bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of plasma 13C‐galactose and 13C‐glucose during exercise by liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Morrison Douglas J. , O'Hara John P. , King Roderick F. G. J. , Preston Tom
Published: August 2011

The utilisation of carbohydrate sources under exercise conditions is of considerable importance in performance sports. Incorporation of optimal profiles of macronutrients can improve endurance performance in athletes. However, gaining an understanding of the metabolic partitioning under sustained exercise can be problematical and isotope labelling approaches can help quantify substrate utilisation. The utilisation of oral galactose was investigated using 13C‐galactose and measurement of plasma galactose and glucose enrichment by liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC/IRMS). As little as 100 μL plasma could readily be analysed with only minimal sample processing. Fucose was used as a chemical and isotopic internal standard for the quantitation of plasma galactose and glucose concentrations, and isotopic enrichment. The close elution of galactose and glucose required a correction routine to be implemented to allow the measurement, and correction, of plasma glucose δ13C, even in the presence of very highly enriched galactose. A Bland‐Altman plot of glucose concentration measured by LC/IRMS against glucose measured by an enzymatic method showed good agreement between the methods. Data from seven trained cyclists, undergoing galactose supplementation before exercise, demonstrate that galactose is converted into glucose and is available for subsequent energy metabolism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disulfide bond decay during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry experiments
Authors: Krásný Lukáš , Hynek Radovan , Kodíček Milan
Published: August 2011

In our laboratory, we have been studying the reductive processes that occur during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) experiments. Recently, we have finished an analysis of the DHB matrix effect on the azo group in cyclic peptides. However, deep understanding of disulfide bond behaviour during a mass spectrometry (MS) experiment is much more important in proteomics as its reduction can cause serious errors in protein spectra interpretation. Therefore, we have focused on intra‐ and intermolecular disulfide bonds as well as disulfide bonds connecting cysteine and 2‐thio‐5‐nitrobenzoic acid (TNB, Ellman's reagent modification) in model peptides during MALDI MS measurements. While the reduction was not observed for intra‐ and intermolecular cysteine‐cysteine disulfide bonds, the disulfide connection between cysteine and TNB was always affected. It was proved that TNB and Ellman's reagent can act as a matrix itself. The results obtained enabled us to propose a reaction mechanism model which is able to describe the phenomena observed during the desorption/ionization process of disulfide‐containing molecules. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of accelerator mass spectrometry to macromolecules: preclinical pharmacokinetic studies on a polybisphosphonate
Authors: Salehpour Mehran , Håkansson Karl , Höglund Urban , Grahn‐Westin Annika , Nilsson Sten , Márquez Marcela , Possnert Göran , Holmberg Anders R.
Published: August 2011

Data on the use of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in conjunction with in vivo studies of macromolecular drugs are scarce. The present study shows the versatility of this technique when investigating the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a macromolecular drug candidate, a polybisphosphonate conjugate (ODX). The aforementioned is a polymer (molecular weight ~30 kDa) constituting a carbohydrate backbone with covalently linked ligands (aldendronate and aminoguanidine) and is intended for treatment of osteoporosis and the therapy of bone metastasis from prostate cancer. The conjugate is prepared through partial oxidation of the carbohydrate and sequential coupling of the ligands by reductive amination. 14 C was incorporated in the conjugate by means of coupling a commercially available 14 C‐lysine in the conjugation sequence. Fifteen rats were injected intravenously with 14 C‐labelled ODX (150 µg, 14 Bq/rat) and blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h post‐injection (3 rats/time point). Liver, spleen and kidney samples were collected at 4 and 24 h post‐injection. Blood from each time point (triplicate) were collected for AMS measurement determining the isotopic ratio (14 C/12 C) and consequently the drug concentration in blood.

ODX showed a transient presence in blood circulation; 93% of the total dose was cleared from the circulation within 1 h. The half‐life after 1 h was estimated to be about 3 h; 0.7% of the administered 14 C dose of ODX remained in circulation after 24 h. The major 14 C accumulation was in the liver, the spleen and the kidneys indicating the probable route of metabolism and excretion. This study demonstrates the versatility of AMS for pharmacological in vivo studies of macromolecules. Labelling with 14 C is relatively simple, inexpensive and the method requires minimal radioactivity, eliminating the need for radioprotection precautions in contrast to methods using scintillation counting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of multi‐element stable isotope analysis to monitor the origin of chondroitin sulfates
Authors: Thomas Freddy , Jamin Eric , Shimoo Katsuya , Nagao Junji , Osaki Yukihiko , Granier Colin
Published: August 2011

Continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) of deuterium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur has been used to analyse samples of pure chondroitin sulfates from known animal sources (shark, squid, salmon, pig and bovine). There is a need to control the origin of this dietary supplement, which is extracted from several types of animals: for traditional, ethical, or economic reasons, a given source of natural products of animal origin can be preferred to another, and can therefore have a different price. Twenty‐three samples collected in Europe and Asia were analysed by IRMS. The results, especially the isotopic deviations of sulphur, oxygen and deuterium, show a significant discrimination between marine and terrestrial origins of this compound which will provide a convenient and efficient way to control the declared sources in the market. The differences observed between origins are further discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adhäsionsverhalten zwischen bewitterten 2K‐EP‐Beschichtungen und 2K‐PUR‐Beschichtungen – Einfluss der Bewitterung
Authors: Gurack Detlef , Krüger Gerd , Krotzek Alwin , Rudolf Andrea
Published: August 2011

Bei im Korrosionsschutz üblichen mit aminischen Härtern vernetzten aromatischen Epoxidharzbeschichtungen können sich infolge Bewitterung Oberflächenschichten mit veränderter chemischer Struktur bilden. Diese können Ursache für unzureichende Haftung nachfolgender Beschichtungen sein. Die Beeinträchtigung der Verbundeigenschaften hängt mit den Bewitterungsparametern zusammen. Prüfverfahren unter Einbeziehung von Freibewitterung weisen deshalb oft eine mangelhafte Reproduzierbarkeit auf. Wichtige Faktoren sind Auslagerungszeitpunkt und Dauer der Bewitterung.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Untersuchungen zum Haftverbund zwischen unterschiedlichen Epoxidharzbeschichtungen mit 2K‐Polyurethandeckbeschichtungen beschrieben und auf die besondere Problematik dieser Haftverbundprüfung eingegangen.

Investigation of the adhesion behaviour between exposed 2K‐EP coatings and following 2K‐PUR coatings – influence of weathering. During weathering of coatings of aromatic epoxy resins, for corrosion protection usually crosslinked by amine based hardeners, the chemical structure of surface layers might be changed. Therefore the following coating layers can suffer from bad adhesion. The impairment of adhesion between intermediate coat and top coat depends on weathering parameters. So the testing methods, including outdoor exposure, show often insufficient reproducibility. Important parameters are the starting time and duration of weathering.

In this paper investigations of the adhesion between several coatings of epoxy resins and top coats, consisting of 2K‐polyurethane are described. Here the special topic is the testing of adhesion between intermediate coat and top coat.
On the dynamics of steel structures with X‐type bracing
Authors: Knoedel Peter
Published: August 2011

In steel construction X‐type bracings are very often designed under the assumption that the compression diagonal will go slack and only the tension diagonal is accounted for in the structural analysis. With higher horizontal loads, when heavier diagonal sections are required, this assumption does not hold because the compression diagonal develops a considerable buckling load and thus will contribute to the horizontal stiffness of the bracing.

If we look at the dynamic behaviour of such a bracing we will find, that we cannot define a natural frequency in the classical sense, since the stiffness of the system is switching during its cyclic motion. This has also implications on the maximum amplitude which will develop under harmonic excitation. These effects are investigated with realistic cross section of a steel structure; conclusions for practical design are given.

Dynamisches Verhalten von Stahlbauten mit Kreuzverbäden. Kreuzverbände in Stahlbauten werden häufig unter der Annahme bemessen, dass die Druckdiagonale schon bei kleinsten Lasten ausfällt. Verschiebungen und Eigenfrequenzen werden dann unter ausschließlichem Ansatz der Zugdiagonalen ermittelt. Dieser Ansatz kann für Diagonalen mit Rund‐ oder Flach‐Querschnitten realitätsnahe sein. Wenn größere Horizontallasten abzutragen sind, wie dies häufig im Anlagenbau der Fall ist, werden z. B. Diagonalen aus Doppelwinkeln gewählt. Deren aufnehmbare Drucknormalkraft ist nicht mehr vernachlässigbar, so dass der oben beschriebene Ansatz nicht mehr realitätsnah ist.

Im folgenden Artikel wird das dynamische Verhalten dieser Verbände genauer untersucht. Anhand eines stahlbautypischen Beispiels, welches einer Veröffentlichung von Çeltikçi et al. [1] entnommen ist, wird die tatsächliche Arbeitslinie eines Verbandsfeldes mit einem Schaltpunkt und unterschiedlichen inkrementellen Steifigkeiten entwickelt. Die Abschätzungen nach den üblichen ingenieurmäßigen Berechnungsverfahren werden einer numerischen Simulation gegenübergestellt. Als Ergebnis wird festgestellt, dass die vereinfachende Abschätzung, bei der nur die Zugdiagonalen angesetzt werden, hinsichtlich der dynamischen Amplituden auf der sicheren Seite liegt.
Experimental behaviour of high‐strength concrete deep beams with web openings
Authors: Yoo Tae‐Min , Doh Jeung‐Hwan , Guan Hong , Fragomeni Sam
Published: August 2011

This paper focuses on an experimental study undertaken on high‐strength concrete (HSC) deep beams with various opening sizes and locations on the web. The test covers a wide scope of variables that have not been investigated in previous research. Apart from highlighting the experimental setup, failure loads and typical crack patterns of the test specimens are also reported. Experimental results are then compared with predictions using currently available design methods. The comparison indicates that the predictions using current design methods can overly underestimate or sometimes overestimate the ultimate strength of these HSC deep beams. Further, the reduction of ultimate strengths due to the existence of web openings is not considered adequately in these design methods. To rectify the shortcomings of current design formulae, a new design equation is proposed and compared with the experimental results and those from previous studies on the related topics. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed new equation is subsequently confirmed. With the outcome of this work, more experimental tests with various opening configurations including shape and location of web openings are recommended for future study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different multicriteria methods in selecting optimal biomechanical model parameters
Authors: Srdjevic Z.
Published: August 2011

Identification of model parameters is essential to biomechanical modeling. Different approaches for selecting optimal model parameters are in use, including compromise programming (CP), a multicriteria method. CP was successfully applied on the linear 4‐degree‐of‐freedom biomechanical model of the seated human driver identification problem. For verification purposes, the other multicriteria method called TOPSIS is used for solving the same problem. Whether CP or TOPSIS is applied, the identified model parameters give satisfactory and similar human model response on vibration excitation. This justifies and recommends the multicriteria approach for application in selecting the optimal, in a multicriteria sense, biomechanical model parameters.
Heimat und sozial nachhaltige Landschaftsentwicklung
Authors: Kühne Olaf
Published: August 2011

Home and regional identity are topics that gain growing and controversial attention in the public and scientific discussion. Frequently home and landscape are understood as distinct objects. On the contrary, both home and landscape here are understood as constitutively socially constructed. Landscape as a social construct represents only one dimension of the social construct of home. Besides, other dimensions of home can be identified: the constitutive dimension of the social, that of well-being, that of time, that of spiritual home and that of marginalization. Crucial for the linkage between the social constructs of home and landscape is the individual acquirement of the construction of a “normal conditioned landscape of home” during processes of socialization. This construction serves as a basis for comparing landscapes as well as it includes a normative expectation of persistence of the socially constructed landscape attributed to physical objects. Due to this social expectation of persistence, changes in the physical structure of landscape are perceived as harassment. However, the target of sustainable development may even demand changes in the structures of physical objects, socially described as landscapes. Therefore the most important challenge of a sustainable development of landscape is to design main physical representatives of home in a way that minimizes the experience of a loss of home.
Imaging of breast implants—a pictorial review
Authors: Juanpere Sergi , Perez Elsa , Huc Oscar , Motos Naiara , Pont Josep , Pedraza Salvador
Published: August 2011

The number of women with breast implants is increasing. Radiologists must be familiar with the normal and abnormal findings of common implants. Implant rupture is a well-known complication after surgery and is the main cause of implant removal. Although mammography and ultrasonography are the standard first steps in the diagnostic workup, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most useful imaging modality for the characterisation of breast implants because of its high spatial resolution and contrast between implants and soft tissues and absence of ionising radiation. MRI has the highest sensitivity and specificity for implant rupture, thanks to its sequences that can suppress or emphasise the signal from silicone. Regardless of the technique used, the overall aim of imaging breast implants is to provide essential information about tissue and prosthesis integrity, detect implant abnormalities and detect breast diseases unrelated to implants, such as breast cancer.
Cytochrome bd oxidase and nitric oxide: From reaction mechanisms to bacterial physiology
Authors: Giuffrè Alessandro , Borisov Vitaliy B. , Mastronicola Daniela , Sarti Paolo , Forte Elena
Published: August 2011

Experimental evidence suggests that the prokaryotic respiratory cytochrome bd quinol oxidase is responsible for both bioenergetic functions and bacterial adaptation to different stress conditions. The enzyme, phylogenetically unrelated to the extensively studied heme–copper terminal oxidases, is found in many commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Here, we review current knowledge on the catalytic intermediates of cytochrome bd and their reactivity towards nitric oxide (NO). Available information is discussed in the light of the hypothesis that, owing to its high NO dissociation rate, cytochrome bd confers resistance to NO‐stress, thereby providing a strategy for bacterial pathogens to evade the NO‐mediated host immune attack.
Falls among the Community-Living Elderly People in Hong Kong: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fong Kenneth N.K. , Siu Andrew M.H. , Yeung Kenneth Au , Cheung Samantha W.S. , Chan Chetwyn C.H.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

To examine the base rate of falls for a group of community-living elderly people in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 554 elderly people aged 65 years or above living in various geographical regions of Hong Kong, who had completed assessments at a community centre over a period of 4 months. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling and stratified by age range according to the distribution in Hong Kong population. They were asked to report on their fall history for a period of the 12 months before joining the study.

Results

Of all the participants, 111 reported having fallen during the preceding 12 months. The fall rate was 29%, and the 1 -year prevalence of falls was 20%, dropping to 6.3% for two or more falls. Of all the falls, 47.7% occurred indoors whereas 52.3% occurred outdoors. Results showed female gender, Timed Up & Go Test, self-reported history of upper limb fracture, an intake of four or more types of medication, receiving rehabilitation services, and living with a couple only were independent predictors for fallers with at least one fall. There were no significant differences between the number of near-miss experienced by fallers and nonfallers in the past 12 months.

Conclusion

We determined the base rate of falls for a group of community-living elderly people of Hong Kong. Retrospective methods, which ask elderly people living in a community to recall their falls, may be used to identify risks preceding falls and to facilitate early intervention.
The Jewish Catacombs of Roman Melite
Authors: Buhagiar Mario
Published: August 2011

The Roman city of Melite, on the central Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, had, in common with other provincial outposts of the Empire, a diaspora Jewish colony for which there is testimony in six hypogea that prominently display the seven-branched Menorah. There is apparent evidence for a religious, and perhaps administrative, set-up in a Greek inscription that marks the burial place of a gerousiarch and lover of the ‘commandments’ who could have been the head of a Council of Elders in the synagogue of the city, and of his wife, Eulogia ‘the Elder’. The title presbytera used in the text has a special significance and suggests that husband and wife held prestigious posts in the running of the colony. A second inscription incorporates the seven-branched Menorah and commemorates another woman, named Dionisia, who was known by the ritualistic name ‘Irene’. Two other texts appear to be simple farewell messages but are of interest because they are accompanied by a stylized painted Menorah and a boldly incised sailing vessel that has the appearance of a Roman ship. The paper takes a close look at these and other archaeological material related to Jewish presence and influence in Malta. The hypogea are discussed in the context of the Maltese culture of rock-cut burials, starting in the prehistoric period and finding special significance as the prototype influence on the Romano-Punic tomb.
Alterations in microbiota and fermentation products in equine large intestine in response to dietary variation and intestinal disease
Authors: Daly Kristian , Proudman Christopher J. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Flint Harry J. , Dyer Jane , Shirazi-Beechey Soraya P.
Published: August 2011

We aimed to determine the effects of variations in dietary composition on equine gut microbiota and their fermentation products, and proposed that dietary modifications profoundly affect microbial ecosystems and their metabolites. Bacterial communities within the large intestine of three groups of horses were compared using oligonucleotide-RNA hybridisation methodology. Each group consisting of six horses was maintained on (1) a grass-only diet, (2) a concentrate diet (i.e. supplemented with hydrolysable carbohydrates) and (3) a concentrate diet but horses were affected by simple colonic obstruction and distension (SCOD), a prevalent form of dietary-induced intestinal disease. We show that in response to dietary change and intestinal disease, there is a progressive and significant increase in Lachnospiraceae, theBacteroidetesassemblage and the lactic acid-producing,Bacillus–Lactobacillus–Streptococcus(BLS) group. In contrast, there is a corresponding decrease in the proportion of obligate fibrolytic, acid-intolerant bacteria,Fibrobacterand Ruminococcaceae. Assessment of monocarboxylic acids indicated that there are significantly higher concentrations of lactic acid in the colonic contents of horses maintained on a concentrate diet and those suffering from SCOD, correlating with the observed increase in the population abundance of the BLS group. However, the population size of the Veillonellaceae (lactate utilisers) remained constant in each study group. The inability of this group to respond to increased lactic acid may be a contributory factor to the build-up of lactic acid observed in horses fed a concentrate diet and those suffering from SCOD.
Linoleic acid intake, plasma cholesterol and 10-year incidence of CHD in 20 000 middle-aged men and women in the Netherlands
Authors: de Goede Janette , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Boer Jolanda M. A. , Kromhout Daan , Verschuren W. M. Monique
Published: August 2011

We studied the associations of a difference in linoleic acid or carbohydrate intake with plasma cholesterol levels and risk of CHD in a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands. Data on diet (FFQ) and plasma total and HDL-cholesterol were available at baseline (1993–7) of 20 069 men and women, aged 20–65 years, who were initially free of CVD. Incidence of CHD was assessed through linkage with mortality and morbidity registers. During an average of 10 years of follow-up, 280 CHD events occurred. The intake of linoleic acid ranged from 3·6 to 8·0 % of energy (en%), whereas carbohydrate intake ranged from 47·6 to 42·5 en% across quintiles of linoleic acid intake. Linoleic acid intake was inversely associated with total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in women but not in men. Linoleic acid intake was not associated with the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol. No association was observed between linoleic acid intake and CHD incidence, with hazard ratios varying between 0·83 and 1·00 (all P>0·05) compared to the bottom quintile. We conclude that a 4–5 en% difference in linoleic acid or carbohydrate intake did not translate into either a different ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol or a different CHD incidence.
3D structural modelling of the southern Zagros fold-and-thrust belt diapiric province
Authors: TROCMÉ VINCENT , ALBOUY EMILY , CALLOT JEAN-PAUL , LETOUZEY JEAN , ROLLAND NICOLAS , GOODARZI HASSAN , JAHANI SALMAN
Published: August 2011

3D modelling of geological structures is a key method to improve the understanding of the geological history of an area, and to serve as a drive for exploration. Geomodelling has been performed on a large 60000 km2area of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt of Iran, to reconcile a vast but heterogeneous dataset. Topography, geological surface data and dips, outcrop surveys, and well and seismic data were integrated into the model. The method was to construct a key surface maximizing the hard data constraints. The Oligo-Miocene Top Asmari layer was chosen, as this formation was regionally deposited before the main Zagros collision phase and because the numerous outcrops allow proper control of the bed geometry in the fold cores. Interpreted seismic data have been integrated to interpolate the surfaces at depth within the synclines. Several conceptual models of fold geometry have been applied to estimate the best way to convert seismic time signal to depth. Several deeper horizons down to Palaeozoic strata were deduced from this key horizon by applying palaeo-thickness maps. During the construction, the 3D interpolated surfaces could be reconverted to time, using a velocity model, and compared with previous seismic interpretations. This exercise obliged us to revise some early interpretations of seismic lines that were badly tied to wells. The 3D modelling therefore clearly improves regional interpretation. In addition, the 3D model is the only tool that allows drawing consistent cross-sections in areas where there are no seismic lines. Emerging Hormuz salt diapirs were added to the model. Dimensions and shapes of the individual diapirs were modelled using a statistical survey on the cropping out Hormuz structures. Modelling reliably demonstrated that the diapirs, when piercing, show a constant mushroom shape whose diameter depends on the stratigraphic depth of observation. This observation allowed us to exemplify relations between the pre-existing diapirs and the anticlines of the area, and to highlight the morphological changes from the inner onshore areas to the coastal and offshore areas. In addition, one of the surprising results of this study was the observation of the increasing diameter of the diapirs at the time of the Zagros collision and folding event, with growth strata and overhangs on the flanks of the diapirs.
Violence, partisanship and transitional justice in Zimbabwe
Authors: Bratton Michael
Published: August 2011

What determines people's willingness to consider punishment for human rights abusers? This article investigates this question in the context of Zimbabwe in the aftermath of the country's violent presidential election campaign of June 2008. Based on a national probability sample survey, the paper shows that exposure to violence was reportedly widespread and that attitudes to transitional justice are mixed. In considering how to handle abuses, Zimbabweans weigh the pros and cons carefully and, recognising that peace and justice are difficult to obtain simultaneously, generally prefer the former. The article analyses the various factors that together predict a citizen's proclivity to claim transitional justice in its most demanding retributive form. Reflecting power relations, the results indicate that political partisanship is almost as important as individuals’ personal experience of actual and threatened acts of violence.
Individual differences in syntactic priming in language acquisition
Authors: KIDD EVAN
Published: August 2011

Although the syntactic priming methodology is a promising tool for language acquisition researchers, using the technique with children raises issues that are not problematic in adult research. The current paper reports on an individual differences study that addressed some of these outstanding issues. (a) Does priming purely reflect syntactic knowledge, or are other processes involved? (b) How can we explain individual differences, which are the norm rather than the exception? (c) Do priming effects in developmental populations reflect the same mechanisms thought to be responsible for priming in adults? One hundred twenty-two (N= 122) children aged 4 years, 5 months (4;5)–6;11 (mean = 5;7) completed a syntactic priming task that aimed to prime the English passive construction, in addition to standardized tests of vocabulary, grammar, and nonverbal intelligence. The results confirmed the widely held assumption that syntactic priming reflects the presence of syntactic knowledge, but not in every instance. However, they also suggested that nonlinguistic processes contribute significantly to priming. Priming was in no way related to age. Finally, the children's linguistic knowledge and nonverbal ability determined the manner in which they were primed. The results provide a clearer picture of what it means to be primed in acquisition.
Expert knowledge, distinctiveness, and levels of processing in language learning
Authors: BIRD STEVE
Published: August 2011

The foreign language vocabulary learning research literature often attributes strong mnemonic potency to the cognitive processing of meaning when learning words. Routinely cited as support for this idea are experiments by Craik and Tulving (C&T) demonstrating superior recognition and recall of studied words following semantic tasks (“deep” encoding) compared to structure-related tasks (“shallow” encoding). However, participants in C&T were not language learners but native speakers of English studying known English nouns. These experiments have never been directly replicated using nonnatives to establish the relevance of the findings to nonnatives and learners. The present study replicated C&T Experiment 5, comparing effects of shallow and deep encoding tasks on subsequent recognition of target words by native and nonnative speakers of English with equivalent short-term memory function. The results showed depth effects similar to C&T for all participants, indicating that C&T's results do generalize to less proficient speakers of the target language. It is crucial, however, that nonnative speakers of English benefited less from semantic encoding than native speakers, suggesting an effect of preexisting knowledge representations on mnemonic effects derived from semantic processing, and hence, a limit to the relevance of C&T for learners. Results are discussed in terms of the constructs of the mental lexicon, expert knowledge, distinctiveness and levels of processing in memory research and language learning.
Security Council Legislation, Article 2(7) of the UN Charter, and the Principle of Subsidiarity
Authors: TSAGOURIAS NICHOLAS
Published: August 2011

This article considers the relationship between the United Nations and its member states in view of the Security Council's assertion of legislative powers. It claims that the exponential growth in UN powers at the expense of the powers of its member states cannot be arrested by legal means, because of the nature of the UN system and the absence of legally enforceable criteria and compulsory dispute-settlement mechanisms. For this reason, it proposes a different approach to law-making in the area of international peace and security – one that is built around the principle of subsidiarity, as reflected in Article 2(7) of the UN Charter. The role of the principle of subsidiarity in this respect is to determine which authority is best suited to exercise legislative power and how such power should be exercised in order to attain the objective of peace and security more efficiently. It is thus contended that the principle of subsidiarity promotes co-operative relations between the United Nations and its member states by protecting the latters' jurisdictional authority from unnecessary interference.
Donors' Justice: Recasting International Criminal Accountability
Authors: KENDALL SARA
Published: August 2011

International legal scholarship to date has largely neglected the donor-driven dynamics of international criminal justice. This article advances what I term ‘donors’ justice’ as an analytic frame for interpreting the work of international criminal tribunals. Donors’ justice is defined as third-party financial support for tribunal activity. It imports market rationalities into the field of criminal accountability, which assume overlapping discursive, political, and economic forms. The Special Court for Sierra Leone provides a case study of the implications of donor-driven logics for international criminal justice, particularly the material problems of insecure funding and the ethical problems of limited personal jurisdiction.
Aggressors' Rights: The Doctrine of ‘Equality between Belligerents’ and the Legacy of Nuremberg
Authors: MANDEL MICHAEL
Published: August 2011

The moral and legal debate over the separation of jus in bello from jus ad bellum generally assumes that the law of war supports this separation and the concomitant doctrine of ‘equality between belligerents’, also known as the ‘duality’ or the ‘symmetry’ principle. This article examines the Nuremberg-era precedents and legal scholarship, as well as more recent legal and scholarly material, and argues that the general assumption is wrong and that the arguments supporting the radical legal separation of the two jus's are unconvincing.
High Hopes, Scant Resources: A Word of Scepticism about the Anti-Fragmentation Function of Article 31(3)(c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
Authors: SAMSON MÉLANIE
Published: August 2011

Focusing on some undertheorized aspects of Article 31(3)(c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the present article aims to reassess critically the anti-fragmentation function generally assigned to this provision. The high hopes associated with the harmonizing potential of Article 31(3)(c) are usually based on a reading of this provision as requiring the interpreter to take into account not only rules applicable between all of the parties to the treaty, but also those applicable only between some of the parties. However, this reading does not seem to be confirmed by the interpretive approach suggested in this article. On the other hand, the use of Article 31(3)(c) in judicial settings raises a structural problem inherent in the international judiciary. The analysis undertaken along these lines suggests that the optimism that Article 31(3)(c) has recently provoked should be qualified in some important respects.
The Application of Human Rights Law to Private Sector Complicity in Governmental Corruption
Authors: ROSE CECILY
Published: August 2011

This article examines private sector complicity in governmental corruption that violates economic and social rights. Although banks and multinational corporations typically play critical roles in facilitating the diversion of public revenues away from the provision of social services, the link between the private sector, corruption, and human rights violations remains underexplored. This article therefore examines this relationship and explores the viability of a standard for assessing the complicity of the private sector in such violations of economic and social rights. Ultimately, the state-centred nature of the international human rights system limits the utility of any complicity standard for non-state actors.
The Law against War or Jus contra Bellum: A New Terminology for a Conservative View on the Use of Force?
Authors: VAN STEENBERGHE RAPHAËL
Published: August 2011

Inter-state use of force has always attracted much attention from international legal scholars. Many articles have been written on the subject. However, there are still a limited number of books addressing all the aspects of the contemporary prohibition on the use of force in a systematic way. Those written by Yoram Dinstein, Christine Gray, and Thomas Franck are certainly the best known in the English-speaking literature. This literature is now enriched following the publication of a new book entitled The Law against War by Olivier Corten. It is a translated and updated version of a book published in French and entitled Le droit contre la guerre, which explains why it has been published in the French Studies in International Law collection of Hart Publishing.
Non-deep complex morphophysiological dormancy in seeds of the Iberian Peninsula endemic geophyteMerendera montana(Colchicaceae)
Authors: Copete Elena , Herranz José M. , Copete Miguel A. , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C.
Published: August 2011

Heretofore, no detailed account was available on seed dormancy and germination of a member of the Colchicaceae (Liliales). Thus, the primary aim of this study was to do an in-depth investigation of the temperature requirements for dormancy break and germination in seeds ofMerendera montana(Colchicaceae) at the embryo and whole-seed levels under near-natural temperatures in a non-heated frame shade-house and under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Mean embryo length in fresh seeds wasc. 0.57 mm and embryos had to grow to at least 1.30 mm before radicle emergence. Embryos grew to full size and seeds completed germination (radicles emerged) when they were stratified at 28/14°C for 60 d followed by a cool temperature for 60 d and then incubated at a cool temperature for 30 d. The optimum cool stratification temperature for dormancy-break was 10°C. Thus, after the moist pretreatment at 28/14°C+10°C, radicle emergence was>93% at all incubation temperatures (5, 15/4 and 20/7°C). In its natural habitat,M. montanaseeds are dispersed in June, the embryo elongates to full size in autumn and radicles emerge from early November to early February. Although the shoot does not emerge until March and April, it is not physiologically dormant. The shoot emerged from 80% of the radicle-emerged seeds in 13 d at 20/7°C without a previous cold pretreatment. Seeds ofM. montanahave non-deep complex morphophysiological dormancy, C1b1aB-C1a. This is the first study on seeds with complex MPD to show a delay in shoot emergence following root emergence despite the shoot being physiologically non-dormant.
Morphology, anatomy and germination response of heteromorphic achenes ofAnthemis chrysanthaJ. Gay (Asteraceae), a critically endangered species
Authors: Aguado Mayra , Martínez-Sánchez Juan J. , Reig-Armiñana José , García-Breijo Francisco J. , Franco José A. , Vicente María J.
Published: August 2011

This study demonstrates thatAnthemis chrysantha, a ‘Critically Endangered’ annual plant, produces two morphs of achenes: white and dark achenes, which differ in size, mass, anatomy and germination behaviour. Fresh white achenes germinated at all temperatures assayed from 10 to 25°C in both continuous darkness and 12-h photoperiod, ranging between 24% at 25°C in darkness and 89% at 12/20°C in light, whereas fresh dark achenes did not germinate under any temperature or light conditions. To identify differences in dormancy type between the two morphs, germination of dry-stored achenes, and achenes stratified at 5 or 25°C for 2 months were tested in both darkness and light at 5, 15 and 12/20°C for dry-stored and warm-stratified (25°C) achenes; and at 15, 25 and 12/20°C for cold-stratified (5°C) achenes. Of the white achenes, 90% germinated during the cold stratification period. In general, dry storage and warm stratification did not increase germination compared to fresh achenes. However, dark achenes did not germinate under any conditions. Dark achene dormancy was only broken by mechanical scarification or by excising the embryo (germination reached 71%). An anatomical study showed that the mesocarp of dark achenes had no intercellular spaces and was much thicker and stronger than that of white achenes, making the entry of water difficult, and also preventing germination by mechanical restriction. This study demonstrated that dormancy in the dark achenes is likely caused by the thickness of their pericarp, physically impeding germination and hampering imbibition of water.
Quantification of low-level genetically modified (GM) seed presence in large seed lots: a case study of GM seed in Canadian flax breeder seed lots
Authors: Lamb Eric G. , Booker Helen M.
Published: August 2011

The detection and quantification of the prevalence of genetically modified organism (GM) contamination in seed exports is a critical element of regulatory compliance. While the procedures to reliably detect high levels of GM contamination are well understood, no comparable statistical approaches are available for the quantification of levels of GM prevalence below the established detection rate of standard tests. We present a simple statistical approach based on simulation modelling for the quantification of low levels of GM contamination. The approach can be modified to match any sampling regime and can account for rates of false positive and negative assay results. The application of this method is demonstrated using the low level of contamination in Canadian flax breeder seed lots by the GM flax variety ‘Triffid’. We show that GM contamination is likely present in seed lots at rates between two GM seeds per million and six seeds per hundred thousand. We also show that this low level of presumed contamination is indistinguishable from the number of positive tests expected from a clean seed lot given the potential rates of false positive tests.
Radiation induced-late bowel toxicity: role of argon plasma coagulation
Authors: Al Gizawy Samy M. , Abdelbaki Laila , Makhlouf Nahed A.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and treatment outcome of late bowel toxicity after three dimensional pelvic radiotherapy for genitourinary malignancies and also to describe our experience with Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in this toxicity.

Patients and methods: Between March 2004 and March 2010, all patients who had completed a course of pelvic radiotherapy for genitourinary malignancies at our Institute were enrolled in this study. Every patient with lower GI symptoms underwent sigmoidoscopy and accordingly, some patients were subjected to intervention by APC.

Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients met all inclusion criteria. Median FU period was 37 months. Chronic diarrhoea was scored as Grade 1 or 2 in 35 patients (25.7%). Chronic proctitis was scored as Grade 1 or 2 in 17 patients (12.5%) and Grade 3 in 6 patients (4.4%), 25 patients developed chronic bleeding per rectum, 16 (11.8%) were Grade 1 or 2, while 9 patients (6.6%) were Grade 3. Both maximum rectal dose and comorbidity ≥1 significantly correlated with the development of chronic proctitis (p = 0.040 for both).

Endoscopic findings showed mucosal injury in 59 cases (84.29%) and vascular injury in 42 patients (60%). APC was successful in controlling bleeding and other symptoms in 14 cases (82.4%) and 16 cases (70%) respectively.

Conclusion: Three dimensional pelvic radiotherapy using two-phase technique is associated with a low level of Grade 3 late lower gastrointestinal toxicities. The most common presenting symptom is chronic diarrhoea. Both maximum rectal dose and comorbidity ≥1 significantly predict the development of chronic proctitis. APC is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic radiation proctitis.
Calming panic states in the Mould Room and beyond: A pilot complementary therapy head and neck cancer service
Authors: Mackereth Peter , Tomlinson Lynne , Maycock Paula , Donald Graeme , Carter Ann , Mehrez Anita , Lawrence Patricia , Stanton Tony
Published: August 2011

Purpose: The service was piloted in response to requests for assistance with patients experiencing severe anxiety undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. This paper describes the aims of the service, interventions provided and the recorded responses of patients to the support given.

Data: Information about who referred, patient demographics, the interventions provided and patient feedback (n = 112) was extracted from treatment records over a 15-month period.

Findings: All referred patients successfully completed procedures and treatment. About 43 patients voluntarily disclosed past trauma, for example, sexual abuse, assault, childhood trauma, which they judged to have been linked to their claustrophobic responses. Advice and support was given to 40 patients also referred for smoking cessation; an additional three patients requested support when cravings returned.

Conclusion: There is a paucity of information about the extent of the distress triggered by radiotherapy procedures and what interventions could be offered in practice. Further work is required to include an economic assessment and longer term effects on patient compliance with treatment and smoking cessation. Training needs for complementary therapists and radiotherapy staff at this centre were also identified; these are being addressed.
Hypofractionated helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (75 Gy at 2.5 Gy/fraction) for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer: Assessment of toxicity
Authors: Kong Moonkyoo , Hong Seong Eon , Choi Jinhyun , Chang Sung-Goo
Published: August 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity of hypofractionated helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer.

Methods and Materials: A retrospective toxicity analysis was performed in 22 patients treated definitively with hypofractionated helical IMRT. The helical IMRT were designed to deliver 75 Gy in 2.5 Gy/fraction to the prostate gland, 63 Gy in 2.1 Gy/fraction to seminal vesicle, and 54 Gy in 1.8 Gy/fraction to pelvic lymph nodes. No patient received hormonal therapy. Toxicity was graded by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scales.

Results: All patients tolerated the treatment well without treatment interruption, and there was no Grade 3 or more acute toxicity. With a median follow-up of 24.5 months, there was no Grade 3 or more late toxicity. The late Grade 2 gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity for total 22 patients were 9.1% and 18.2%, respectively, and the late Grade 1 GI and GU toxicity were 18.2% and 50%, respectively. Late GU toxicity was associated with greater bladder volume irradiated ≥70 Gy. Late GI toxicity did not correlate with any of the dosimetric parameters.

Conclusions: This study demonstrate that hypofractionated helical IMRT with high biologic effective dose (BED) is well tolerated with favourable toxicity rate. If longer follow-up periods and larger cohorts confirm the favourable biochemical control rate and our favourable toxicity assessment results, the hypofractionated IMRT (total 75 Gy, 2.5 Gy/fraction) might be implemented in clinical field for treatment of prostate cancer.
Taking Complaints Seriously: The Role of Informality in Complaints About Public Services
Authors: Gulland Jackie
Published: August 2011

Recent discussion in the UK has focused on proportionate dispute resolution to deal with people's problems with public services. Complaints procedures, which are seen to be user-friendly and informal, have been held up as good examples of proportionate dispute resolution mechanisms. Most complaints procedures include an informal first stage where, it is argued, most complaints should be resolved but there is little research evidence about what happens at this stage. This article looks at the informal stage of complaints procedures from the perspective of social care service users and considers some of the issues raised by informality.
Introduction: Themed Section on Exploring Multiple Exclusion Homelessness
Authors: Dwyer Peter , Somerville Peter
Published: August 2011

Many of New Labour's welfare initiatives were underpinned by a stated desire to combat social exclusion among disadvantaged sections of the population. Allied to this, a commitment to end street homelessness/rough sleeping was an enduring feature of their term in office (for example SEU, 1998; DCLG, 2008). Of course, concerns about social exclusion predate New Labour, and a lack of meaningful involvement in many key areas of wider social life (for example, democratic and legal systems, the labour market, the welfare state, familial and (local) community networks) have long been identified as symptomatic of social exclusion (Commins, 1993). Previous research has also noted that homelessness rarely occurs in isolation and that many homeless people often carry with them a variety of other problems and experiences. It is clear that many homeless people experience ‘exclusion across more than one domain or dimension of disadvantage, resulting in severe negative consequences for [their] quality of life, well-being and future life chances’ (Levitas et al., 2007: 9), and, as such, can be viewed as experiencing multiple and/or deep social exclusion. This situation has been recognised by Carter (2007) who, noting a lack of resources, rights and opportunities, adopts the phrase ‘multiple exclusion homelessness’ (MEH) as a shorthand term to characterise the reality of many homeless peoples’ lives.