils express only PAR‐2 genes. Tryptase and trypsin, but not thrombin and elastase, induced significant lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils. SLIGKV‐NH2 and tc‐LIGRLO‐NH2, but not SFLLR‐NH2, also stimulated lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils. In conclusion, only a proportion of neutrophils express PAR‐1 and/or PAR‐2. Tryptase and trypsin‐induced lactoferrin and IL‐8 secretion from neutrophils most likely occur through activation of PAR‐2.
FAMILY SIZE AND CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN MATLAB, BANGLADESH
Authors: RAZZAQUE ABDUR , STREATFIELD PETER KIM , EVANS ANN
Published: May 2006

This study examines the relationship between family size and children’s education in Bangladesh for two periods – 1982 with high fertility and 1996 with low fertility – using data from the Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System of the ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research. Children aged 8–17 years (27,448 in 1982 and 32,635 in 1996) were selected from households where the mother was aged 30–49 years and the father was the head of household. Children’s education was measured in terms of completed years of schooling: at least class 1 (among 8–17 year olds), at least class 5 (among 12–17 year olds) and at least class 7 (among 15–17 year olds). After controlling for all variables in the multivariate analyses, level of children’s education was not found to be associated with family size during the high fertility period. The family size–education relationship became negative during the low fertility period. In both periods children of educated mothers from wealthier households and those who lived close to primary/high schools had more education, but this socioeconomic difference reduced substantially over time. Boys had more education than girls during the high fertility period but this difference disappeared during the low fertility period. As birth rates fall and the proportion of children from small families increases an increase in children’s education is to be expected.
Behaviour-based approach for skill acquisition during assembly operations, starting from scratch
Authors: Corona-Castuera J. , Lopez-Juarez I.
Published: May 2006

Industrial robots in poorly structured environments have to interact compliantly with this environment for successful operations. In this paper, we present a behaviour-based approach to learn peg-in-hole operations from scratch. The robot learns autonomously the initial mapping between contact states to motion commands employing fuzzy rules and creating an Acquired-Primitive Knowledge Base (ACQ-PKB), which is later used and refined on-line by a Fuzzy ARTMAP neural network-based controller. The effectiveness of the approach is tested comparing the compliant motion behaviour using the ACQ-PKB and a priori Given-Primitive Knowledge Base (GVN-PKB). Results using a KUKA KR15 industrial robot validate the approach.
The seroepidemiology of pertussis in Australia during an epidemic period
Authors: CAGNEY M. , MacINTYRE C. R. , McINTYRE P. , PUECH M. , GIAMMANCO A.
Published: May 2006

Studying the epidemiology of pertussis and impact of differing vaccine schedules is difficult because of differing methods of case ascertainment. The advent of internationally standardized serological diagnosis for recent infection has allowed comparison of age-specific pertussis infection among European countries and was applied in Australia at the time of a major national epidemic. In 1997 and 1998, a nationally representative serum bank using residual sera from diagnostic laboratories was established. Measurement of pertussis toxin (PT) IgG level was conducted by a reference laboratory using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay standardized for a number of European countries. A titre of 125 EU/ml was interpreted as indicative of recent pertussis infection. The serological data were correlated with age, gender, region and disease epidemiology in Australia. The highest prevalence of recent pertussis infection was in the 5–9 years age group, and the lowest in 1–4 and 25–64 years age groups. In the 5–14 years age group, 29·7% (5–9 years) and 14·6% (10–14 years) of the sample had serological evidence of recent infection, correlating with the pattern of epidemic notifications. The 15- to 24-year-olds had similar high titres but the same notification rate as 25- to 44-year-olds, suggesting ascertainment bias may result in under-notification in the former age group. The prevalence of high titres observed was up to 20-fold higher than some European countries during a similar time period. Although vaccination has reduced the transmission of pertussis in the youngest and most vulnerable age group, pertussis is still endemic in Australia, particularly in older children and the elderly. The Australian vaccination schedule has been changed in an attempt to address this problem, by spacing doses more widely, with the fifth dose at 15–17 years of age. Seroepidemiology for pertussis offers the potential to compare patterns of pertussis between countries and examine the impact of vaccine schedule changes independent of notification and diagnostic bias.
New composite reed vibration method to measure the mechanical spectra of liquids
Authors: Ying X. N. , Yuan Y. H. , Zhang L. , Huang Y. N. , Wang Y. N. , Wang X. L. , Zhou D. S. , Xue G.
Published: May 2006

A new experimental method describing the determination of the mechanical spectra (complex Young’s modulus Y*=Y′+iY″ versus temperature) of materials from the liquid to the glassy state, including the glass transition, is reported. The conventional vibration-reed method developed for solids is extended to composite systems consisting of a reed substrate and a deposited material. Mathematical expressions for the evaluation of the mechanical spectrum of the deposited material are obtained by solving either directly the vibrating equation of the nonuniform reed, or that of an equivalent uniform reed, with new length and stiffness, using a coordinate transformation. The mechanical spectra of glycerol and 1,2-propanediol carbonate covering the liquid and the glassy state are presented as examples in this work. The glass transitions of these two kinds of materials, as well as the recrystallization, melting and, evaporation processes of 1,2-propanediol carbonate, are identified in the respective spectra.
Growth of ZnO nanotetrapods with hexagonal crown
Authors: He Fa-Quan , Zhao Ya-Pu
Published: May 2006

ZnO nanotetrapods with hexagonal crown were synthesized on a silicon wafer by vapor transport process at a low temperature of 630°C and normal pressure without the presence of catalysts. The results demonstrated that the as-synthesized products with slender legs and regular hexagonal crown are single crystal with wurtzite structure and preferentially grow up along (001) direction. Photoluminescence spectra revealed that the green emission originated from oxygen vacancies overwhelmed that of the near-band-edge ultraviolet peak, which suggests the peculiar-shaped nanotetrapods may have potential applications in multichannel nano-optoelectronic devices.
Intracolony relatedness and polydomy in the Australian meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus
Authors: van Wilgenburg Ellen , Mulder Raoul A. , Elgar Mark A.
Published: May 2006

In polydomous ants, individuals belonging to a single colony occupy a variable number of neighbouring nests. Polydomy is frequently associated with polygyny and species are often both facultatively polydomous and facultatively polygynous. In this study we test the generality of this association by investigating the genetic and spatial structure of polydomous colonies of Iridomyrmex purpureus in New South Wales, Australia. Genetic analysis of 15 colonies revealed high relatedness within all but one of the colonies, indicating that the workers are mostly produced by one, singly inseminated queen. Polydomy in this population therefore is not associated with polygyny. Intriguingly, our behavioural data suggests that the colony with low within-colony relatedness had been recently formed by colony fusion. While genotypes were not distributed homogenously throughout this newly formed colony, there was an obvious exchange of genotypes between the nests of the two former colonies. During 2 years of field observations in which we observed 140 colonies comprising over 1000 nests, we observed colony fusion only twice. We discuss these findings in relation to the current theories on the relationship between polydomy and polygyny.
Role of RANKL in physiological and pathological bone resorption and therapeutics targeting the RANKL–RANK signaling system
Authors: Tanaka Sakae , Nakamura Kozo , Takahasi Naoyuki , Suda Tatsuo
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Osteoclasts are primary cells for physiological and pathological bone resorption, and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) is critically involved in the differentiation, activation, and survival of these cells. Recently, therapeutics for pathological bone destruction targeting RANKL pathways has attracted a great deal of attention. Herein, we review the recent advances in the research on osteoclast biology and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of anti‐RANKL therapies.
Osteoclast precursors, RANKL/RANK, and immunology
Authors: Xing Lianping , Schwarz Edward M. , Boyce Brendan F.
Published: May 2006

Summary: Rapid progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating the formation, activation, and survival of osteoclasts, which are derived from precursor cells in the myeloid lineage. In contrast, study of the regulation of osteoclast precursors (OCPs) has been relatively slow, in part because it has been hard to accurately identify them. However, following the discovery of cell‐surface markers that facilitated purification of OCPs, recent studies have demonstrated that peripheral blood OCP numbers are increased in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐mediated arthritis, both in animals and humans, and these numbers correlate with serum TNF levels. The increase can be reversed by anti‐TNF therapy. Furthermore, the precursor cells that give rise to osteoclasts can also differentiate into other cell types, including dendritic cells. Receptor activator nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) stimulates OCPs to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and RANKL blockade prevents joint inflammation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis. These findings suggest that OCPs may serve as a source for both osteoclasts and other effector cells and participate actively in the pathogenesis of diseases. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulation of OCP formation and differentiation and provide a model of a vicious cycle in which pro‐inflammatory cytokines produced in inflamed joints feedback on the bone marrow to promote the generation and release of OCPs. The OCPs then home to the inflamed joints to differentiate into mature osteoclasts or to produce more inflammatory factors in the presence of RANKL. Disruption of this cycle could provide a new strategy for the development of drugs to treat inflammatory arthritis and other disorders associated with elevated OCP/myeloid progenitors.
Specialist services and transitional care in paediatric endocrinology in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Kirk Jeremy , Clayton Peter
Published: May 2006

Objective  To assess current provision of specialist and transitional paediatric endocrine services in the UK and Ireland.

Design  A questionnaire was sent to paediatric endocrinologists requesting details of patients receiving GH and also details of specialist and transitional services.

Results  Of 72 questionnaires received, 56 [21 from historical growth centres (group 1), 10 from other teaching hospitals (group 2) and 25 from district general hospitals (DGHs) (group 3)] were analysed. A total of 4758 children [3709 (78%) in group 1] currently receive GH in the UK. Fifty‐six per cent of units (90% in groups 1 and 2) provide transfer clinics: transition (N = 27), adolescent (10), young adult (11) and adult (3). In 90% of the paediatric units, the paediatric and adult endocrinologist sit together, and 58% of clinics are held in the paediatric unit. Clinic entry is based on final height (33%), age (51%), both (14%), and other (2%). Fifty‐five per cent of units transfer all GH‐treated patients, the remainder transfer only those non‐GH‐deficient on retesting. Eighty per cent retest prior to transfer using the insulin tolerance test (ITT) [N = 27 (including three DGHs)], glucagon (22), arginine (4), clonidine (2) and other (5). Apart from intersex clinics (13), there are few specialist clinics for other paediatric endocrine patients, including only three for Turner syndrome (TS). Adult TS transfer is to multidisciplinary clinics (N = 11), adult endocrinology (27), gynaecology (14), cardiology (5) and general practitioner (GP) (1).

Conclusions  We have confirmed more GH‐treated patients than before; many remain within historic growth centres. Although in the UK and Ireland transition services are established in many larger units, current guidelines are not always adhered to. Provision of specialist paediatric endocrine clinics for all groups remains variable.
Pediatric liver transplantation: Review of literature 2003–2005
Authors: Tan Nancy , Dhawan Anil
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Over the years, significant developments have been made in the field of pediatric liver transplantation. Better patient and graft survival, new immunosuppressive agents and strategies and the availability of long‐term outcomes have resulted in a wealth of literature. Between January 2003 and August 2005, more than 1200 articles related to pediatric liver transplantation have been published in various journals. We have attempted to summarize the clinical studies of direct relevance in this field. This review of 25 articles is by no means exhaustive and is meant as a guide for quick reference and further reading.
Association of low density lipoprotein receptor related protein‐associated protein (LRPAP1) gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with gallstone disease
Authors: DIXIT MANJUSHA , CHOUDHURI GOURDAS , KESHRI LAXMAN JI , MITTAL BALRAJ
Published: May 2006

Background and Aim:  Gallstones are byproducts of cholesterol supersaturated bile. Various studies have indicated that there might be a genetic predisposition to the disease. Receptor‐associated protein (RAP) is a molecular chaperone for low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP), which plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism. Intron 5 insertion/deletion polymorphism of RAP gene (LRPAP1) has been implicated in other diseases sharing etiology with gallstone disease (GSD).

Methods:  To analyze the association of insertion/deletion polymorphism in GSD, 130 gallstone patients and 202 healthy subjects took part in the present study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction was followed by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results:  The results showed that frequencies of D and I allele were 65.77% and 34.23% in patients, 76.24% and 23.76% in controls, respectively. Frequency of I allele was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:  In the present study I (insertion) allele was found to be associated with GSD.
Integrating vegetation field surveys with remotely sensed data
Authors: Reinke Karin , Jones Simon
Published: May 2006

Summary  This paper explores data compatibility issues arising from the assessment of remnant native vegetation condition using satellite remote sensing and field‐based data. Space‐borne passive remote sensing is increasingly used as a way of providing a total sample and synoptic overview of the spectral and spatial characteristics of native vegetation canopies at a regional scale. However, integrating field‐collected data often not designed for integration with remotely sensed data can lead to data compatibility issues. Subsequent problems associated with the integration of unsuited datasets can contribute to data uncertainty and result in inconclusive findings. It is these types of problems (and potential solutions) that form the basis of this paper. In other words, how can field surveys be designed to support and improve compatibility with remotely sensed total surveys? Key criteria were identified for consideration when designing field‐based surveys of native vegetation condition (and other similar applications) with the intent to incorporate remotely sensed data. The criteria include recommendations for the siting of plots, the need for reference location plots, the number of sample sites and plot size and distribution, within a study area. The difficulties associated with successfully integrating these data are illustrated using real examples taken from a study of the vegetation in the Little River Catchment, New South Wales, Australia.
Spatially modelling native vegetation condition
Authors: Zerger Andre , Gibbons Philip , Jones Simon , Doyle Stuart , Seddon Julian , Briggs Sue V. , Freudenberger David
Published: May 2006

Summary  The assessment of vegetation condition is seen as an increasingly important requirement for effective biodiversity conservation in Australia. Condition assessments that operate at the scale of the site are well established. However, there is a need for mapped representations of vegetation condition at regional scales to: (i) assist with regional planning and target setting; (ii) provide regional context for site‐based assessment; and (iii) monitor the change in vegetation condition at multiple scales. This paper describes a methodology for converting site condition data collected in plots into maps of vegetation condition across entire regions using a predictive statistical modelling framework (Generalized Additive Modelling) combined with a GIS. The research demonstrates how explanatory variables including topographic position, terrain roughness, landscape connectivity and remote sensing derived indices can be used to map the condition of native vegetation at the scale of a subcatchment. The inclusion of indices derived from remotely sensed imagery (SPOT4) as explanatory variables in the modelling is a novel component of this research. Although the methodology generates statistically and ecologically plausible models of vegetation condition, there are nevertheless limitations associated with the way plot data were collected and some of the explanatory variables, which impacts upon model utility. We discuss how these problems can be minimized when embarking upon studies of this type. We demonstrate how maps produced from exercises such as this could be used for conservation planning and discuss the limitations of these data for monitoring.
Neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, a non‐psychoactive component fromCannabis sativa, on β‐amyloid‐induced toxicity in PC12 cells
Authors: Iuvone Teresa , Esposito Giuseppe , Esposito Ramona , Santamaria Rita , Di Rosa Massimo , Izzo Angelo A.
Published: May 2006

Alzheimer's disease is widely held to be associated with oxidative stress due, in part, to the membrane action of β‐amyloid peptide aggregates.Here, we studied the effect of cannabidiol, a major non‐psychoactive component of the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa) on β‐amyloid peptide‐induced toxicity in cultured rat pheocromocytoma PC12 cells. Following exposure of cells to β‐amyloid peptide (1 µg/mL), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed. This effect was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation, as well as caspase 3 (a key enzyme in the apoptosis cell‐signalling cascade) appearance, DNA fragmentation and increased intracellular calcium. Treatment of the cells with cannabidiol (10−7−10−4m) prior to β‐amyloid peptide exposure significantly elevated cell survival while it decreased ROS production, lipid peroxidation, caspase 3 levels, DNA fragmentation and intracellular calcium. Our results indicate that cannabidiol exerts a combination of neuroprotective, anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects against β‐amyloid peptide toxicity, and that inhibition of caspase 3 appearance from its inactive precursor, pro‐caspase 3, by cannabidiol is involved in the signalling pathway for this neuroprotection.
Trends in Initiation of Alcohol Use in the United States 1975 to 2003
Authors: Faden Vivian B.
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Alcohol is the drug of choice for youth in the United States. By 8th grade, more than 40% of youth have used alcohol; by 12th grade, almost 80% have done so (MTF, 2003). And many of these young people begin drinking at relatively early ages. On average, boys start drinking earlier than girls, and whites and Native Americans start drinking earlier than youth of other race/ethnicities. As alcohol consumption is such a high prevalence behavior among young people, it is crucial to understand the initiation of drinking as well as possible, so as to facilitate and inform interventions to delay this behavior. One facet of this involves investigating trends in the initiation of drinking.

Methods: Multiple years of data from 3 national surveys, Monitoring the Future (MTF)—1975 to 2003 for 12th graders, 1993 to 2003 for 8th and 10th graders; the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) [now called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)]—1991 to 1998; and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)—1991 to 2003, were analyzed using joinpoint analysis to further understanding of trends in the initiation of drinking by youth. The present analysis examines whether the age of drinking initiation has changed over time and evaluates trends in the percentages of youth who start drinking by various grades.

Results: Simultaneous examination of data from the 3 surveys indicates that 7th and 8th grades (when most youth are 13–14) are peak years for the initiation of drinking. Further, the present analysis shows that although the percentage of youth who start drinking early (before age 13) has declined (YRBSS, MTF), the average age of initiation of drinking for these “very early starters” did not change over the period 1991 to 1998 (NHSDA/NSDUH). At the same time, an upward shift in the “normative” age of initiation has occurred (NHSDA/NSDUH, MTF). Results of analyses by gender and race/ethnicity indicate similar trends over time.

Conclusion: A more nuanced understanding of the initiation of drinking can have important implications for prevention.
Fetal Ethanol Exposure Disrupts the Daily Rhythms of Splenic Granzyme B, IFN‐γ, and NK Cell Cytotoxicity in Adulthood
Authors: Arjona Alvaro , Boyadjieva Nadka , Kuhn Peter , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: May 2006

Background: Circadian (and daily) rhythms are physiological events that oscillate with a 24‐hour period. Circadian disruptions may hamper the immune response against infection and cancer. Several immune mechanisms, such as natural killer (NK) cell function, follow a daily rhythm. Although ethanol is known to be a potent toxin for many systems in the developing fetus, including the immune system, the long‐term effects of fetal ethanol exposure on circadian immune function have not been explored.

Methods: Daily rhythms of cytotoxic factors (granzyme B and perforin), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and NK cell cytotoxic activity were determined in the spleens of adult male rats obtained from mothers who were fed during pregnancy with chow food or an ethanol‐containing liquid diet or pair‐fed an isocaloric liquid diet.

Results: We found that adult rats exposed to ethanol during their fetal life showed a significant alteration in the physiological rhythms of granzyme B and IFN‐γ that was associated with decreased NK cell cytotoxic activity.

Conclusion: These data suggest that fetal ethanol exposure causes a permanent alteration of specific immune rhythms that may in part underlie the immune impairment observed in children prenatally exposed to alcohol.
MgO–Na2O–P2O5‐Based Sintering Additives for Tricalcium Phosphate Bioceramics
Authors: Kalita Samar J. , Bhatt Himesh A. , Dhamne Abhijeet
Published: May 2006

Effects of MgO–Na2O–P2O5‐based sintering additives on densification, microstructure, hardness, compression strength, and biodegradability of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) ceramics were studied. Three additive compositions were prepared and introduced into β‐TCP. Uniaxially compacted ceramic structures, sintered at 1250°C in air, were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure. The X‐ray diffraction technique was used for phase analysis. Results showed that these additives modified the microstructure and improved the sintered density and mechanical properties. An increase of 9% in density, 40% in hardness and 38% in compression strength were achieved. Biodegradation analysis revealed that these additives could tailor the rate of resorption and hardness degradation of β‐TCP.
Approximate solution for solute transport during spherical‐flow push‐pull tests
Authors: Schroth Martin H. , Istok Jonathan D.
Published: May 2006

An approximate analytical solution to the advection‐dispersion equation was derived to describe solute transport during spherical‐flow conditions in single‐well push‐pull tests. The spherical‐flow case may be applicable to aquifer tests conducted in packed intervals or partially penetrating wells. Using results of two‐dimensional numerical simulations, we briefly illustrate the applicability of the derived spherical‐flow solution and provide a comparison with its cylindrical‐flow counterpart. Good agreement between simulated extraction‐phase breakthrough curves and the spherical‐flow solution was found when the length of the injection/extraction region was small compared to both aquifer thickness and maximum solute frontal position at the end of the injection phase. On the other hand, discrepancies between simulated breakthrough curves and the spherical‐flow solution increased with increasing anisotropy in hydraulic conductivities. Several inherent limitations embedded in its derivation such as assumptions of isotropy and homogeneity warrant the cautious use of the spherical‐flow solution.
Transmissivity variations in mudstones
Authors: MacDonald Alan M. , Kemp Simon J. , Davies Jeff
Published: May 2006

Many people in sub‐Saharan Africa have to rely on meager water resources within mudstones for their only water supply. Although mudstones have been extensively researched for their low permeability behavior, little research has been undertaken to examine their ability to provide sustainable water supplies. To investigate the factors controlling the occurrence of usable ground water in mudstone environments, an area of Cretaceous mudstones in southeastern Nigeria was studied over a 3 yr period. Transmissivity (T) variations in a range of mudstone environments were studied. The investigations demonstrate that within the top 40 m of mudstones, transmissivity can be sufficient to develop village water supplies (T > 1 m2/d). Transmissivity is controlled by two factors: low‐grade metamorphism and the presence of other, subordinate, lithologies within the mudstones. Largely unaltered mudstones (early diagenetic zone), comprising mainly smectite clays, are mostly unfractured and have a low T of < 0.1 m2/d. Mudstones that have undergone limited metamorphism (late diagenetic zone) comprise mixed layered illite/smectite clays, and ground water is found in widely spaced fracture zones (T > 1 m2/d in large fracture zones; T < 0.1 m2/d away from fracture zones). Mudstones that have been further altered and approach the anchizone comprise illite clays, are pervasively fractured, and have the highest transmissivity values (T > 4 m2/d). Dolerite intrusions in unaltered, smectitic mudstones are highly fractured with transmissivity in the range of 1 < T < 60 m2/d. Thin limestone and sandstone layers can also enhance transmissivity sufficiently to provide community water supplies.
Improved water table dynamics in MODFLOW
Authors: Clemo Tom
Published: May 2006

The standard formulation of a block‐centered finite‐difference model, such as MODFLOW, uses the center of the cell as the location of a cell node. Simulations of a dynamic water table can be improved if the node of a cell containing the water table is located at the water table rather than at the center of the cell. The LPF package of MOD‐FLOW‐2000 was changed to position a cell's node at the water table in convertible cells with a water table. Improved accuracy in the upper regions of an unconfined aquifer is demonstrated for pumping from a partially penetrating well. The change introduces a nonlinearity into the solution of the flow equations that results in slightly slower convergence of the flow solution, 7% slower in the presented demonstration. Accuracy of simulations is improved where vertical flow is dominated by a moving water table, but not when a large water table gradient dominates over the water table movement.
Eye Movements When Observing Predictable and Unpredictable Actions
Authors: Rotman Gerben , Troje Nikolaus F. , Johansson Roland S. , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: May 2006

We previously showed that, when observers watch an actor performing a predictable block-stacking task, the coordination between the observer's gaze and the actor's hand is similar to the coordination between the actor's gaze and hand. Both the observer and the actor direct gaze to forthcoming grasp and block landing sites and shift their gaze to the next grasp or landing site at around the time the hand contacts the block or the block contacts the landing site. Here we compare observers' gaze behavior in a block manipulation task when the observers did and when they did not know, in advance, which of two blocks the actor would pick up first. In both cases, observers managed to fixate the target ahead of the actor's hand and showed proactive gaze behavior. However, these target fixations occurred later, relative to the actor's movement, when observers did not know the target block in advance. In perceptual tests, in which observers watched animations of the actor reaching partway to the target and had to guess which block was the target, we found that the time at which observers were able to correctly do so was very similar to the time at which they would make saccades to the target block. Overall, our results indicate that observers use gaze in a fashion that is appropriate for hand movement planning and control. This in turn suggests that they implement representations of the manual actions required in the task and representations that direct task-specific eye movements.
In Situ Formation of Strain Sensors by Breaking Optical Fibers in Structural Materials
Authors: Asanuma Hiroshi , Haga Osamu , Kimura Kazuhito , Ohira Jun-Ichiro , Kurihara Haruki , Paolozzi Antonio
Published: May 2006

This article describes the formation of strain sensors embedded in a matrix material by breaking a notched optical fiber in the matrix. When a specimen with an embedded optical fiber with a notch is tensile tested, fracture of the fiber at the notch occurs, producing an optical interference type strain sensor. During the formation process optical transmission loss is recorded. The case of multiply notched optical fibers is also considered and it is shown that the optical loss of the embedded optical fiber during tensile test increases with the number of breaks. Using bending, instead of tension, to form the sensor, allows a reduction of break pitch and consequently improves the local nature of the sensor. The multiple fractured type optical fiber sensor has also been used on an active laminate to monitor its curvature change during actuation.
The mass production of celebrity
Authors: Turner Graeme
Published: May 2006

In Understanding Celebrity, I coined the term ‘the demotic turn’ as a means of characterizing the increasing production of ‘ordinary’ celebrities through reality TV and DIY celebrity websites. Refusing the idea that this necessarily constituted a democratizing process - hence the term ‘demotic’ - I wanted to examine the role that the access to mass-mediated fame plays within the construction of cultural identities. In this article, I develop this idea a little further by asking whether the shrinking distance between TV and ‘reality’, and between the famous and the ‘ordinary’, means that we need to reconsider our understandings of what kind of cultural apparatus the media has become.
Mothers First, Not Work First
Authors: Cooney Kate
Published: May 2006

This article builds on current research on welfare reform examining the perspectives of welfare recipients as they experience the policy enacted at the street level. The study aims to provide more information about the gaps between the assumptions embedded in welfare legislation and the complexity of welfare recipients’ lives. Engaging critical theory, the article examines: (1) the internalization of the schemas undergirding welfare reform using data from focus group interviews; and, (2) the strategic action of welfare recipients using ethnographic data collected from the same welfare-to-work program. Analysis of focus group interviews suggest that schemas embedded in the political discourse surrounding welfare reform are more internalized by the native born, English-speaking welfare clients. The grounded theory analysis identifies two coping strategies invoked by women in the welfare-to-work program: affirming motherhood and strategic acceptance of sanctions. The author concludes with a brief discussion of the potential for broader political action.
‘Too Ambitious’
Authors: Ungar Michael
Published: May 2006

Differences in what makes for a good quantitative or qualitative research design often lead funders to misinformed evaluations of the strengths of exemplary qualitative research. Based on the author’s experience with numerous national funders in Canada and the US, problems getting qualitative research funded are discussed. Specifically, sampling issues will be looked at along a continuum, comparing monocular, homogenous sampling of marginalized voices more in keeping with positivist research principles familiar to funders to the polyocular, heterogenous innovation popular with qualitative researchers who seek multiple voices across multiple contexts. Successfully funded studies will be discussed as examples of how to convince funders to evaluate qualitative research on its own merits, as well as a number of unsuccessful grant applications that were evaluated with criteria that seemed paradigmatically incongruent with qualitative designs. Four strategies my colleagues and I have used will be highlighted. These strategies I call: dressing up; sleeping with the elephant; search but never find; and table scraps. The advantages specific to qualitative designs and sampling will be detailed in order to propose a template for funders to evaluate the merits of qualitative design.
Use of a multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis method for molecular subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of Neisseria meningitidis isolates
Authors: Liao Jui-Cheng , Li Chun-Chin , Chiou Chien-Shun
Published: May 2006

Background

The multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) technique has been developed for fine typing of many bacterial species. The genomic sequences of Neisseria meningitidis strains Z2491, MC58 and FAM18 have been available for searching potential VNTR loci by computer software. In this study, we developed and evaluated a MLVA method for molecular subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of N. meningitidis strains.

Results

A total of 12 VNTR loci were identified for subtyping and phylogenetic analysis of 100 N. meningitidis isolates, which had previously been characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing. The number of alleles ranges from 3 to 40 for the 12 VNTR loci; theoretically, the numbers of alleles can generate more than 5 × 1011 MLVA types. In total, 93 MLVA types were identified in the 100 isolates, indicating that MLVA is powerful in discriminating N. meningitidis strains. In phylogenetic analysis with the minimal spanning tree method, clonal relationships, established with MLVA types, agreed well with those built with ST types.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the MLVA method has a higher degree of resolution than PFGE in discriminating N. meningitidis isolates and may be a useful tool for phylogenetic studies of strains evolving over different time scales.
Enzymatic Degrading Solubilization of a Polymer Comprising Glycine, Phenylalanine, 1,2-Ethanediol, and Adipic Acid
Authors: Saotome Yasushi , Tashiro Mitsuru , Miyazawa Takeo , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2006

Water-insoluble four-component polymers, comprising glycine (Gly), phenylalanine (Phe), 1,2-ethanediol, and adipic acid, were synthesized. These polymers exhibited degrading solubilization upon incubation with chymotrypsin. It was found that the degradation rate of the polymer could be controlled by altering the Phe/Gly ratio.
Molecular Design of Black Lipid Membranes (BLM) by Polymerized Double-Chain Ammonium Amphiphiles
Authors: Kato Shinji , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: May 2006

Planar bilayer membranes were obtained from polymerized double-chain ammonium amphiphiles. Their properties were closely related to those of the corresponding aqueous bilayers, and a life time longer than one day was observed for a well-organized polymer sample.
Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Screenings von Thrombozyten-Konzentraten auf bakterielle Kontamination Perspectives and limitations in the bacterial screening of platelet concentrates
Authors: Montag Thomas
Published: May 2006

Nachdem es gelungen ist, die Übertragung von Viren durch Bluttransfusion eindrucksvoll zu reduzieren, stehen transfusionsbedingte bakterielle Infektionen im Vordergrund des Interesses. Aktuell richtet sich das Augenmerk auf Thrombozyten-Konzentrate, weil sie unter Temperaturbedingungen gelagert werden, welche das Wachstum kontaminierender Bakterien bis 1010 und mehr Mikroorganismen pro Thrombozytenbeutel erlauben. Die vorliegende Arbeit geht nicht auf die Pathogen-Inaktivierungsmethoden ein, sondern bewertet sinnvolle Screeningmethoden. Neben konventionellen mikrobiologischen Verfahren und Surrogatmarkern stehen heute auf dem Markt einige effektive Methoden zum Nachweis bakterieller Kontamination in Thrombozyten-Konzentraten zur Verfügung. Diese können in zwei methodische Prinzipien unterteilt werden: Die Inkubationsmethoden und die Schnellmethoden. Inkubations- oder Kultivierungsmethoden benötigen einige Zeit für die Erzeugung ihres Signals, weil sie vom Wachstum der Mikroorganismen abhängig sind. Deshalb müssen sie mit einer frühen Probenentnahme kombiniert werden, d.h. die Untersuchungsprobe wird einen Tag nach der Spende der Blutkomponente entnommen. Ihr Vorteil besteht darin, dass sie relativ unkompliziert in die Logistik transfusionsmedizinischer Einrichtungen integriert werden können. Aufgrund der initial geringen Bakterienzahl nach einer Spende verbleibt ein gewisser Probenfehler beim Einsatz dieser Strategie. Schnellmethoden ermöglichen eine Diagnose in kurzer Zeit. Deshalb erlauben sie die Verschiebung der Probenentnahme, idealerweise auf einen Zeitpunkt unmittelbar vor der Transfusion. Sie führen jedoch zu logistischen Problemen. Andererseits kann die Kombination von später Probenentnahme mit einer Schnellmethode die Transfusion hochkontaminierter Thrombozyten-Konzentrate, welche in der Regel zum akuten septischen Schock bis hin zum Tod des Patienten führen, verhindern. Berücksichtigt man sämtliche Aspekte, darf von beiden Strategien ein vergleichbarer Sicherheitsgewinn erwartet werden.
Assessment of Fracture and Fatigue Crack Propagation of Laser Beam and Friction Stir Welded Aluminium and Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Vaidya W. V. , Horstmann M. , Seib E. , Toksoy K. , Koçak M.
Published: May 2006

The new joining technologies and the development of new weldable alloys open perspectives for weight and cost savings in the aerospace and the automotive industries. However, fulfilment of property requirements can be a limiting factor for the application of such new technologies. In this paper we present our results from some recent and on‐going investigations on the damage tolerance of 6XXX aerospace Al‐alloys and AZ31B Mg‐alloy, welded by using laser beam and friction stir processes. Particular emphasis is placed on fatigue crack propagation and fracture behaviour, and future areas for research in the damage tolerance behaviour of the strength undermatched Al‐welds are identified while outlining possible solutions.
Dissimilar Al to Mg Alloy Friction Stir Welds
Authors: Zettler R. , da Silva A. A. M. , Rodrigues S. , Blanco A. , dos Santos J. F.
Published: May 2006

In the present study the microstructure and properties of a dissimilar friction stir weld between the magnesium alloy AZ31 and the aluminium alloy 6040 have been investigated. The intermetallic leads to a loss of strength and ductility of the join. In this study optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) have been used to analyse the join interface as well as workpiece residues bonded to the joining tool. Dynamic recrystallisation was observed in the stir zone resulting in a substantial reduction in grain size particularly for the Al base material.
Cover Picture: The Effect of Grain Size on the Deformation Behaviour of Magnesium Alloys Investigated by the Acoustic Emission Technique (Adv. Eng. Mater. 5/2006)
Authors: Bohlen J. , Dobron P. , Meza Garcia E. , Chmelík F. , Lukáč P. , Letzig D. , Kainer K. U.
Published: May 2006

The cover shows Micrographs from longitudinal sections of extruded bars of ZEK100, extrusion direction horizontal. More information can be found in the paper by J. Bohlen et al. on page 422 in this issue.
Cover Picture: Dendritic Encapsulation – “Postsynthetic” Functionalizations of a Single Benzophenone Shielded by Shape‐Persistent Polyphenylene Dendrons (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 11/2006)
Authors: Bernhardt Stefan , Baumgarten Martin , Müllen Klaus
Published: May 2006

The cover picture shows shape‐persistent first‐ and second‐generation polyphenylene dendrimers grown from a single benzophenone unit as core. To investigate the influence of the size and the density of the dendritic shell upon the reactivity of the core, “postsynthetic” chemical functionalizations with reagents of different size as well as alkali‐metal reduction of the encapsulated benzophenone were performed. Details are discussed in the article by K. Müllen et al. on p. 2523 ff.
Simulation of probability distributions commonly used in hydrological frequency analysis
Authors: Cheng Ke‐Sheng , Chiang Jie‐Lun , Hsu Chieh‐Wei
Published: May 2006

Random variable simulation has been applied to many applications in hydrological modelling, flood risk analysis, environmental impact assessment, etc. However, computer codes for simulation of distributions commonly used in hydrological frequency analysis are not available in most software libraries. This paper presents a frequency‐factor‐based method for random number generation of five distributions (normal, log–normal, extreme‐value type I, Pearson type III and log‐Pearson type III) commonly used in hydrological frequency analysis. The proposed method is shown to produce random numbers of desired distributions through three means of validation: (1) graphical comparison of cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) and empirical CDFs derived from generated data; (2) properties of estimated parameters; (3) type I error of goodness‐of‐fit test. An advantage of the method is that it does not require CDF inversion, and frequency factors of the five commonly used distributions involves only the standard normal deviate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and application of an analytical method for the determination of storage lipids, fatty acids and fatty alcohols in Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Webster Lynda , Walsham Pam , Ahmed Yusuf , Richards Sarah , Hay Steve , Heath Mike , Moffat Colin F.
Published: May 2006

A method was developed for the determination of the major storage lipids, wax ester and triglycerides, in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. A variation of the Folch method was used to extract the lipid. The method was scaled down to enable the extraction of either pooled (∼︁1 mg) or individual (∼︁200 μg) copepods. The major lipid classes were identified using TLC and quantified using HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection. Analysis of laboratory reference materials indicated that this method underestimated the minor triglyceride component, but gave a good estimate of the major wax ester component. The fatty acid and fatty alcohol composition of the C. finmarchicus were determined following trans‐esterification of the lipid extract in methanol. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols were initially identified by comparison with authentic standard and by mass spectroscopy. Using GC with flame ionisation detection the normalised area percentage of the fatty alcohols and fatty acid methyl esters was determined simultaneously in one run for either pooled or individual copepod samples. These methods were applied to C. finmarchicus collected from the Irminger Sea, North Atlantic in 2001 and 2002.
Characterization of amino acids in silk sericin protein from Gonometa rufobrunnae by MEKC with phenyl isothiocyanate derivatization
Authors: Dube Simiso , Khumalo Mkhululi T. , Torto Nelson , Nyati Jacob A.
Published: May 2006

An MEKC method was developed for the separation and characterization of phenylisothiocyanate (PITC)‐labeled amino acids derived from Gonometa rufobrunnae silkworm after microdialysis sample cleanup. The influence of the buffer and SDS concentration on the resolution of the amino acids was investigated. A buffer system consisting of 25 mM phosphate, 10 mM borate buffer at pH 9.00, and 70 mM SDS showed the best results, with 13 PITC‐amino acid derivatives being resolved out of 15 possible amino acids that were under study. Microdialysis sampling demonstrated its efficiency as a sample cleanup technique. Sericin protein from G. rufobrunnae was found to be characterized by at least 11 positively identified amino acids. These included His, Tyr, Ser, Ala, Phe, Lys, Gly, Arg, Cys, Glu, and Asp. Leu/Met and Val/Thr were coeluting pairs and hence could not be positively confirmed.
Phanquinone as a suitable derivatization reagent in micellar electrokinetic chromatography and HPLC analysis of amino acids
Authors: Gotti Roberto , Gioia Maria Grazia , Gatti Rita , Cavrini Vanni
Published: May 2006

Phanquinone (chemically: 4,7‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione) was applied as an original precolumn derivatization reagent for amino acids followed by separation using MEKC with UV detection (240 nm). The derivatization reaction was carried out at 68°C in the presence of aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 8.0) and it was found to be complete after 30 min. Twelve derivatized standard amino acids were separated in about 22 min under MEKC conditions using sodium cholate (250 mM) as the surfactant in phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH 9.0). The developed method was validated for the analysis of D,L‐phosphoserine (D,L‐p‐Ser) and L‐glutamine (L‐Gln); good linearity (r >0.999) was achieved in the calibration range of 0.25–2.5 μmol/mL. The sensitivity of the MEKC method (LOD 0.1 μmol/mL; LOQ 0.25 μmol/mL, RSD% <5.0%, n = 3) was found to be adequate for quantitation of amino acids in pharmaceuticals. Quantitative applications of the validated MEKC method were carried out by the analysis of commercially available oral polyaminoacid formulations (tablets and extemporaneous solutions) containing L‐Gln and D,L‐p‐Ser; the obtained results were found to be in agreement with those from a validated reference RP‐HPLC method.