bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Modeling of Typhoon Morakot (2009): Vortex Rossby Waves and Their Role in Extreme Precipitation over Taiwan
Authors: Hall Jonathan D. , Xue Ming , Ran Lingkun , Leslie Lance M.
Published: September 2012

A high-resolution nonhydrostatic numerical model, the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS), was used to simulate Typhoon Morakot (2009) as it made landfall over Taiwan, producing record rainfall totals. In particular, the mesoscale structure of the typhoon was investigated, emphasizing its associated deep convection, the development of inner rainbands near the center, and the resultant intense rainfall over western Taiwan.

Simulations at 15- and 3-km grid spacing revealed that, following the decay of the initial inner eyewall, a new, much larger eyewall developed as the typhoon made landfall over Taiwan. Relatively large-amplitude wave structures developed in the outer eyewall and are identified as vortex Rossby waves (VRWs), based on the wave characteristics and their similarity to VRWs identified in previous studies.

Moderate to strong vertical shear over the typhoon system produced a persistent wavenumber-1 (WN1) asymmetric structure during the landfall period, with upward motion and deep convection in the downshear and downshear-left sides, consistent with earlier studies. This strong asymmetry masks the effects of WN1 VRWs. WN2 and WN3 VRWs apparently are associated with the development of deep convective bands in Morakot’s southwestern quadrant. This occurs as the waves move cyclonically into the downshear side of the cyclone. Although the typhoon track and topographic enhancement contribute most to the record-breaking rainfall totals, the location of the convective bands, and their interaction with the mountainous terrain of Taiwan, also affect the rainfall distribution. Quantitatively, the 3-km ARPS rainfall forecasts are superior to those obtained from coarser-resolution models.
Exploring Change in Local Regeneration Areas: Evidence from the New Deal for Communities Programme in England
Authors: Lawless Paul , Beatty Christina
Published: September 2012

For many years, United Kingdom governments have instigated urban regeneration schemes. The 1998–2011 New Deal for Communities Programme was designed to change 39 deprived English areas, with regard to place-based, and people-based outcomes. Change data for all NDC areas from a common base-line can be used to establish relative rates of change across these neighbourhoods. Three sets of factors might help to explain why some areas saw more change than others: NDC Partnership-level activities; characteristics of NDC areas; and the wider local authority context. Results suggest that little change can be attributed to the characteristics or activities of NDC Partnerships themselves. This raises questions relating to the ability of regeneration schemes to instigate positive change, the limited nature of people-based change, the perverse role of educational spend and differential change across clusters of deprived areas.
Cooperative social robots to accompany groups of people
Authors: Garrell Anais , Sanfeliu Alberto
Published: September 2012

This study proposes a new model for guiding people in urban settings using multiple robots that work cooperatively. More specifically, this investigation describes the circumstances in which people might stray from the formation when following different robots’ instructions. To this end, we introduce a ‘prediction and anticipation model’ that predicts the position of the group using a particle filter, while determining the optimal robot behavior to help people stay in the group in areas where they may become distracted. As a result, this article presents a novel approach to locally optimizing the work performed by robots and people using the minimum robots’ work criterion and determining human-friendly types of movements. The guidance missions were carried out in urban areas that included multiple conflict areas and obstacles. This study also provides an analysis of robots’ behavioral reactions to people by simulating different situations in the locations that were used for the investigation. The method was tested through simulations that took into account the difficulties and technological constraints derived from real-life situations. Despite these problematic issues, we were able to demonstrate the robots’ effect on people in real-life situations in terms of pushing and dragging forces.
Childhood Graves Disease Masquerading as Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Perlman Seth J. , Zaidman Craig M.
Published: September 2012

We report a child presenting with intermittent ophthalmoplegia and fluctuating ptosis and facial weakness whose evaluation revealed no evidence of myasthenia gravis but did reveal hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves disease. Successful treatment of the child’s endocrinopathy resulted in complete resolution of his presenting symptoms. Children presenting with ophthalmoplegia and ptosis without proptosis should be evaluated for hyperthyroidism if no evidence of a myopathy or disorder of neuromuscular junction transmission is found.
Psychopathy-Related Personality Traits and Shame Management Strategies in Adolescents
Authors: Nyström Markus B T. , Mikkelsen Fredrik
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is a correlation between the amount of psychopathy-related personality traits and the type of shame management in adolescents. Two hypotheses were examined; first, that there is a positive correlation between psychopathy-related personality traits and more unconscious and externalized shame management strategies, and second, that there is a negative correlation between psychopathy-related personality traits and more conscious and internalized shame management strategies. Gender differences were also examined. In total, 236 participants were available for the study. All were secondary-level students, aged 16 to 21 years. Of these, 196 were examined: 96 were male and 100 female. The study used two self-assessment forms—the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI) and the Compass of Shame Scale (CoSS)—to measure the relevant personality characteristics. The results indicated gender differences, which led to all the analyses being conducted separately for males and females. Support was found for the study’s first hypothesis, but not for the second, which was true for both males and females. Our results may have implications for the treatment of adolescents with a high percentage of psychopathy-related personality traits; they also indicate the need for more research on the association between psychopathy and shame management.
Reexamining Public Pension Plans
Authors: Nicholl Kim
Published: September 2012

Although the present fiscal climate may create the temptation to rush ahead with aggressive cost-cutting measures, a knee-jerk reaction in response to the immediate budget or political environment is unlikely to result in a public sector retirement program that meets the long-term needs of employers, employees or taxpayers. States and municipalities still need to assess the extent to which benefits provide an “adequate” retirement income, examine how the plan distributes retirement risks between employers and employees and evaluate whether the plan is still meeting the employer’s workforce management goals. Careful planning and quality analysis are the keys to a successful plan redesign effort.
The Prevalence of Sensory Deficits, Functional Limitations, and Disability Among Older Southeast Asians in the United States
Authors: Yang Mai See , Burr Jeffrey A. , Mutchler Jan E.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: This study described the prevalence of and risk factors for sensory deficits, cognitive and physical functional limitations, and disability among older Southeast Asian refugees in the United States. Methods: Data for the regression analyses were drawn from the 2003-2007 American Community Surveys. The sample included foreign-born persons aged 55 and older who were classified as Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese. Results: Hmong, Cambodian, and Laotian persons were more likely to report a sensory deficit, functional limitation and disability than Vietnamese persons. Year of arrival, English language proficiency and education were important risk factors. Hmong and Cambodian groups had the most negative health profiles. Discussion: Previous studies found that Vietnamese were the most health disadvantaged when compared to other Asian American groups and Whites. When compared to other refugee populations, the Vietnamese were actually the advantaged group. Our results indicated additional research on the disablement process among Southeast Asians is warranted.
A novel fault analysis and diagnosis method based on combining computational intelligence methods
Authors: Deng Wu , Yang Xinhua , Liu Jingjing , Zhao Huimin , Li Zhengguang , Yan Xiaolin
Published: September 2012

In order to improve the correctness and efficiency of fault diagnosis, a novel hybrid intelligence method based on integrating rough set, genetic algorithms, and radial basic function neural network (RGRN) was proposed for motor fault diagnosis in the complicated CNC system in this article. In the proposed RGRN method, combination and condition supplement algorithm was used to deal with the incomplete fault data and the original data were discretized using genetic algorithms to construct a decision table. Rough set theory as a new mathematical tool was used to eliminate the redundant and irrelevant attributes in order to obtain the minimum rule set for reducing the number of input nodes of the radial basic function neural network. Genetic algorithms were directly used to optimize the structure and weights of radial basic function neural network to establish an optimized radial basic function neural network (GRN) model; then, the minimum rule set was inputted into the GRN model in order to obtain the optimized RGRN model. Finally, the completed fault symptom information was inputted into the RGRN model to obtain the fault diagnosis results. The robustness of the RGRN method was tested. Simulating experiments on motor fault diagnosis in the complicated CNC system show the RGRN method not only improves the global optimization performance and quickens the convergence speed, but also obtains the robust solution with a better quality.
Individual and Group Effects in a Community-Based Implementation of a Positive Parenting Program
Authors: Byrne Sonia , Salmela-Aro Katariina , Read Sanna , Rodrigo María José
Published: September 2012

Objective: To examine the effects of individual and group factors on the changes in child-rearing practices in a parenting program. Method: At risk and non at-risk parents ( N = 496), who varied by sociodemographic factors, participated in 94 groups that differed by size and composition. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine the impact of individual and group variables on pre–post changes in inductive, coercive, and permissive-neglecting practices. Results: Inductive parenting increased and coercive and permissive-neglecting parenting decreased over the intervention and the proportion of change was influenced by family structure, parents' gender and group composition. Low-risk groups and mixed (at-risk and non at-risk) groups did better than medium/high-risk groups in changing inductive and coercive practices whereas all groups did well in changing permissive-neglecting practices. Conclusion: To test the effectiveness of a group-based intervention requires taking into account both individual and group sources of variation in the implementation process.
The Acquisition of Musical Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge
Authors: Bauer William I.
Published: September 2012

Technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) is a conceptual framework for the teacher knowledge necessary to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning. The purposes of this study were to (a) develop and administer an instrument to measure music educators’ TPACK, (b) examine how music teachers acquire their TPACK, and (c) determine if a relationship existed between those teachers’ TPACK and their reported integration of technology. Participants ( N = 284) were music teachers who completed two questionnaires, one designed to measure their TPACK (Musical TPACK Questionnaire [MTPACK-Q]) and another to describe the level of technology integration in their classroom (Concerns-Based Adoption Model–Levels of Use [CBAM-LoU] instrument). Scores on the technology-related domains of the TPACK model were lower than content, pedagogical, or pedagogical content domains. A moderate, significant, positive correlation ( r = .51, p ≤ .01) was found between the participants’ MTPACK-Q score and the level of technology integration in their classroom as reported by the CBAM-LoU.
Finite element supersonic flutter analysis of low aspect ratio stiffened wing
Authors: Faroughi Shirko , Malekzadeh Kramet , Mirzaee Ieraje
Published: September 2012

In this study, a finite element method is developed for analyzing the supersonic flutter of A low aspect ratio stiffened trapezoid wing. The finite element approach uses 20 degrees-of-freedom (d.f.) flat shell element, 12 d.f. three-dimensional beam element and quasi steady linear piston aerodynamic theory to evaluate the skins of wing, the stiffeners and aerodynamic pressure, respectively. The solution of the constructed equation system will lead to an eigenvalue problem, in which its eigenvalues can be obtained using the generalized method. In this paper, three numerical examples are investigated and the calculation results of the first and second ones are used for validation. These comparisons entirely endorse the accuracy of this modeling approach. Besides, in the third applicable example, the influences of the stiffener size and airflow yawing are scrutinized on supersonic flutter characteristics of the stiffened low aspect ratio trapezoid wing. The results evince that the size of stiffener strongly affects on the critical dynamic pressure, which its minimum occurs when the airflow is parallel to the base edge of the wing.
Nav1.5 sodium channels in macrophages in multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Black Joel A , Newcombe Jia , Waxman Stephen G
Published: September 2012

Background:

Macrophages are dynamic participants in destruction of white matter in active multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques. Regulation of phagocytosis and myelin degradation along endosomal pathways in macrophages is highly-orchestrated and critically-dependent upon acidification of endosomal lumena. Evidence from in vitro studies with macrophages and THP-1 cells suggests that sodium channel Nav1.5 is present in the limiting membrane of maturing endosomes where it plays a prominent role in the accumulation of protons. However, a contribution of the Nav1.5 channel to macrophage-mediated events in vivo has not been demonstrated.

Method:

We examined macrophages within active MS lesions by immunohistochemistry to determine whether Nav1.5 is expressed in these cells in situ and, if expressed, whether it is localized to specific compartments along the endocytic pathway.

Results:

Our results demonstrate that Nav1.5 is expressed within macrophages in active MS lesions, and that it is preferentially expressed in late endosomes and phagolysosomes (Rab7+, LAMP-1+), and sparsely expressed in early (EEA-1+) endosomes. Triple-immunolabeling studies showed localization of Nav1.5 within Rab7+ endosomes containing proteolipid protein, a myelin marker, in macrophages within active MS plaques.

Conclusions:

These observations support the suggestion that Nav1.5 contributes to the phagocytic pathway of myelin degradation in macrophages in vivo within MS lesions.
Vessel-specific rate of vasorelaxation is slower in diabetic rats
Authors: Murias Juan M , Campos Oscar A , Hall Katharine E , McDonald Matthew W , Melling CW James , Noble Earl G
Published: September 2012

The rate of adjustment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was examined in the aorta, iliac and femoral arteries of eight control and eight diabetic rats with and without supplementation with vitamin C. Vessels were constricted using 10−5 M phenylephrine (PE) and relaxed with 10−4 M acetylcholine (ACh condition) or 10−4 M ACh plus 10−4 M vitamin C (ACh + vitamin C condition) in a myography system. Vasorelaxation was modelled as a mono-exponential function using a non-linear regression analysis. The adjustment (τ) of vasorelaxation was faster in control (6.6 ± 3.2 s) compared to diabetic rats (8.4 ± 3.4 s) ( p < 0.05). The time-to-steady-state tended to be shorter in control (32.0 ± 13.9 s) compared to diabetic rats (38.0 ± 15.0 s) ( p = 0.1). ACh + vitamin C did not speed the vasorelaxation response. The τ for vasorelaxation was shorter in the femoral (6.5 ± 2.7 s) and iliac (6.8 ± 2.5 s) compared to the aorta (9.2 ± 4.2 s) ( p < 0.05). The rate of vasorelaxation was greater in the femoral (3.2 ± 1.4%·s−1) compared to the iliac (2.0 ± 1.0%·s−1) and aorta (1.1 ± 0.4%·s−1) in both groups and in the iliac compared to the aorta ( p < 0.05) in the control group. In conclusion, the vasorelaxation response was vessel specific with a slower rate of adjustment in diabetic compared to control animals.
Farming, Reported Pesticide Use, and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ragin Camille , Davis-Reyes Brionna , Tadesse Helina , Daniels Dennis , Bunker Clareann H. , Jackson Maria , Ferguson Trevor S. , Patrick Alan L. , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K. , Taioli Emanuela
Published: September 2012

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer type diagnosed in American men and is the second leading cancer diagnosed in men worldwide. Although studies have been conducted to investigate the association between prostate cancer and exposure to pesticides and/or farming, the results have been inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to summarize the association of farming and prostate cancer. The PubMed database was searched to identify all published case–control studies that evaluated farming as an occupational exposure by questionnaire or interview and prostate cancer. Ten published and two unpublished studies were included in this analysis, yielding 3,978 cases and 7,393 controls. Prostate cancer cases were almost four times more likely to be farmers compared with controls with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH; meta odds ratio [OR], crude = 3.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96-7.48, Q-test p value = .352; two studies); similar results were obtained when non-BPH controls were considered, but with moderate heterogeneity between studies (meta OR crude = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.16-1.64, Q-test p value = .216, I2 = 31% [95% CI = 0-73]; five studies). Reported pesticide exposure was inversely associated with prostate cancer (meta OR crude = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49-0.96, Q-test p value = .331; four studies), whereas no association with exposure to fertilizers was observed. Our findings confirm that farming is a risk factor for prostate cancer, but this increased risk may not be due to exposure to pesticides.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Gay Neighborhood Residence
Authors: Buttram Mance E. , Kurtz Steven P.
Published: September 2012

Using a sample of 482 ethnically diverse current substance using men who have sex with men who reported recent unprotected anal intercourse, this study compared health risk behaviors—substance use and sexual HIV risk—and one health protective factor—prosocial activities—between men who live in a gay neighborhood and those who do not. Data are drawn from comprehensive health and social risk assessments administered in South Florida. In a multivariate logistic regression model, methamphetamine use, high rates of receptive unprotected anal intercourse, and lower levels of prosocial engagement were found to be risk factors associated with gay neighborhood residence. Compared with living elsewhere, gay neighborhood residence appeared to be protective against cocaine use and substance dependence. Implications of the findings for prevention interventions are discussed, as is the need for further research regarding decisions about neighborhood residence and how neighborhood risk and protective factors emerge and are sustained.
Solo and Distributed Leadership
Authors: Crawford Megan
Published: September 2012

This article discusses solo and distributed leadership. Using the anniversary of Educational Management Administration & Leadership as a focal point, it looks back over the last 40 years of EMAL, using this to frame a wider discussion of the relationship between solo and distributed leadership approaches. It acknowledges other approaches to shared leadership but uses distributed leadership to see how this idea has become part of the rhetoric of both leadership practice and policy. The article then asks what we have learnt from these foci, and where the field might like to look next.
What Is Ego Depletion? Toward a Mechanistic Revision of the Resource Model of Self-Control
Authors: Inzlicht Michael , Schmeichel Brandon J.
Published: September 2012

According to the resource model of self-control, overriding one’s predominant response tendencies consumes and temporarily depletes a limited inner resource. Over 100 experiments have lent support to this model of ego depletion by observing that acts of self-control at Time 1 reduce performance on subsequent, seemingly unrelated self-control tasks at Time 2. The time is now ripe, therefore, not only to broaden the scope of the model but to start gaining a precise, mechanistic account of it. Accordingly, in the current article, the authors probe the particular cognitive, affective, and motivational mechanics of self-control and its depletion, asking, “What is ego depletion?” This study proposes a process model of depletion, suggesting that exerting self-control at Time 1 causes temporary shifts in both motivation and attention that undermine self-control at Time 2. The article highlights evidence in support of this model but also highlights where evidence is lacking, thus providing a blueprint for future research. Though the process model of depletion may sacrifice the elegance of the resource metaphor, it paints a more precise picture of ego depletion and suggests several nuanced predictions for future research.
Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Gureckis Todd M. , Markant Douglas B.
Published: September 2012

A widely advocated idea in education is that people learn better when the flow of experience is under their control (i.e., learning is self-directed). However, the reasons why volitional control might result in superior acquisition and the limits to such advantages remain poorly understood. In this article, we review the issue from both a cognitive and computational perspective. On the cognitive side, self-directed learning allows individuals to focus effort on useful information they do not yet possess, can expose information that is inaccessible via passive observation, and may enhance the encoding and retention of materials. On the computational side, the development of efficient “active learning” algorithms that can select their own training data is an emerging research topic in machine learning. This review argues that recent advances in these related fields may offer a fresh theoretical perspective on how people gather information to support their own learning.
The Unengaged Mind
Authors: Eastwood John D. , Frischen Alexandra , Fenske Mark J. , Smilek Daniel
Published: September 2012

Our central goal is to provide a definition of boredom in terms of the underlying mental processes that occur during an instance of boredom. Through the synthesis of psychodynamic, existential, arousal, and cognitive theories of boredom, we argue that boredom is universally conceptualized as “the aversive experience of wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity.” We propose to map this conceptualization onto underlying mental processes. Specifically, we propose that boredom be defined in terms of attention. That is, boredom is the aversive state that occurs when we (a) are not able to successfully engage attention with internal (e.g., thoughts or feelings) or external (e.g., environmental stimuli) information required for participating in satisfying activity, (b) are focused on the fact that we are not able to engage attention and participate in satisfying activity, and (c) attribute the cause of our aversive state to the environment. We believe that our definition of boredom fully accounts for the phenomenal experience of boredom, brings existing theories of boredom into dialogue with one another, and suggests specific directions for future research on boredom and attention.
Citizens, community, and crime control: The problems and prospects for negotiated order
Authors: Carr Patrick J
Published: September 2012

How do communities control crime, and what does this tell us about the problem of negotiating order at the local level? This article will draw on empirical research in two US cities to illustrate how social controls at the local level are negotiated between citizens and law enforcement, and how different structures of this arrangement arise because of contrasting contexts and different institutional imperatives. The article will showcase the evolving role of the citizen as a partner in negotiated order and will speculate as to the future role of community members in the co-production of safety.
Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care
Authors: LeFebvre Ron , Peterson David , Haas Mitchell
Published: September 2012

Evidence-based practice has had a growing impact on chiropractic education and the delivery of chiropractic care. For evidence-based practice to penetrate and transform a profession, the penetration must occur at 2 levels. One level is the degree to which individual practitioners possess the willingness and basic skills to search and assess the literature. Chiropractic education received a significant boost in this realm in 2005 when the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine awarded 4 chiropractic institutions R25 education grants to strengthen their research/evidence-based practice curricula. The second level relates to whether the therapeutic interventions commonly employed by a particular health care discipline are supported by clinical research. A growing body of randomized controlled trials provides evidence of the effectiveness and safety of manual therapies.
Precipitation process of martensitic PH stainless steel Nanoflex
Authors: Thuvander M , Andersson M , Stiller K
Published: September 2012

The precipitation process of the martensitic PH stainless steel Nanoflex during aging at 475°C has been investigated with atom probe tomography. The composition of the matrix and the nanosized precipitates has been determined after aging for 5 min, 4 h, 40 h and 100 h. Also, the number density of the various precipitated phases has been measured. It is shown that the precipitation process is rather complex and that different precipitate phases form in direct contact with each other. At the early stages two families of Ni rich precipitates, Ni3(Ti, Al) and Ni3(Ti, Al, Si), form on Cu rich precipitates. Later, Cr rich precipitates form on the Ni rich precipitates. Eventually the Ni3(Ti, Al, Si) precipitates dissolve and are replaced by Ni16Si7Ti6. Precipitates rich in Mo, most probably the quasicrystalline R’ phase, are also formed in direct contact with other precipitates. The identity of the precipitates is discussed further in the paper. Even though the number density of the precipitates decreases during aging, the hardness does not decrease. This can probably be explained by an increased total volume fraction of precipitates as additional phases appear during aging.
Iron oxide catalysts: Fenton and Fentonlike reactions – a review
Authors: Pereira M. C. , Oliveira L. C. A. , Murad E.
Published: September 2012

Iron is the fourth most common element by mass in the Earth's crust and forms compounds in several oxidation states. Iron (hydr)oxides, some of which form inherently and exclusively in the nanometre-size range, are ubiquitous in nature and readily synthesized. These facts add up to render many Fe (hydr)oxides suitable as catalysts, and it is hardly surprising that numerous studies on the applications of Fe (hydr)oxides in catalysis have been published. Moreover, the abundant availability of a natural Fe source from rocks and soils at minimal cost makes the potential use of these as heterogeneous catalyst attractive.

Besides those Fe (hydr)oxides that are inherently nanocrystalline (ferrihydrite, Fe5HO8.4H2O, and feroxyhyte, δ’-FeOOH), magnetite (Fe3O4) is often used as a catalyst because it has a permanent magnetization and contains Fe in both the divalent and trivalent states. Hematite, goethite and lepidocrocite have also been used as catalysts in their pure forms, doped with other cations, and as composites with carbon, alumina and zeolites among others.

In this review we report on the use of synthetic and natural Fe (hydr)oxides as catalysts in environmental remediation procedures using an advanced oxidation process, more specifically the Fenton-like system, which is highly efficient in generating reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals, even at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure. The catalytic efficiency of Fe (hydr)oxides is strongly affected by factors such as the Fe oxidation state, surface area, isomorphic substitution of Fe by other cations, pH and temperature.
Microtexture and genesis of clay minerals from a turbiditic sequence in a Southern Pyrenees foreland basin (Jaca basin, Eocene)
Authors: Bauluz B. , Yuste A. , Mayayo M. J. , Rodríguez-Navarro A. B. , González-López J. M.
Published: September 2012

A set of fine-grained samples from a turbiditic sequence in a Southern Pyrenees foreland basin (Jaca Basin, Eocene) were studied to determine the influence of tectonics (Pyrenean Orogeny) on phyllosilicate recrystallization and infer the grade and basin maturity. The samples from four different outcrops were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with special emphasis on clay-mineral characterization (e.g.illitic phases). The analysed samples have simple mineral assemblages and consist of detrital quartz, albite and calcite, scarce clay matrix (mainly illite with chlorite), and calcite and dolomite cement. The lack of other phyllosilicates such as mixed-layer illite-smectite (I-S), pyrophyllite, Na-micas, or kaolin minerals is quite remarkable. On the SEM scale, samples (with marl composition) have poorly sorted textures and high detrital contents. In many cases they show bedding and/or cleavage, and in some cases neither is observed. Most of the clay-sized illites show very similar crystallinity and b0 values (determined by XRD) and distributions of crystallite thickness (measured by TEM) in all the outcrops, which is typical of late-diagenesis illites forming under low-pressure conditions. These illites are parallel (or subparallel) to bedding or randomly orientated. They are also characterized by disordered polytypes and low K contents. In some TEM images, a second type of illite has been observed. This secondary illite occurs parallel to cleavage, with thicker crystals (25–35 layers), K contents in the interlayer, and a 2M1 polytype. The pole figure analysis shows that most of the clays have (00l) planes parallel (or subparallel) to bedding although there are abundant clays with random orientation. There is no trend in the clay orientation/disorientation from the south to the north of the basin. All the data indicate that the strain rate associated with the Pyrenean Orogeny has not been recorded in the turbidite sequence controlling the relative orientation of clays, although anchizonal clay crystallization is favoured as a minor process.
Halloysite in Argentinian deposits: origin and textural constraints
Authors: Cravero F. , Maiza P. J. , Marfil S. A.
Published: September 2012

In Argentina, the only halloysite deposits found so far are located in the southwest of the province of Rio Negro. The areas are named Mamil Choique and Buitrera, separated by 50 km in a W–E direction. The deposits are located in pyroclastic rocks, rhyolitic tuffs and ignimbrites.

The aim of this paper is to determine the origin of the alteration, any relationship between the processes in Mamil Choique and Buitrera, and the factors which controlled the halloysite formation. The work was based on field work, mineralogical and geochemical studies, form and distribution of the alteration. Fresh as well as altered rocks were collected. The first were studied by petrographic and chemical methods. In altered samples, the clay mineralogy was determined by XRD and textures by SEM and TEM. Chemical analyses on fresh and altered samples were used to characterize the alteration process and the rock composition.

It was concluded that halloysite has been formed by weathering in a time range from Middle Eocene to Middle Oligocene and extended along 50 km in a W-E direction, independent of the source rock. Particle morphology depends on the original texture of the rock. Spheroidal halloysite is related to rocks with low porosity and tubular particles are related to rocks with open spaces.
A simple approach for producing high aspect ratio fluorohectorite nanoplatelets utilizing a stirred media mill (ball mill)
Authors: Ziadeh M. , Chwalka B. , Kalo H. , Schütz M. R. , Breu J.
Published: September 2012

The potential of platy nanofillers like clays in polymer nanocomposites is mostly determined by their aspect ratio. The degree of improvement that may be achieved in respect to reinforcement, gas-barrier properties and flame retardancy critically depends on the aspect ratio. Thus, increasing the aspect ratio is highly desirable in order to explore the full potential of the clay filler. Mechanical shear stress as generated in the grinding chamber of a stirred media mill (ball mill) induced an efficient exfoliation of highly hydrated and therefore ‘shear-labile’ synthetic Mg-fluorohectorite in aqueous dispersion. The attainable degree of exfoliation can be tuned and controlled through the shear forces applied by changing process parameters such as solid content and grinding media diameter. Characterization and evaluation of the exfoliation efficiency during milling was achieved by combining and cross-validating data obtained by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), static light scattering (SLS), specific surface area measurements applying the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This led to the identification of optimal processing parameters, allowing for control of the degree of exfoliation and, consequently, the aspect ratio of the nanoplatelets. Not surprisingly, besides exfoliation, increasing the magnitude of the shear stress also resulted in some reduction in platelet size.

The clay platelets obtained showed a high average aspect ratio (>600), several times greater than that of original synthetic fluorohectorite. The increase of aspect ratio was reflected in a significant enhancement of both specific surface area and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the external basal surfaces. This method has substantial advantages compared to microfluidizer processing with respect to feasibility, batch size and particle diameter size preservation. The exfoliated nanoplatelets obtained by milling have great potential to improve mechanical properties of polymer layered silicate nanocomposites (PLSN).
Effect of heating vermiculites on extractability of phosphorus and some essential plant micronutrients
Authors: Marwa E. M. M. , Meharg A. A. , Rice C. M.
Published: September 2012

The study assessed the effect of heating vermiculites on extractability of phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese with respect to their potential agricultural use. Of these elements, phosphorus was from apatite and monazite that occur as accessory minerals in vermiculites. Vermiculites were heated at 15–800°C and digested by acetic acid for extracting phosphorus and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) for extracting zinc, iron and manganese. Phosphorus in the extract was analysed by a flow injection method while zinc, iron and manganese were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that heating vermiculites to 400°C enhanced extractability of phosphorus from apatite and monazite to a level of 335 mg kg–1. Further heating to 800°C reduced extractable phosphorus to less than 75 mg kg–1. Maximum extractable zinc, iron and manganese found were 2.7, 19.1 and 22.9 mg kg–1, respectively, values that are beneficial and tolerable by most plants. Thus, it was concluded that heating vermiculites to ⩽ 400°C optimizes extractability of phosphorus from incorporated apatite and monazite and some essential plant micronutrients in vermiculites.
How I treat amyloidosis: the importance of accurate diagnosis and amyloid typing
Authors: Leung Nelson , Nasr Samih H. , Sethi Sanjeev
Published: September 2012

Amyloidosis is a rare group of diseases characterized by deposition of amyloid fibrils in soft tissues. More than 28 types of amyloid have been identified. They all share common ultrastructural and chemical characteristics. Treatments are available for many types but are type specific. Therefore, confirmation and typing of amyloid are essential before initiating treatment. Monoclonal protein studies should be performed on suspected cases, but the diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy. Congo red stain and electron microscopy are helpful to discriminate between amyloid and other pathologic fibrils. Once amyloid is confirmed, typing should be performed. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry are frequently used and are helpful, but this approach has limitations, such as availability, specificity and sensitivity of commercial antibodies. Genetic mutational analysis is vital for ruling in and out hereditary amyloidoses but is unhelpful in nonmutated forms. The most advanced technique of amyloid typing is laser microdissection followed by mass spectrometry. Using proteomics, laser microdissection followed by mass spectrometry can directly identify proteins with or without mutations. Finally, imaging studies, such as cardiac MRI with gadolinium and 123I-labeled SAP scintigraphy not only assist in evaluation of patients with known amyloidosis but cardiac MRI has detected amyloid in patients previously unsuspected of the disease.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of the anti-VWF Nanobody ALX-0681 in a preclinical baboon model of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Callewaert Filip , Roodt Jan , Ulrichts Hans , Stohr Thomas , van Rensburg Walter Janse , Lamprecht Seb , Rossenu Stefaan , Priem Sofie , Willems Wouter , Holz Josefin-Beate
Published: September 2012

ALX-0681 is a therapeutic Nanobody targeting the A1-domain of VWF. It inhibits the interaction between ultra-large VWF and platelet GpIb-IX-V, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). In the present study, we report the efficacy and safety profile of ALX-0681 in a baboon model of acquired TTP. In this model, acute episodes of TTP are induced by administration of an ADAMTS13-inhibiting mAb. ALX-0681 completely prevented the rapid onset of severe thrombocytopenia and schistocytic hemolytic anemia. After induction of TTP, platelet counts also rapidly recovered on administration of ALX-0681. This effect was corroborated by the full neutralization of VWF activity. The schistocytic hemolytic anemia was also halted and partially reversed by ALX-0681 treatment. Brain CT scans and post mortem analysis did not reveal any sign of bleeding, suggesting that complete neutralization of VWF by ALX-0681 under conditions of thrombocytopenia was not linked with an excessive bleeding risk. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that ALX-0681 can successfully treat and prevent the most important hallmarks of acquired TTP without evidence of a severe bleeding risk. Therefore, ALX-0681 offers an attractive new therapeutic option for acquired TTP in the clinical setting.
Mitochondrial genome evolution in species belonging to the Phialocephala fortinii s.l. - Acephala applanata species complex
Authors: Duò Angelo , Bruggmann Rémy , Zoller Stefan , Bernt Matthias , Grünig Christoph R
Published: September 2012

Background

Mitochondrial (mt) markers are successfully applied in evolutionary biology and systematics because mt genomes often evolve faster than the nuclear genomes. In addition, they allow robust phylogenetic analysis based on conserved proteins of the oxidative phosphorylation system. In the present study we sequenced and annotated the complete mt genome of P. subalpina, a member of the Phialocephala fortinii s.l. – Acephala applanata species complex (PAC). PAC belongs to the Helotiales, which is one of the most diverse groups of ascomycetes including more than 2,000 species. The gene order was compared to deduce the mt genome evolution in the Pezizomycotina. Genetic variation in coding and intergenic regions of the mtDNA was studied for PAC to assess the usefulness of mt DNA for species diagnosis.

Results

The mt genome of P. subalpina is 43,742 bp long and codes for 14 mt genes associated with the oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, a GIY-YIG endonuclease, the ribosomal protein S3 (Rps3) and a putative N-acetyl-transferase were recognized. A complete set of tRNA genes as well as the large and small rRNA genes but no introns were found. All protein-coding genes were confirmed by EST sequences. The gene order in P. subalpina deviated from the gene order in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the only other helotialean species with a fully sequenced and annotated mt genome. Gene order analysis within Pezizomycotina suggests that the evolution of gene orders is mostly driven by transpositions. Furthermore, sequence diversity in coding and non-coding mtDNA regions in seven additional PAC species was pronounced and allowed for unequivocal species diagnosis in PAC.

Conclusions

The combination of non-interrupted ORFs and EST sequences resulted in a high quality annotation of the mt genome of P. subalpina, which can be used as a reference for the annotation of other mt genomes in the Helotiales. In addition, our analyses show that mtDNA loci will be the marker of choice for future analysis of PAC communities.
Characterization of copper-resistant bacteria and bacterial communities from copper-polluted agricultural soils of central Chile
Authors: Altimira Fabiola , Yáñez Carolina , Bravo Guillermo , González Myriam , Rojas Luis A , Seeger Michael
Published: September 2012

Background

Copper mining has led to Cu pollution in agricultural soils. In this report, the effects of Cu pollution on bacterial communities of agricultural soils from Valparaiso region, central Chile, were studied. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the 16S rRNA genes was used for the characterization of bacterial communities from Cu-polluted and non-polluted soils. Cu-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from Cu-polluted soils and characterized.

Results

DGGE showed a similar high number of bands and banding pattern of the bacterial communities from Cu-polluted and non-polluted soils. The presence of copA genes encoding the multi-copper oxidase that confers Cu-resistance in bacteria was detected by PCR in metagenomic DNA from the three Cu-polluted soils, but not in the non-polluted soil. The number of Cu-tolerant heterotrophic cultivable bacteria was significantly higher in Cu-polluted soils than in the non-polluted soil. Ninety two Cu-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from three Cu-polluted agricultural soils. Five isolated strains showed high resistance to copper (MIC ranged from 3.1 to 4.7 mM) and also resistance to other heavy metals. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses indicate that these isolates belong to the genera Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Arthrobacter. The Sphingomonas sp. strains O12, A32 and A55 and Stenotrophomonas sp. C21 possess plasmids containing the Cu-resistance copA genes. Arthrobacter sp. O4 possesses the copA gene, but plasmids were not detected in this strain. The amino acid sequences of CopA from Sphingomonas isolates (O12, A32 and A55), Stenotrophomonas strain (C21) and Arthrobacter strain (O4) are closely related to CopA from Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Arthrobacter strains, respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggests that bacterial communities of agricultural soils from central Chile exposed to long-term Cu-pollution have been adapted by acquiring Cu genetic determinants. Five bacterial isolates showed high copper resistance and additional resistance to other heavy metals. Detection of copA gene in plasmids of four Cu-resistant isolates indicates that mobile genetic elements are involved in the spreading of Cu genetic determinants in polluted environments.
Acceptability of early infant male circumcision among chinese parents: strategy implications of HIV prevention for china
Authors: Pan Lianjun , Zhang Aixia , Shen Rong , Wang Zhong
Published: September 2012

Background

Recent evidence has confirmed that circumcision can be performed as a preventive strategy for HIV and early infant male circumcision (EIMC) is regarded to be safer than circumcision in adulthood; however, limited data are available in the literature about EIMC in China. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the willingness and attitudes of Chinese parents on newborn male circumcision so as to provide data for exploring the feasibility of implementing EIMC as an HIV prevention strategy in China.

Methods

Simple random sampling was used to draw participants from parents who had a newborn son delivered at Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, which is affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, between March and December 2010. A questionnaire was used to determine general medical knowledge or information about circumcision, attitudes about EIMC, and level of decision-making on circumcision for the newborn son.

Results

Data derived from 558 responses were analyzed and the ratio of respondents was 56.3% for fathers and 43.6% for mothers. Of the respondents, 34.4% agreed to circumcise their newborn son, and the level of agreement was 3.25 ± 1.17 (range, 1–5 with “1” being “reluctantly agree” and “5” being “very strongly agree”). The major reason for EIMC was for health (44.8%), followed by doctor’s advice (31.2%). The major reason not to agree to EIMC was concern about pain (50.5%), followed by the risk of the procedure (23.5%).

Conclusion

The willingness and acceptability of EIMC in China is low and the parents of newborn sons are usually not very affirmative when making a decision on such a procedure, suggesting that significant effort will be needed if EIMC is to be implemented as an HIV prevention strategy for China.
Childhood caries in the state of Kentucky, USA: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kandel Elizabeth A , Richards Jenna M , Binkley Catherine J
Published: September 2012

Background

Untreated dental caries afflicts almost one third of school-aged children in the United States and many of them are from disadvantaged families. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of untreated caries in north central Kentucky, USA and to examine the relationships between the available demographic variables and untreated childhood caries as reported on the forms from the Smile Kentucky! program.

Methods

During the fall of 2008, caries status was assessed during the visual oral screening examination component of “SmileKentucky!”– a model of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile program. Parents had completed brief surveys concerning 3,488 elementary school children aged 5 to 13 years who participated in the program. A secondary analysis was conducted using univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical methods.

Results

Untreated caries was reported in 33% of children. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses found that the most significant risk factors for having untreated caries were living in the metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky area, not having had a dental visit in the previous 3 years and not having any form of dental insurance.

Conclusions

Untreated caries in elementary school children is prevalent in north-central Kentucky despite efforts to improve access to care. The results suggest that additional family and community preventive initiatives are needed to reduce the development of childhood caries in this area of the United States.