bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl 4-O-β-D-mannopyranosyl β-D-xylopyranoside
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Oliver Allen G. , Vu Henry M. , Duman John G. , Serianni Anthony S.
Published: November 2012

Methyl β-D-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranoside, C12H22O10, (I), crystallizes as colorless needles from water, with two crystallographically independent molecules, (IA) and (IB), comprising the asymmetric unit. The internal glycosidic linkage conformation in molecule (IA) is characterized by a φ′ torsion angle (O5′Man—C1′Man—O1′Man—C4Xyl; Man is mannose and Xyl is xylose) of −88.38 (17)° and a ψ′ torsion angle (C1′Man—O1′Man—C4Xyl—C5Xyl) of −149.22 (15)°, whereas the corresponding torsion angles in molecule (IB) are −89.82 (17) and −159.98 (14)°, respectively. Ring atom numbering conforms to the convention in which C1 denotes the anomeric C atom, and C5 and C6 denote the hydroxymethyl (–CH2OH) C atom in the β-Xylpand β-Manpresidues, respectively. By comparison, the internal glycosidic linkage in the major disorder component of the structurally related disaccharide, methyl β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranoside), (II) [Zhang, Oliver & Serriani (2012).Acta Cryst.C68, o7–o11], is characterized by φ′ = −85.7 (6)° and ψ′ = −141.6 (8)°. Inter-residue hydrogen bonding is observed between atoms O3Xyland O5′Manin both (IA) and (IB) [O3Xyl...O5′Maninternuclear distances = 2.7268 (16) and 2.6920 (17) Å, respectively], analogous to the inter-residue hydrogen bond detected between atoms O3Xyland O5′Galin (II). Exocyclic hydroxymethyl group conformation in the β-Manpresidue of (IA) isgauche–gauche, whereas that in the β-Manpresidue of (IB) isgauche–trans.
Ba1.01Sr0.99P2O7: un nouveau site Ba2+révélé par diffraction des rayons X
Authors: Edhokkar Fadhila , Hadrich Ahmed , Graia Mohsen , Mhiri Tahar
Published: November 2012

Single crystals of barium strontium diphosphate, Ba1.01Sr0.99P2O7, were prepared by a solid-state reaction. The compound is isostructural with α-Ba2P2O7, α-Sr2P2O7and BaPbP2O7. The structure has only one diphosphate group of the dichromate type that is repeated by symmetry to form sheets. These sheets present mirror planes perpendicular to theaaxis, situated atx= {1 \over 4} and {3 \over 4}. All the cations and three of the five independent O atoms are located on these mirror planes. The Ba2+cations are nine-coordinated by O atoms. The Ba2+and Sr2+cations are distributed on three different sites, in contrast with the isostructural compounds where only two sites are fully occupied. The refined site occupancies sum to a Ba:Sr ratio of 1.0133 (18):0.9867 (13), which leads to the reported deviation from the BaSrP2O7stoichiometry. The Raman spectrum of the compound is also reported and discussed.
Flat panel displays – what is going on in East Asia outside Japan
Authors: Pecht Michael , Lee Chung‐Shing
Published: November 2012

Summarizes the flat panel display (FPD) industry outside of Japan, with a focus on advances in Korea and Taiwan. Discusses the major manufacturers in each country as well as their current status. Concludes with a brief discussion on the future outlook of the FPD market.
Development of axial laminographic system for electronic packaging inspection
Authors: Cho Young‐Bin , Gweon Dae‐Gab , Yun Han J. , Lee Kyung R.
Published: November 2012

X‐ray laminographic image can provide more useful information about the internal state of electronic packaging than x‐ray radiographic image does. Many kinds of laminographic system have been developed for obtaining the cross‐sectional image. Proposes an axial laminographic system, which can be constructed by usual automatic radiographic system without any rotating x‐ray head and detector system. Explains that this method can be implemented to make the usual radiographic x‐ray inspection system equal to the power of a laminographic system.
UV curable conformal coatings and peelable masks which display enhanced fluorescent response
Authors: Cantor Stephen E.
Published: November 2012

Describes the use of a new type of UV cured coating and adhesive which are not adversely affected by fluorescing agents, so that increased quantities of fluorescing agents can be employed without retarding the depth of cure. Therefore, UV cured coatings and adhesives with this enhanced fluorescent response can readily be observed by the human eye using “black light” or by an on‐line electro‐optical device for quality control analysis of each electronic assembly.
Solder bridging test to evaluate the compatibility for fine‐pitch microsoldering
Authors: Takemoto Tadashi , Funaki Tatsuya , Miyazaki Makoto , Matsunawa Akira
Published: November 2012

Establishes a quantitative evaluation method on solder bridging in microsoldering using a printed wiring board with comb pattern conductors. Bridge tests were conducted by immersing the comb pattern board into a molten solder bath. The total length of solder bridge between conductors against the total length between conductors was measured as a measure of the occurrence of solder bridging. The occurrence of bridging depended on the number of immersions, flux activity including solid content, conductor spacing, solder bath temperature and solder composition. The increase in number of immersion enhanced bridging. The rosin flux without activators showed higher bridging than the activated flux. Sn‐37Pb solder showed lower bridging than Sn‐3.5Ag‐5Bi solder. Solder bridging was found to be closely correlated with wettability, therefore, the improvement of wettability could be effective to suppress solder bridging. The proposed method is believed to be suitable for the quantitative evaluation of solder bridging.
Laser drilling of blind holes in FR4/glass
Authors: Owen M. , Roelants E. , Van Puymbroeck J.
Published: November 2012

In the last two years, laser drilled microvias have become the dominant method for producing blind vias smaller than 150 mm, with over 100 laser drilling machines with a variety of laser types installed worldwide. Only a few of these systems have been qualified for drilling blind holes in standard glass reinforced FR4. Details a production line at Siemens AUT LP in Karlsruhe, Germany, involving the successful evaluation, introduction, and full production of laser drilling of FR4/glass. An ESI 5100 with Ultraviolet Nd:YAG laser operating at 355nm was chosen for all copper structuring and all microvias less than 150 mm in diameter in thin materials, and a TEA CO2 laser was chosen for thicker constructions, where at least 250 mm holes were required. Production has been running since November 1996. Details the process modifications, design rules, qualified materials, reliability tests, and production experiences.
cTrust: Trust Management in Cyclic Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Zhao Huanyu , Yang Xin , Li Xiaolin
Published: November 2012

Mobility model and network topology play important roles in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Most existing trust and reputation management systems in a MANET do not address mobility issues adequately. In this paper, we study the trust management problem in a MANET with cyclic movement patterns. In a cyclic MANET (cMANET) where nodes periodically move, we formulate trust management problems and propose the cTrust scheme to handle trust establishment and aggregation issues. Unlike trust management in conventional schemes, trust management in cMANET involves not only neighbor trust relationships but location and time factors as well. We model trust relations as a trust graph in cMANET to enhance accuracy and efficiency of trust establishment among nodes. Leveraging the distributed Bellman-Ford algorithm and stochastic Markov chain process for fast and lightweight aggregation of trust scores, the cTrust scheme is a decentralized and self-configurable trust aggregation scheme. To evaluate the performance, we implement the proposed cTrust scheme. We use the student contact patterns on the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus and Seattle metro bus traces as case studies for our cMANET communication model. The simulation results demonstrate the features of trust relationship dissemination in real environments and the efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and robustness of the cTrust scheme. With increasing scales of ad hoc networks and complexities of trust topologies, cTrust scales well with marginal overheads.
Childbirth and prolapse: long‐term associations with the symptoms and objective measurement of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Glazener C , Elders A , MacArthur C , Lancashire RJ , Herbison P , Hagen S , Dean N , Bain C , Toozs‐Hobson P , Richardson K , McDonald A , McPherson G , Wilson D ,   for the ProLong Study Group
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To investigate prolapse symptoms and objectively measured pelvic organ prolapse, 12 years after childbirth, and association with delivery mode history.

Design

Twelve‐year longitudinal study.

Setting

Maternity units in Aberdeen, Birmingham and Dunedin.

Population

Women dwelling in the community.

Methods

Data from women were collected 12 years after an index birth and women were invited for examination. Logistic regression investigated associations between risk factors and prolapse symptoms and signs.

Main outcome measures

Prolapse symptom score (POP‐SS); objectively measured prolapse (POP‐Q).

Results

Of 7725 continuing women, 3763 (49%) returned questionnaires at 12 years. The median POP‐SS score was 2 (IQR 0–4). One or more forceps deliveries (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38) and a body mass index (BMI) over 25 were associated with higher (worse) POP‐SS scores, but age over 25 years at first delivery was associated with lower (better) scores. There was no protective effect if all deliveries were by caesarean section (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69–1.02). Objective prolapse was found in 182/762 (24%) women. Women aged over 30 years when having their first baby and parity were significantly associated with prolapse. Compared with women whose births were all spontaneous vaginal deliveries, women who had all births by caesarean section were the least likely to have prolapse (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03–0.38), and there was a reduced risk after forceps or a mixture of spontaneous vaginal delivery and caesarean section.

Conclusions

These findings are at odds with each other, suggesting that prolapse symptoms and objective prolapse may not be in concordance, or are associated with different antecedent factors. Further follow‐up is planned.
Impacts of Tamarix‐mediated soil changes on restoration plant growth
Authors: Lehnhoff Erik A. , Menalled Fabian D.
Published: November 2012

Question

Do soils impacted by Tamarix spp. affect the growth of plants used for restoration through altered soil chemistry and/or plant‐soil feedbacks?

Location

The Bighorn River, the Yellowstone River and the Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, western USA.

Methods

Soil was collected from paired subsites where Tamarix was either present or absent along three water bodies. To evaluate chemical and biological soil effects on plant growth, eight plant species (Achnatherum hymenoides, Astragalus cicer, Dalea candida, Elymus lanceolatus, Leymus cinereus, Pascopyrum smithii, Ratibida columnifera and Trifolium pratense) commonly used in restoration projects at Tamarix‐invaded sites were grown in the collected soil. Plant‐soil feedbacks were evaluated by growing two species (D. candida and P. smithii) in greenhouse soils inoculated with small amounts of the field soils. Germination, emergence and growth characteristics were compared between Tamarix‐invaded and un‐invaded subsites and across water bodies.

Results

Seedling emergence and plant relative growth rate, total biomass production and allocation of resources to roots and shoots were not negatively affected in field soils or in greenhouse soil inoculated with soil from areas where Tamarix was present. In fact, overall, plants emerged earlier and produced more biomass in soils affected by Tamarix than in soils from where Tamarix was not present. These results indicate that for sites in the northern range of Tamarix, restoration would not be inhibited by Tamarix‐induced soil changes.

Conclusions

Tamarix is a relatively new invader in the northern USA, and little is known about its impacts in this area or the potential implications for restoration. However, our results indicate that neither altered soil chemistry nor plant‐soil feedbacks negatively impact native plant growth, and restoration efforts would not be hindered by Tamarix‐induced changes to soil chemistry or microbiota.
One‐Year Clinical and Radiographic Results with a Novel Hydrophilic Titanium Dental Implant
Authors: Degasperi Werner , Andersson Peter , Verrocchi Damiano , Sennerby Lars
Published: November 2012

Background

New implant designs are continuously introduced to the market. It is important to evaluate and report on their clinical performance when used in everyday practice.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a novel hydrophilic dental implant for 1 year.

Materials and Methods

A total of 49 patients previously treated with 102 hydrophilic dental implants (Neoss Proactive, Neoss Ltd, Harrogate, UK) were retrospectively evaluated with regard to survival rate and marginal bone loss. Fifty‐four implants were installed in maxillae and 48 in mandibles to replace single teeth (n = 21), to support partial bridges (n = 26), total maxillary bridges (n = 2), or mandibular overdentures (n = 2). The majority of patients (n = 37) had implants placed in healed sites without any adjunctive procedures. In 12 patients, implants were immediately placed in extraction sockets or in conjunction with maxillary sinus floor augmentation. All implant sites had been classified according to the Lekholm and Zarb index. Baseline and 1‐year intraoral radiographs were used to calculate marginal bone levels and bone loss. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) measurements had been taken at placement and after 3 to 4 months of healing

Results

The implants became rapidly covered with blood at the first contact. One implant was lost, giving a cumulative survival rate (CSR) of 99.0% after 1 year. The marginal bone loss amounted to 0.7 ± 0.6 mm with 3.5% of the implants showing more than 2 mm of bone loss and no implant more than 3 mm bone loss after 1 year. The primary stability was found to be 72.7 ± 7.5 ISQ, which slightly increased to 73.6 ± 7.2 ISQ (NS) after 3 to 4 months of healing. The stability was significantly higher in the mandible than in the maxilla at placement and after healing.

Conclusion

In this limited clinical study, the use of a novel hydrophilic dental implant results in favorable short‐term outcomes.
Cutaneous EBV‐positive γδ T‐cell lymphoma vs. extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Wei‐Wen , Hsieh Pin‐Pen , Chuang Shih‐Sung
Published: November 2012

Primary cutaneous γδ T‐cell lymphoma and extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type are two distinct lymphoma entities in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. We report the case of an aggressive cutaneous lymphoma of γδ T‐cell origin showing overlapping features of both lymphomas. A 78‐year‐old female presented with confluent erythematous plaques with ulcerations over her right thigh. Microscopically, section of the skin showed a diffuse dermal and subcutaneous lymphocytic infiltration with tumor necrosis and angioinvasion. The medium‐ to large‐sized tumor cells expressed CD3, CD8, cytotoxic molecules and T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐γ but not CD4, CD20, CD30, CD56 or βF1. In situ hybridization for Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded mRNA (EBER) was diffusely positive. Polymerase chain reaction‐based clonality assay showed a clonal TCR‐γ chain gene rearrangement. The features compatible with γδ T‐cell lymphoma include dermal and subcutaneous involvements, cytotoxic phenotype, expression of TCR‐γ, as well as an aggressive course. On the other hand, the diffuse EBER positivity, angioinvasion, tumor necrosis and cytotoxic phenotype may also fit in the diagnosis of an ENKTL of T‐cell lineage. We review the literature on EBER‐positive γδ T‐cell lymphoma and discuss the diagnostic dilemma using the current WHO classification system.
The impact of blood glucose and HbA1c goals on glycaemic control in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Boot M. , Volkening L. K. , Butler D. A. , Laffel L. M. B.
Published: November 2012

Aims

To evaluate parents' goals and parents' perceptions of physicians' goals for blood glucose and HbA1c in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional observational assessment, parents (80% mothers) of 153 children/adolescents (56% female), aged 12.9 ± 2.3 years (range 8–16 years) with Type 1 diabetes for 6.3 ± 3.5 years, completed surveys regarding their goals and their perceptions of physicians' goals for their child's blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

Results

Children/adolescents had a mean HbA1c of 69 ± 16 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.4%) and checked blood glucose levels 3.8 ± 1.2 times/day; 23% received pump therapy. Almost half of parents reported a blood glucose goal of 130 (80–180) mg/dl [7.2 (4.4–10) mmol/l]; 75% of parents reported a HbA1c goal of 42–64 mmol/mol (6–8%). HbA1c was significantly lower when parents reported HbA1c goals ≤ 64 mmol/mol (≤ 8%) vs. > 64 mmol/mol (> 8%) [67 ± 14 mmol/mol (8.3 ± 1.2%) vs. 76 ± 20 mmol/mol (9.1 ± 1.8%), respectively, P = 0.02]. Parents' blood glucose and HbA1c goals were tightly linked with parents' perceptions of physicians' blood glucose and HbA1c goals (69% concordant, P < 0.0001; 88% concordant, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

There was a significant association between lower parent HbA1c goals and lower child/adolescent HbA1c. Further, parents appear to set glycaemic goals based upon their perceptions of physician goals. Future studies should assess the relationship between parents' perceptions of health‐care providers' goals and health‐care providers' actual goals and the impact of unified family/provider goal‐setting on glycaemic control.
Sex differences in young patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Egiziano G. , Akhtari S. , Pilote L. , Daskalopoulou S. S. ,   the GENESIS (GENdEr and Sex DetermInants of Cardiovascular Disease) Investigators
Published: November 2012

Aims

To identify sex differences in risk factors, presenting symptoms and outcomes of young patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

We adopted a comprehensive approach and performed two parallel studies: (1) using provincial administrative databases from Quebec, Canada from 2000 to 2007, we identified baseline characteristics and post‐acute myocardial infarction survival of patients aged < 50 years (n = 10 619); (2) to overcome the lack of clinical data in the administrative databases, a medical chart review was performed on 215 patients < 50 years of age with an acute myocardial infarction between April 2000 and August 2006 from our institution.

Results

Administrative cohort: fewer women than men sought medical attention for retrosternal chest pain 1‐month pre‐acute myocardial infarction (P = 0.035). Diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in women, and patients equally received interventional procedures post‐infarction. Diabetes significantly reduced post‐infarction survival in men and women [HR = 2.02 (95% CI 1.21–3.36) and HR = 2.25 (95% CI 1.06–4.80), respectively]. However, young women had greater post‐infarction mortality in‐hospital and up to 1 year after discharge (4.23% vs. 2.21%, respectively; P = 0.005). Medical chart review: diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in women, while men were more obese. There were no significant sex differences in typical presenting symptoms, or in interventional procedures post‐infarction.

Conclusions

Young men and women with acute myocardial infarctions equally presented with retrosternal chest pain, although fewer women sought medical attention for retrosternal chest pain before admission. Diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in young women, and mortality was higher in young female patients. Our results highlight the continued need for diabetes prevention and control in young patients, especially women.
Impact of TAVI on Mitral Regurgitation: A Prospective Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Giordana Francesca , Capriolo Michele , Frea Simone , Marra Walter Grosso , Giorgi Mauro , Bergamasco Laura , Omedè Pier Luigi , Sheiban Imad , D'Amico Maurizio , Bovolo Virginia , Salizzoni Stefano , La Torre Michele , Rinaldi Mauro , Marra Sebastiano , Gaita Fiorenzo , Morello Mara
Published: November 2012

Objective: This study aims to assess changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Background: Existing data on MR after TAVI are contradictory. Methods: Thirty‐five patients with MR graded ≥ 2+ were followed after undergoing TAVI with either the Edwards Sapien or CoreValve device. Echocardiography was performed the week before and 3 months after the procedure. MR was graded on a scale of 0 to 4+, classified as organic or functional, and the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and MR index were calculated. Results: At baseline, MR was graded 4+ in 4 (11.4%) patients, 3+  in 10 (28.6%), and 2+ in 21 (60%). At follow‐up, MR was graded at 3+ in 4 (11.4%) patients, 2+ in 8 (22.9%), and 1+ in 19 (54.3%); 4 (11.4%) exhibited no MR. EROA (24.4 ± 11.5 mm2 pre‐TAVI vs. 11.2 ± 10.3 mm2 post‐TAVI, P < 0.001) and MR index (1.9 ± 0.3 pre‐TAVI vs. 1.3 ± 0.7 post‐TAVI, P < 0.001) were reduced with TAVI, independent of the etiology. MR decreased by at least 1 grade in 28 (80%) patients, with a reduction ≥2 grades in 10 (28.6%) patients; no patient showed a worsened condition. Subgroup analyses showed that the reduction in MR was significant in patients treated with the Edwards Sapien device but not in patients treated with the CoreValve device. Conclusions: This multiparametric echocardiographic evaluation showed that MR improved significantly after TAVI and that this result may be related to the type of valve implanted.
Simulating the effects of climate change on the distribution of an invasive plant, using a high resolution, local scale, mechanistic approach: challenges and insights
Authors: Fennell Mark , Murphy James E. , Gallagher Tommy , Osborne Bruce
Published: November 2012

The growing economic and ecological damage associated with biological invasions, which will likely be exacerbated by climate change, necessitates improved projections of invasive spread. Generally, potential changes in species distribution are investigated using climate envelope models; however, the reliability of such models has been questioned and they are not suitable for use at local scales. At this scale, mechanistic models are more appropriate. This paper discusses some key requirements for mechanistic models and utilises a newly developed model (PSS[gt]) that incorporates the influence of habitat type and related features (e.g., roads and rivers), as well as demographic processes and propagule dispersal dynamics, to model climate induced changes in the distribution of an invasive plant (Gunnera tinctoria) at a local scale. A new methodology is introduced, dynamic baseline benchmarking, which distinguishes climate‐induced alterations in species distributions from other potential drivers of change. Using this approach, it was concluded that climate change, based onIPCCand C4i projections, has the potential to increase the spread‐rate and intensity ofG. tinctoriainvasions. Increases in the number of individuals were primarily due to intensification of invasion in areas already invaded or in areas projected to be invaded in the dynamic baseline scenario. Temperature had the largest influence on changes in plant distributions. Water availability also had a large influence and introduced the most uncertainty in the projections. Additionally, due to the difficulties of parameterising models such as this, the process has been streamlined by utilising methods for estimating unknown variables and selecting only essential parameters.
Role of environmental, historical and spatial processes in the structure of Neotropical primate communities: contrasting taxonomic and phylogenetic perspectives
Authors: Gavilanez Maria Mercedes , Stevens Richard D.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To evaluate relative importance of niche, historical and spatial processes on the taxonomic and phylogenetic structure of primate communities.

Location

Neotropics.

Methods

Data on community composition for 74 sites were gathered from the literature. Communities were characterized based on taxonomic and phylogenetic composition. Three predictive matrices were used as explanatory variables representing ecological (environmental), historical (riverine barriers and Pleistocene refugia) and dispersal‐based spatial hypotheses (spatial principal coordinates of neighbour matrices vectors based on geographic coordinates). Variation partitioning analyses were used to decouple independent and shared effects. Permutation procedures based on redundancy analysis were used to determine if explained variation was statistically significant.

Results

Forty‐nine per cent of variation in taxonomic structure and 66% of variation in phylogenetic structure was explained by selected predictor variables. Independent effects of spatial variables explained the largest portion of variation in both diversity metrics. Fractions representing shared effects of historical and spatial variables, and of all variables combined, were also large and significant. Independent effects of environmental and historical variables were small to non‐existent (< 4%). When analysing each phylogenetic metric independently the relative contributions of shared fractions changed, although the independent spatial fraction remained the most important predictor.

Main conclusions

Our results show that purely spatial processes, such as dispersal limitation, may play a stronger role in structuring primate communities than niche mechanisms and historical events. Furthermore, we find that the influence of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms is conflated with spatial processes, suggesting that community structure is determined jointly by spatial mechanisms reflecting environmental gradients and biogeographical processes. Although the relative contributions of each predictor variable were similar between taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics, a deeper examination of phylogenetic metrics suggests that ecological, historical and spatial mechanisms interact in complex ways to determine current patterns of phylogenetic community structure.
Interferon‐γ‐ and glucocorticoid‐mediated pathways synergize to enhance death of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes during Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection
Authors: Deobagkar‐Lele Mukta , Chacko Suni K. , Victor Emmanuel S. , Kadthur Jayachandra C. , Nandi Dipankar
Published: November 2012

Thymic atrophy is known to occur during infections; however, there is limited understanding of its causes and of the cross‐talk between different pathways. This study investigates mechanisms involved in thymic atrophy during a model of oral infection by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Significant death of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes, but not of single‐positive thymocytes or peripheral lymphocytes, is observed at later stages during infection with live, but not heat‐killed, bacteria. The death of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes is Fas‐independent as shown by infection studies with lpr mice. However, apoptosis occurs with lowering of mitochondrial potential and higher caspase‐3 activity. The amounts of cortisol, a glucocorticoid, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), an inflammatory cytokine, increase upon infection. To investigate the functional roles of these molecules, studies were performed using Ifnγ−/− mice together with RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with RU486 does not affect colony‐forming units (CFU), amounts of IFN‐γ and mouse survival; however, there is partial rescue in thymocyte death. Upon infection, Ifnγ−/− mice display higher CFU and lower survival but more surviving thymocytes are recovered. However, there is no difference in cortisol amounts in C57BL/6 and Ifnγ−/− mice. Importantly, the number of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes is significantly higher in Ifnγ−/− mice treated with RU486 along with lower caspase‐3 activity and mitochondrial damage. Hence, endogenous glucocorticoid and IFN‐γ‐mediated pathways are parallel but synergize in an additive manner to induce death of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes during S. typhimurium infection. The implications of this study for host responses during infection are discussed.
Social plasticity in fish: integrating mechanisms and function
Authors: Oliveira R. F.
Published: November 2012

Social plasticity is a ubiquitous feature of animal behaviour. Animals must adjust the expression of their social behaviour to the nuances of daily social life and to the transitions between life‐history stages, and the ability to do so affects their Darwinian fitness. Here, an integrative framework is proposed for understanding the proximate mechanisms and ultimate consequences of social plasticity. According to this framework, social plasticity is achieved by rewiring or by biochemically switching nodes of the neural network underlying social behaviour in response to perceived social information. Therefore, at the molecular level, it depends on the social regulation of gene expression, so that different brain genomic and epigenetic states correspond to different behavioural responses and the switches between states are orchestrated by signalling pathways that interface the social environment and the genotype. At the evolutionary scale, social plasticity can be seen as an adaptive trait that can be under positive selection when changes in the environment outpace the rate of genetic evolutionary change. In cases when social plasticity is too costly or incomplete, behavioural consistency can emerge by directional selection that recruits gene modules corresponding to favoured behavioural states in that environment. As a result of this integrative approach, how knowledge of the proximate mechanisms underlying social plasticity is crucial to understanding its costs, limits and evolutionary consequences is shown, thereby highlighting the fact that proximate mechanisms contribute to the dynamics of selection. The role of teleosts as a premier model to study social plasticity is also highlighted, given the diversity and plasticity that this group exhibits in terms of social behaviour. Finally, the proposed integrative framework to social plasticity also illustrates how reciprocal causation analysis of biological phenomena (i.e. considering the interaction between proximate factors and evolutionary explanations) can be a more useful approach than the traditional proximate–ultimate dichotomy, according to which evolutionary processes can be understood without knowledge on proximate causes, thereby black‐boxing developmental and physiological mechanisms.
Current methods for estimating the rate of photorespiration in leaves
Authors: Busch F. A.
Published: November 2012

Photorespiration is a process that competes with photosynthesis, in which Rubisco oxygenates, instead of carboxylates, its substrate ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate. The photorespiratory metabolism associated with the recovery of 3‐phosphoglycerate is energetically costly and results in the release of previously fixed CO2. The ability to quantify photorespiration is gaining importance as a tool to help improve plant productivity in order to meet the increasing global food demand. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the methods used to measure photorespiration. Current techniques are able to measure multiple aspects of photorespiration at different points along the photorespiratory C2 cycle. Six different methods used to estimate photorespiration are reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages discussed.
With a Little Help from Our Feds: Understanding State Immigration Enforcement Policy Adoption in American Federalism
Authors: Creek Heather M. , Yoder Stephen
Published: November 2012

Since 2001, state governments have adopted 287(g) cooperative immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government that authorize their law enforcement personnel to assist in detaining violators of civil federal immigration law. Employing a theoretical framework drawn from theories of policy adoption, intergovernmental relations, and immigration research, we test which state‐level political, sociodemographic, geographic, and economic determinants influence states to enter into such a cooperative agreement. In addition to finding that the partisanship of a state's governor, a state's effort on public welfare, and an increase in a state's percentage of Hispanics are related to the adoption of a cooperative immigration enforcement policy, we found evidence of “steam valve federalism” working not at the state level as Spiro (1997) first theorized but at the local level. When a state's localities adopt immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government, the state itself is far less likely to adopt their own. Understanding the reasons states would adopt this type of policy sheds light on current trends in state immigration policy and their effect on future state/federal intergovernmental relations.
The social construction of meaning: reading Animal Farm in the classroom
Authors: Yandell John
Published: November 2012

The novel, it has generally been assumed, was from its very beginnings a literary form designed to be read by solitary, silent individuals. One consequence of this assumption is that the class novel, read amid all the noise and sociality of the classroom, tends to be treated as a preparation for more authentic, private reading, or even as a poor substitute for it. This essay argues that the history of novel reading is more complicated and more varied than has been assumed; it goes on to explore, through the story of a single lesson, the possibilities for meaning‐making that are the product of particular pedagogic practices as well as of the irreducibly social process of reading the class novel.
I'll take care of you: the use of supportive work practices to retain older workers
Authors: Mountford Hélène
Published: November 2012

While flexible work options are seen as the most important human resource management strategy for the retention of older workers, according to the employee literature a number of other strategies to improve working conditions are also influential. These include developing a supportive work environment; the recognition of skills and abilities; training opportunities leading to career progression; and being able to pass on knowledge to younger staff. These strategies together contribute to employee well‐being at work, and are here generically called supportive work practices. This article reports on part of a qualitative study based on interviews with 20 aged care facility managers and 20 personal carers and finds that despite poor pay, physical work and a predominantly immigrant labour force, many of these human resource strategies are effectively utilised to retain older workers in residential aged care. Most of these practices, which reduce recruitment, training and sick leave costs, could also be effective in other industries.
Kant’s Political Philosophy
Authors: Ebels‐Duggan Kyla
Published: November 2012

Kant’s political theory stands in the social contract tradition, but departs significantly from earlier versions of social contract theory. Most importantly Kant holds, against Hobbes and Locke, that we have not merely a pragmatic reason but an obligation to exit the state of nature and found a state. Kant holds that each person has an innate right to freedom, but it is possible to simultaneously honor everyone’s right only under the rule of law. Since we are obligated to respect each person’s right to freedom, and can do so only in a state, we are obligated to submit to the authority of the state if we have one, and to establish one if we do not. In the first half of the essay I reconstruct this argument in more detail. In the second half I survey four points of controversy: (i) What is the relationship between Kant’s political philosophy and his moral philosophy? (ii) How does the innate right to freedom support the postulate that we are permitted to acquire property and other private rights? (iii) How does the postulate support an obligation to found the state? (iv) How should we understand Kant’s views about political revolutions?
Collective Scientific Knowledge
Authors: Fagan Melinda
Published: November 2012

Philosophical debates about collective scientific knowledge concern two distinct theses: (1) groups are necessary to produce scientific knowledge, and (2) groups have scientific knowledge in their own right. Thesis (1) has strong support. Groups are required, in many cases of scientific inquiry, to satisfy methodological norms, to develop theoretical concepts, or to validate the results of inquiry as scientific knowledge. So scientific knowledge‐production is collective in at least three respects. However, support for (2) is more equivocal. Though some examples suggest that groups have scientific knowledge independently of their individual members, these cases are also explained in terms of relational complexes of members’ beliefs.
Crystallization Kinetics of Superionic Conductive Al(B,La)‐ Incorporated LiTi2(PO4)3 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Chen Hongping , Tao Haizheng , Wu Qide , Zhao Xiujian
Published: November 2012

For the purpose of developing high‐performance glass‐ceramic superionic conductor, the controllable precipitation of LiTi2(PO4)3‐like superionic conducting phase in the Li2O–TiO2–P2O5 glass system was studied. Al with B or La co‐incorporated LiTi2(PO4)3‐based glass‐ceramics were prepared by the crystallization of the corresponding original glasses. Compared with the sole Al‐incorporated LiTi2(PO4)3‐based glass‐ceramics, the ionic conductivity shows an increase for the boron co‐incorporated one and a decrease for the lanthanum co‐incorporated one. Through the further in‐depth analysis based on the methods of DSC and X‐ray diffractive technique, this opposite change in ion conductivity was ascribed to the alterations of crystallization mechanism together with quantity of crystal phases within the glass‐ceramics.. The boron addition promoted the precipitation of LiTi2(PO4)3 phase and restrained the precipitation of second phase. The highest ionic conductivity 1.3 × 10−3 S/cm at 25°C was obtained through the heat treatment of B and Al co‐incorporated glassy samples at 900°C for 12 h. These inorganic solid electrolytes have a potential application in lithium batteries or other electrochemical ionic devices.
Characteristics and clinical outcomes of hyponatraemia in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Kang Seok Hui , Cho Kyu Hyang , Park Jong Won , Yoon Kyung Woo , Do Jun Young
Published: November 2012

This manuscript analyzes the incidence of hyponatraemia in 387 Korean peritoneal dialysis patients and determines their fluid status with simultaneous bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement. The results demonstrate low residual renal function and long duration of peritoneal dialysis were associated with development of hyponatraemia by appropriate water gain. In addition the prevalence of hyponatraemia increases along with the increased comorbidity status. On multivariate analysis, age, hypoalbuminaemia, low residual renal function and increasing comorbidities were associated with higher mortality in this peritoneal dialysis population.
Retrospective cohort analysis of a single dose of aprotinin use in children undergoing cardiac surgery: a single‐center experience
Authors: Fan Yong , Lin Ru , Yang Lijun , Ye Lifen , Yu Jiangen , Shu Qiang
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The great difference in side effects of aprotinin was noted in adult and pediatric fields in recent reports because aprotinin was suspended for safety reasons. The aim of this study is to describe associations between aprotinin using and red blood cells transfusion, renal injury, and mortality in pediatric with cardiac surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 507 consecutive children who received a single dose of aprotinin (March–November 2007 before the FDA's decision for withdrawal of aprotinin) and a cohort of 494 consecutive children who did not receive aprotinin or other antifibrinolytic drugs (December 2007–August 2008).

Results

The two groups’ demographics were assessed by the Aristotle Basic Complexity (ABC) propensity score. Postoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the aprotinin group [P < 0.001, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.00–0.00], but postoperative red blood cell transfusion was not different between two groups (P = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.393–0.412). No statistical significant differences were noted in postoperative dialysis [0.39% vs 0.40%, P = 0.98, OR: 0.974, 95% CI: 0.137–6.944] and intra‐hospital mortality (2.37% vs 1.82%, P:0.547, OR:1.306, 95% CI:0.546–3.129)) and reoperations for bleeding, thrombotic, and respiratory morbidity between two groups; however, the aprotinin group had temporarily a higher rate of 1.5‐fold increased creatinine (class R) in the first postoperative 72 h (22.95% vs 13.93%, P < 0.001, OR: 1.840, 95% CI: 1.323–2.560), a longer duration of mechanical intubation [6.50 (4.50–24.00)h vs 6.00 (4.50–22.00)h, P = 0.004, 95% CI:0.002–0.005] and a 0.55% increased clinical mortality (although not statistically significant). More complex surgery had a higher rate of the increased creatinine (class R) in the first postoperative 72 h (ABC level 3 + 4 vs level 1 + 2, P = 0.017, OR:0.599, 95% CI:0.392–0.915). The multivariate analysis showed that age (<1 year), CPB >100 min, and the larger amount of transfusion (≥14 ml·kg−1) were also important risk factors for the postoperative renal dysfunction (class R).

Conclusions

Except reducing postoperative bleeding, we did not find other benefits of aprotinin. However, much higher postoperative creatinine levels, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, not less postoperative RBCs transfusion, and a 0.55% increased clinical mortality (although not statistically significant) were found in the aprotinin populations.
Point‐of‐care diagnosis of tuberculosis: Past, present and future
Authors: DHEDA KEERTAN , RUHWALD MORTEN , THERON GRANT , PETER JONATHAN , YAM WING CHEONG
Published: November 2012

Diagnosis represents only one aspect of tuberculosis (TB) control but is perhaps one of the most challenging. The drawbacks of current tools highlight several unmet needs in TB diagnosis, that is, necessity for accuracy, rapidity of diagnosis, affordability, simplicity and the ability to generate same‐day results at point‐of‐care (POC). When a return visit is required to access test results, time to treatment is prolonged, and default rates are significant. However, a good diagnostic tool is also critically dependent on obtaining an adequate biological sample. Here, we review the accuracy and potential impact of established and newer potential POC diagnostic tests for TB, including smear microscopy, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid) and the Determine TB lipoarabinomannan antigen test (Alere). Novel experimental approaches and detection technologies for POC diagnosis of active TB, including nucleic acid amplification tests, detection of volatile organic compounds or metabolites, mass spectroscopy, microfluidics, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical approaches, and aptamers among others, are discussed. We also discuss future applications, including the potential POC diagnosis of drug‐resistant TB and presumed latent TB infection. Challenges to the development and roll‐out of POC tests for TB are also reviewed.
The Influence of Connection Geometry on the Fatigue Life of National Pipe Thread Threaded Pipe Couplings
Authors: Van Wittenberghe Jeroen , De Baets Patrick , De Waele Wim , De Pauw Jan
Published: November 2012

In this paper, four-point bending experiments are performed to determine the fatigue life of several threaded pipe couplings. It is shown that fatigue life of these couplings can be improved by designing them with more uniform load distribution in the threads, achieved through reducing the global and local stiffness of the coupling. Finite element simulations of a 2D axisymmetric model show consistence between experimental observation and analytical modeling. A 3D finite element simulation, which includes nonlinear material behavior, elaborate contact properties and represents the coupling geometry more accurately, is also performed to evaluate the 2D axisymmetric finite element model.
Package Impact Models as a Precursor to Cladding Analysis1
Authors: Klymyshyn Nicholas A. , Adkins Harold E. , Bajwa Christopher S. , Piotter Jason M.
Published: November 2012

The evaluation of spent nuclear fuel storage casks and transportation packages under impact loading is an important part of cask and package certification by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Finite element models are increasingly used for evaluating cask and package structural integrity during hypothetical drop accidents. Full cask and package model results are also used as the loading basis for single fuel pin impact models, which evaluate the response of fuel cladding under drop conditions. In this paper, a simplified package system is evaluated to illustrate the difference between local and bulk impact responses, the effect of simplified basket and fuel assembly representations, and the effect of gaps between components. This paper focuses on the package impact analysis and how loading conditions for a subsequent fuel assembly or fuel cladding analysis can be extracted. The results of this study suggest that detailed package system models are needed to determine cladding deceleration load histories.
Experimental Analysis of CO2 Injection on Permeability of Vuggy Carbonate Aquifers
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim M. , He Jia , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: November 2012

Reactions of CO2 with formation rock may lead to an enhancement in the permeability due to rock dissolution, or damage (reduction in the core permeability) because of the precipitation of reaction products. The reaction is affected by aquifer conditions (pressure, temperature, initial porosity, and permeability), and the injection scheme (injection flow rate, CO2:brine volumetric ratio, and the injection time). The effects of temperature, injection flow rate, and injection scheme on the permeability alteration due to CO2 injection into heterogeneous dolomite rock is addressed experimentally in this paper. Twenty coreflood tests were conducted using Silurian dolomite cores. Thirty pore volumes of CO2 and brine were injected in water alternating gas (WAG) scheme under supercritical conditions at temperatures ranging from 21 to 121 °C, and injection rates of 2.0–5.0 cm3/min. Concentrations of Ca++, Mg++, and Na+ were measured in the core effluent samples. Permeability alteration was evaluated by measuring the permeability of the cores before and after the experiment. Two sources of damage in permeability were noted in this study: (1) due to precipitation of calcium carbonate, and (2) due to migration of clay minerals present in the core. Temperature and injection scheme don't have a clear impact on the core permeability. A good correlation between the initial and final core permeability was noted, and the ratio of final permeability to the initial permeability is lower for low permeability cores.