bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmopolitanism as Imagined Communities of Global Risk
Authors: Beck Ulrich
Published: September 2011

Modern societies—Western and non-Western alike—are confronted with qualitatively new problems, which create the “cosmopolitan imperative”: cooperate or fail! This cosmopolitan imperative arises because of global risks: nuclear risks, ecological risks, technological risks, economic risks created by radicalized modernity and insufficiently regulated financial markets, and so on. These new global risks have at least two consequences: First, they mix the “native” with the “foreign” and create an everyday global awareness, and second therefore, the concept of imagined communities, so beautifully outlined by Benedict Anderson, has to be redefined. However, the result of global interconnectedness is not a “pure” normative cosmopolitanism of a world without borders. Instead, these risks produce a new “impure” cosmopolitization—the global other is in our midst. What emerges is the universal possibility of “risk communities” that spring up, establish themselves, and become aware of their cosmopolitan composition—“imagined cosmopolitan communities” that might come into existence in the awareness that dangers or risks can no longer be socially delimited in space or time.
Bioaccumulation and elimination of nickel in the organs of black fish (Capoeta fusca)
Authors: Mansouri Borhan , Ebrahimpour Mohammad , Babaei Hadi
Published: September 2011

Since toxicity is based on the effect that a toxicant produces at a target site within an organism, establishing the relationship between the concentration of substance at the target site and the subsequent toxic effect can provide a tool for predicting toxicity. This article aims to investigate the patterns of bioaccumulation and elimination of nickel in the selected organs of black fish ( Capoeta fusca) exposed to two treatments of nickel (4.5 and 12.7 mg/L) for a period of 30 days. Nickel was assayed using Shimadzu AA 680 atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results were given as μg/g wet weight. This finding showed that the accumulation patterns of nickel, for lower sub-lethal (LSL) and higher sub-lethal (HSL) concentrations of nickel, are in the following order: gill > liver > muscle > skin. The elimination patterns of nickel are in the following order: gill > skin > muscle > liver, for LSL concentration, and gill > skin > liver > muscle, for HSL concentration of nickel. The results show that the target organ for accumulation and elimination of nickel is gill.
A predictive divergence compensation approach for the fabrication of three-dimensional microstructures using focused ion beam machining
Authors: Sun J , Luo X , Ritchie J , Hrncir T
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the major factors which cause fabrication divergence in the focused ion beam (FIB) milling process are discussed. A divergence compensation approach is outlined which calculates the corrected dwell time in order to allow for the divergence caused by the FIB milling process; this is due to overlap effects and the angular-dependent sputter yield. A multi-pass scanning method is used to reduce the fabrication divergence precipitated by atom redeposition. Microstructures, such as parabolic, hemispherical and sinusoidal shapes and a nano hemispherical structure have been produced during the FIB milling experiments using conventional bitmap milling and proposed divergence compensation approaches. A flat top/bottom surface is obtained in convex/concave structures when using the conventional bitmap FIB milling approach. Further research shows that the reasons for this phenomenon are mainly related to both the aspect ratio of the structures and the existence of an oxide layer on the substrate surface. The flat top/bottom phenomenon can be removed by using the combination of a novel divergence compensation approach and the removal of the oxide layer from the substrate surface prior to FIB machining. The experimental results show that the surface form accuracy has been greatly improved by using this method and the overlap effect can be suppressed by carefully choosing the normalized pixel spacing.
Effects of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate on yield and characteristics of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Chantarasuwan C. , Benjakul S. , Visessanguan W.
Published: September 2011

Effects of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on yield and characteristics of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were studied. Shrimp soaked in 2.5% NaCl containing both compounds at different levels of pH (5.5, 7, 8.5, 10 and 11.5) showed an increase in the weight gain and cooking yield and a reduced cooking loss as pH of solutions increased (p < 0.05). Increases in pH and salt content in soaked shrimp muscle were obtained with increasing pH (p < 0.05). Higher pH of soaking solution partially solubilized proteins in the muscle as well as carotenoproteins. pH of solutions above 8.5 led to the pronounced leaching of pigments, associated with the lowered redness of cooked shrimp. Shear force of raw and cooked shrimp continuously decreased as pH of solution increased (p < 0.05). Solution containing 2.5% NaCl and 2.0% NaHCO3 (pH 8.5) was recommended for treatment of white shrimp as a promising alternative for phosphates to increase the yield and to lower cooking loss without any negative effect on sensory properties.
“Imperfectly Incarnate”: Father Absence, Law and Lies in Bret Easton Ellis’ Lunar Park and John Burnside’s A Lie About My Father
Authors: Cain Ruth
Published: September 2011

Contemporary discussions emphasize crisis, fragmentation and reconstruction in the definition of the “new fatherhood.” In UK law, attempts to reinstate the “Name of the Father” into familial structures have appeared to shore up conventional family forms against the threat of dissolution. This article examines the difficulties of defining and describing legal and literary fatherhood through examination of two recent works, Bret Easton Ellis’ Lunar Park and John Burnside’s A Lie About My Father. It suggests that the father of memory and imagination possesses qualities of falsehood and emptiness which mirror the intangibility and symbolic overburdening of the paternal signifier as theorized by Lacan and more recently Žižek. Thus, remembered fathers abuse, neglect, and crucially, lie to sons who long both for the presence of the human father and for the magic of the signifier. It then examines the authors’ strategies for forgiveness of their fathers and their attempts to reconcile the liar with the lying signifier, discussing ways in which imagining the father as embodied individual aid in the rehabilitation of the paternal signifier itself, with implications for sociolegal conceptions of fathers and fatherhood.
An automated and simple method for brain MR image extraction
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Liu Jiafeng , Zhu Zixin , Li Haiyun
Published: September 2011

Background

The extraction of brain tissue from magnetic resonance head images, is an important image processing step for the analyses of neuroimage data. The authors have developed an automated and simple brain extraction method using an improved geometric active contour model.

Methods

The method uses an improved geometric active contour model which can not only solve the boundary leakage problem but also is less sensitive to intensity inhomogeneity. The method defines the initial function as a binary level set function to improve computational efficiency. The method is applied to both our data and Internet brain MR data provided by the Internet Brain Segmentation Repository.

Results

The results obtained from our method are compared with manual segmentation results using multiple indices. In addition, the method is compared to two popular methods, Brain extraction tool and Model-based Level Set.

Conclusions

The proposed method can provide automated and accurate brain extraction result with high efficiency.
“The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Cuts Cordwood”: Exploring Black Women's Lives and Labor in Georgia's Convict Camps, 1865–1917
Authors: LeFlouria Talitha
Published: September 2011

This article exposes the interior world of black female prisoners who labored in Georgia's convict camps after the Civil War. During the post-Emancipation period convict labor became an indispensable asset in the development of Georgia's postwar industries, and helped foster the growth of its industrial economy. Black female convicts labored silently in the state's brickyards, coal and iron factories, and farms, while misdemeanant women graded roads and constructed bridges in county chain gangs. The lives and labor of these women were complicated by the ever-present threat of physical and sexual violence. Nonetheless, black female prisoners resisted encroachments on their self-worth and fought hard to preserve their humanity in a dehumanizing system built on terror and control.
Effect of Parallel Gradations on Crushed Rock-Concrete Interface Behaviors
Authors: Kang Xing , Cambio Domenica , Ge Louis
Published: September 2011

The response of a soil-structure system subjected to monotonic or cyclic loading is significantly influenced by the mechanical behavior of its interface. In this paper, the friction characteristics of crushed rock-concrete interface and the role of the crushed rock deformability were examined through a series of monotonic and cyclic direct shear tests under the framework of parallel gradation technique. Two parallel gradation curves of the crushed rocks were used. All the tests were carried out in dry condition and with two initial void ratios representing both loose and dense states. Two concrete interfaces of different roughness were used in the interface direct shear tests. The static test results show that parallel gradation technique can be used to characterize the residual shear strength but not the volume change. Moreover, under cyclic loading, it can neither yield the same volume change, nor the same shear strength. The critical state of the soil interfaces was also studied, which shed some light on the mechanism of pile skin friction mobilization and modeling of soil-concrete interface behaviors.
Impact of artificial recharge on water quality in groundwater depression cone
Authors: Ye Xueyan , Du Xinqiang
Published: September 2011

More than 100 regional groundwater depression cones have developed because of groundwater over-exploitation in recent years in China. The total area of the cones is nearly 15 × 104 km2 and the Daqing groundwater depression cone considered in this paper is the second largest. In order to control groundwater level and its related environmental side effects, artificial aquifer recharge (AR) will be implemented in the Daqing groundwater depression cone. Recharge water imported from the River Nenjiang will interact with native groundwater and the aquifer matrix during the process of artificial aquifer recharge and this will influence groundwater quality and affect the groundwater environment in the region. The interaction between recharge water, native groundwater and aquifer matrix was forecast by groundwater geochemistry modelling. The modelled results show a tendency of water quality change in aquifer, which is helpful to identify any health risks and assess the feasibility of artificial recharge in this region of China.
Cognitive Functioning and the Probability of Falls among Seniors in Havana, Cuba
Authors: Trujillo Antonio J. , Hyder Adnan A. , Steinhardt Laura C.
Published: September 2011

This article explores the connection between cognitive functioning and falls among seniors (> 60 years of age) in Havana, Cuba, after controlling for observable characteristics. Using the SABE (Salud, Bienestar, and Envejecimiento) cross-sectional database, we used an econometric strategy that takes advantage of available information to reduce the endogeneity problem of cognitive functioning and the individual probability of falling. Our findings suggest that memory scores and cognitive functioning impacts the probability of falling—even after controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status, existence of chronic non-communicable conditions, vision/hearing capacity, and baseline health. Monitoring elderly with low cognitive functioning may be a cost-effective way to reduce the economic burden of falls.
Longitudinal Study of Depressive Symptoms and Progression of Insulin Resistance in Youth at Risk for Adult Obesity
Authors: Shomaker Lauren B. , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian , Stern Elizabeth A. , Miller Rachel , Zocca Jaclyn M. , Field Sara E. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Hubbard Van S. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether having childhood depressive symptoms is a risk factor that prospectively predicts impairment in glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A non–treatment-seeking sample of 115 children (aged 5–13 years), oversampled for being at risk for adult obesity, was assessed at baseline and again ~6 years later. Children self-reported depressive symptoms using the Children’s Depression Inventory at baseline. Insulin resistance was assessed at baseline and follow-up with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

Children’s depressive symptoms were a significant predictor of follow-up HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose in models accounting for baseline HOMA-IR, insulin, or glucose values; sex; race; baseline age; baseline BMI; change in BMI at follow-up; family history of type 2 diabetes; and time in the study (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, depressive symptomatology at baseline predicted the progression of insulin resistance during child and adolescent development independent of changes in BMI. Research is needed to determine whether early intervention to decrease elevated depressive symptoms in youth ameliorates later development of insulin resistance and lessens the risk of type 2 diabetes.
CU Splitting on Frame Boundary for Arbitrary Resolution Video in HEVC
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Fu Zheng , Wan Shu Ai , Ren Guang Liang
Published: September 2011

A highly flexible quadtree structure has been introduced in the latest high efficient video coding (HEVC) to efficiently represent video content. However, the performance of the quadtre structure would be impaired when the video resolution is not an integral multiply of the largest coding unit (CU). To address this, a new CU splitting method on the frame boundary for arbitrary resolution video is proposed to improve the coding efficiency of HEVC. This method introduces the non-square CU to extend the CU candidate set on the frame boundary when the video resolution is not an integral multiple of the largest CU size. Simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the coding bit rate by up to 0.76% compared with the original TMuC 0.9 reference software.
The Image Filtering Algorithm Based on the Enlarged Pixel Domain
Authors: Wang Wei Qing , Yan Yu Hua , Yu Rong
Published: September 2011

At the first, the algorithm unifies the all of the pixel domain within the rectangular pixels to . At the same time, it gave threshold value of the gradient amplitude. Then it calculates the gradient amplitude of each pixel. Finally, by comparing and , the isolated noise pixel is identified. For the noise pixel, we deal it with the median-filtering algorithm. And for the non-noise pixel, we remain them unchanged. So the algorithm did not lose the information of the original image.
A Smart Sentiment Analysis System in Word, Sentence and Text Level
Authors: He Hui , Chen Bo
Published: September 2011

Recently, sentiment analysis of text is becoming a hotspot in the study of natural language processing, which has drawn interesting attention due to its research value and extensive applications. This paper introduces a smart sentiment analysis system, which is to satisfy three aspects of sentiment analysis requirement. These are Chinese sentiment word recognition and analysis, sentiment related element extraction and text orientation analysis. Promising results and analysis are presented at the end of this paper.
A Service Composition Approach Based on Patterns
Authors: Cai Guang Jun , Zhao Bin
Published: September 2011

Service composition is an emerging way to provide the value-added service. The existing automatic composition approaches pay little attention to service reuse. In this paper, we propose two kinds service composition patterns to improve the reusability of the composition result and propose an approach to compose services based on pattern. Meanwhile, the composition approach can be done in an automatic manner without any other knowledge. The experiment and analysis show it is effective.
Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization with Dynamic Crowding Entropy-Based Diversity Measure
Authors: Gao Yue Lin , Lei Fan Fan
Published: September 2011

A multi-objective particle swarm optimization with dynamic crowding entropy-based diversity measure is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the elitist strategy is used in external archive in order to improve the convergence of this algorithm. Then the new diversity strategy called dynamic crowding entropy strategy and the global optimization update strategy are used to ensure sufficient diversity and uniform distribution amongst the solution of the non-dominated fronts. The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to find better spread of solutions with the better convergence to the Pareto front and preserve diversity of Pareto optimal solutions the more efficiently.
A Blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle Improves Glucose Tolerance in Exercise-Trained Men
Authors: Canale Robert E. , Farney Tyler M. , McCarthy Cameron G. , Bloomer Richard J.
Published: September 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle on serum glucose and insulin in response to a modified oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Methods

Using a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, 10 exercise-trained, non-diabetic men reported to the lab in a 10 hour fasted state, on two different mornings separated by 1-2 weeks, and were subjected to an OGTT by ingesting a 75 gram dextrose solution. Fifteen minutes prior to the OGTT subjects ingested either a dietary supplement containing a blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle (SUPP) or a placebo (PLA). Blood samples were collected before ingestion of the SUPP or PLA and at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 minutes postingestion of the dextrose load. Samples were analyzed for serum glucose and insulin.

Results

In relation to serum glucose, a condition effect was noted ( P = 0.01), with values lower for SUPP compared to PLA. In relation to serum insulin, a trend for a condition effect was noted ( P = 0.06), with values lower for SUPP compared to PLA.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that acute ingestion of a dietary supplement containing a blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle can lower the serum glucose response to a modified OGTT, while resulting in a non-significant attenuation in insulin response. These data are specific to a small sample of exercise-trained, non-diabetic men.
Rock warming and drying under simulated intertidal conditions, part II: weathering and biological influences on evaporative cooling and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions as an example of biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering
Authors: Coombes Martin A. , Naylor L. A.
Published: September 2011

The way in which rocks and engineering materials heat‐up and dry‐out in the intertidal zone is of relevance to both weathering and ecology. These behaviours can be measured in the laboratory under controlled conditions designed to replicate those occurring in the field. Previous studies have demonstrated differences in thermal behaviours between rock types and through time as a result of soiling in terrestrial environments, but the influence of weathering and colonization on rock behaviours in the intertidal zone has not been previously assessed.

We measured the warming and drying of blocks of rock (limestone and granite) and marine concrete during ‘low‐tide’ events simulated in the laboratory, before and after a period of exposure (eight months) on rock platforms in Cornwall, UK. As well as differences between the material types, temperatures of control (unexposed) and field‐exposed blocks differed in the order of 1 to 2 °C. Drying behaviours were also different after field exposure. Differences during the first few hours of exposure to air and heat were attributed to discolouration and albedo effects. Over longer periods of time, changes in the availability of near‐surface pore water as a result of micro‐scale bioerosion of limestone and the development of bio‐chemical crusts on marine concrete [observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] are suggested as mechanisms enhancing and reducing, respectively, the efficiency of evaporative cooling. The retention of moisture by epilithic biofilms may also influence thermal and drying behaviours of granite.

These observations represent one of the first examples of cross‐scalar biogeomorphic linkages in the intertidal zone. The significance of the results for the subsequent efficiency of weathering, and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions experienced by colonizing organisms is discussed. The involvement of microorganisms in the creation of more (or less) ecologically stressful conditions through the alteration of substratum geomorphic properties and behaviours is suggested as an example of ‘biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering’. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of Amino acid mutation in hepatitis C virus core region among Japanese volunteer blood donors
Authors: Furui Yasumi , Hoshi Yuji , Murata Kazumoto , Ito Kiyoaki , Suzuki Kou , Uchida Shigeharu , Satake Masahiro , Mizokami Masashi , Tadokoro Kenji
Published: September 2011

It is not known whether there is a trend of increasing or decreasing incidence of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Japan. From the treatment point of view, it is important to verify HCV genotypes and the prevalence of treatment‐resistant clones of HCV. At the Japanese Red Cross blood centers, all blood samples obtained from blood donation have been screened using serological methods and the minipool nucleic acid amplification testing. One hundred and fourteen donors have been identified over the past 10 years to be HCV RNA‐only positive without detectable anti‐HCV and were considered to be in the acute phase of HCV infection. There was a trend of decreasing incidence of such new infections among the blood donors. HCV RNA‐only‐positive samples were examined further for genotyping and HCV RNA quantitation. Genotype 2 (2a plus 2b) was predominant (78.2%) among them followed by genotype 1b (21.2%). Direct sequencing was carried out to detect the possible treatment‐resistant mutant clones 70Q and 91M, clones with amino acid substitutions at positions 70 and 91 of the HCV core protein, respectively. 70Q and 91M were found regularly in donors with genotype 1b, but not in those with other genotypes. No particular endemic areas for the mutant clones were identified. There was no significant difference in the mean viral titer between the 70Q mutant type and the non‐70Q wild‐type. Even in newly infected people, the mutant clone 70Q was detected frequently. J. Med. Virol. 83:1924–1929, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Religious poetry from the Quranic milieu: Umayya b. Abī l-Ṣalt on the fate of the Thamūd
Authors: Sinai Nicolai
Published: September 2011

Unlike most ancient Arabic poetry, the poems attributed to Umayya b. Abī l-Ṣalt treat subjects that are also prominent in the Quran, such as creation, eschatology, and episodes from Biblical history. The authenticity of this corpus has, however, been the subject of some controversy. After a critical survey of previous scholarship, this article examines one particular passage from the Umayya corpus dealing with the destruction of the ancient tribe of Thamūd, which, it is argued, is likely to be pre-Quranic. The article then proceeds to highlight the crucial differences, both in content and in literary format, that exist between Umayya's retelling of the Thamūd narrative and its earliest Quranic version, and concludes with a number of general remarks on the Quran's religious milieu as reflected in Umayya's literary output.
Recruitment of Phalaris aquatica within existing swards. 1. Effects of biomass manipulation, seed level modification and site preparation
Authors: Thapa R. , Kemp D. R. , Michalk D. L.
Published: September 2011

A successful recruitment event in perennial grasslands is infrequent and when it occurs, the rate of recruitment and survival is low, <1% in most occasions. This paper reports on two field experiments that investigate the effects of biomass manipulation, seed level modification and site preparation on the recruitment of Phalaris aquatica seedlings. The experiments were done through drier than average years, where P. aquatica achieved successful recruitment of seedlings. Recruitment rates proportional to total seed set were 1.3–13.3% in experiment 1 and 0.5–4.2% in experiment 2. The control treatment, on average, resulted in 352 seedlings/m2 in experiment 1 and 16/m2 in experiment 2 compared with the best treatments which had 500 and 38/m2, respectively, on average. There was poor seed set in experiment 2 before the recruitment event. Presence of existing biomass compared with either removing or leaving the plant material on the ground had greater success on seedling emergence, whereas seed addition had little effect suggesting that microsites may be more important than seed availability for P. aquatica seedling emergence. Soil scarification in general failed to have significant effects in both experiments. Seedlings survived until the following summer, but few then remained through the ensuing drought. This research showed that minimal intervention was needed to encourage emergence and early survival, and provides data on the mechanisms involved for recruitment of a perennial grass species in existing swards.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in human fibroblast cells by four root canal sealers
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Accorsi‐Mendonça T , Almeida J. F. A. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Zaia A. A.
Published: September 2011

Silva EJNL, Accorsi‐Mendonça T, Almeida JFA, Ferraz CCR, Gomes BPFA, Zaia AA. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in human fibroblast cells by four root canal sealers. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 49–56, 2012.

Aim  To investigate the effects of root canal sealers on the cytotoxicity and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human fibroblasts.

Methodology  Human fibroblasts (MRC5, 3 × 105 cells per well) were incubated directly or indirectly with AH Plus, Endomethasone N, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT or Sealapex for 30 min, 1, 4 or 24 h (time‐points). The cytotoxicity of all root canal sealers was determined by counting viable cells using the trypan blue exclusion assay. Supernatants of cell cultures incubated with root sealers directly or indirectly were collected after each time‐point to determine the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography. Data were analysed using anova and the Tukey’s tests.

Results  Cells secreted MMP‐2 after periods of 4 and 24 h; however, there were no significant differences between the sealers. Secretion of gelatinases was elevated by root canal sealers in direct contact with the cell monolayer when compared to indirect contact (P < 0.05). At the time‐points tested, no gelatinolytic activity could be detected in the control group without the sealers. The cytotoxicity results revealed that all sealers were cytotoxic in both contact forms. Sealapex had the lowest cytotoxicity and AH Plus the most cytotoxicity.

Conclusions  All root canal sealers induced the expression of MMP‐2 in MRC5 fibroblasts. AH Plus had the highest cytotoxicity amongst the tested sealers, but all were associated with cytotoxic effects.
Comparison of clinical outcome of single‐incision laparoscopic surgery using a simplified access system with conventional laparoscopic surgery for malignant colorectal disease
Authors: Lu C.‐C. , Lin S.‐E. , Chung K.‐C. , Rau K.‐M.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Instrument crowding is encountered in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Our aim was to compare the results of SILS with those of conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for malignant colorectal disease.

Methods  The records of 27 patients who received SILS for the treatment of malignant disease using a home‐made multiple‐port system were compared with those of 68 patients who received CLS performed in a standard manner using four to five trocar sites.

Results  There were no significant differences in age, gender, disease stage, tumour location or tumour size between the SILS and CLS groups. The most common surgery was high anterior resection in both groups (SILS, 63.0%vs CLS, 58.8%). There were no significant differences between the groups in types of surgery performed, length of bowel resected, resection margin, blood loss, duration of surgery or postoperative complications. Postoperative pain scores were significantly higher in the SILS group than in the CLS group (3.07 ± 1.14 vs 2.41 ± 0.63, respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  SILS is as effective as CLS, and is not associated with increased duration of surgery, blood loss or complications.
Has Inflation Persistence Changed under EMU?
Authors: Tillmann Peter
Published: September 2011

This paper analyzes the persistence of inflation in the euro area and, in particular, whether the persistence properties have changed since the start of European Monetary Union(EMU). For that purpose, we compare pre- and post-EMU inflation persistence, use rolling-window estimates of persistence, and apply tests specifically designed to detect break dates near the end of the sample period. In contrast to previous research, we find that inflation persistence has fallen significantly since the start of EMU. Persistence of consumer price inflation, which is central to the European Central Bank’s policy mandate, has fallen more than the persistence of deflator inflation. The drop in inflation persistence is consistent with the results from a simulated small New Keynesian model with a shift toward a more aggressive monetary policy stance.
Predicting the emetic liability of novel chemical entities: a comparative study
Authors: du Sert Nathalie Percie , Holmes Anthony M , Wallis Rob , Andrews Paul LR
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Emesis is a multi‐system reflex, which is usually investigated using in vivo models. The aim of the study is to compare the response induced by emetic compounds across species and investigate whether dogs, ferrets and rats are all similarly predictive of humans.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A systematic review was carried out and relevant publications were identified from PubMed. The search was restricted to four species (human, dog, ferret, rat) and ten compounds representative of various mechanisms of emesis induction (apomorphine, cisplatin, cholecystokinin octapeptide, copper sulphate, cyclophosphamide, ipecacuanha, lithium chloride, morphine, nicotine, rolipram).

KEY RESULTS 1046 publications were reviewed, and 311 were included, the main reason for exclusion was the lack of quantitative data. Emetic or pica data were extracted as incidence, intensity or latency. All three animal species identified emetic liability but interspecies differences for dose sensitivity were detected.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION These results suggest that emetic liability can be reliably identified in a common laboratory species such as the rat. However, to evaluate the characteristics of the emetic response, no animal species is a universal predictor of emetic liability and the choice of species should be an informed decision based on the type of compound investigated. Limitations relating to the conduct and reporting of emesis studies were identified, the main ones being the lack of comparable outcome measures between human and animal data, and the limited availability of human data in the public domain.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Carotid Elongation
Authors: Baracchini Claudio , Farina Filippo , Tonello Simone , Citton Valentina , Meneghetti Giorgio , Ballotta Enzo , Manara Renzo
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Internal carotid artery (ICA) elongation (coiling and kinking) has been suggested as a risk factor for carotid dissection. Since vasomotion is known to be impaired in spontaneous cervical vessel dissection, we investigated whether endothelial‐dependent vasodilation in subjects with carotid coiling and kinking is compromised.

METHODS

We undertook a case‐control study using high‐resolution ultrasound and measured flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in 80 subjects with carotid elongation and in 80 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). The hemodynamic impact of carotid elongation was taken into consideration subdividing mild/moderate kinking from severe kinking according to a peak systolic blood flow velocity >150 cm/s.

RESULTS

FMD did not differ among subjects with coiling (14.51 ± 7.86%), mild/moderate kinking (14.38 ± 9.58%) and HC (15.53 ± 8.48%), while subjects with a severe kinking had a significantly lower FMD (8.38 ± 3.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Among subjects with carotid elongation, those with severe kinking have an impaired endothelial‐dependent vasodilation and might be prone to carotid dissection.
Fruit availability, frugivore satiation and seed removal in 2 primate‐dispersed tree species
Authors: RATIARISON Sandra , FORGET Pierre‐Michel
Published: September 2011

During a mast‐fruiting event we investigated spatial variability in fruit availability, consumption, and seed removal at two sympatric tree species, Manilkara bidentata and M. huberi (Sapotaceae) at Nouragues Natural Reserve, French Guiana. We addressed the question of how Manilkara density and fruits at the community level might be major causes of variability in feeding assemblages between tree species. We thus explored how the frugivore assemblages differed between forest patches with contrasting relative Manilkara density and fruiting context. During the daytime, Alouatta seniculus was more often observed in M. huberi crowns at Petit Plateau (PP) with the greatest density of Manilkara spp. and the lowest fruit diversity and availability, whereas Cebus apella and Saguinus midas were more often observed in M. bidentata crowns at both Grand Plateau (GP), with a lowest density of M. bidentata and overall greater fruit supply, and PP. Overall, nearly 53% and 15% of the M. bidentata seed crop at GP and PP, respectively, and about 47% of the M. huberi seed crop were removed, otherwise either spit out or defecated beneath trees, or dropped in fruits. Small‐bodied primates concentrated fallen seeds beneath parent trees while large‐bodied primate species removed and dispersed more seeds away from parents. However, among the latter, satiated A. seniculus wasted seeds under conspecific trees at PP. Variations in feeding assemblages, seed removal rates and fates possibly reflected interactions with extra‐generic fruit species at the community level, according to feeding choice, habitat preferences and ranging patterns of primate species.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Vincristine‐Induced Gastric Hypomotility and the Prokinetic Effect of Mosapride in Dogs
Authors: Tsukamoto A. , Ohno K. , Tsukagoshi T. , Maeda S. , Nakashima K. , Fukushima K. , Fujino Y. , Takeuchi A. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: September 2011

Background

Vincristine induces gastrointestinal motility disorders in humans. Adverse gastrointestinal events are commonly observed in dogs receiving vincristine.

Objectives

To evaluate gastric motility after vincristine administration in dogs and the prophylactic effect of a prokinetic agent, mosapride.

Animals

Five healthy Beagle dogs.

Methods

Five dogs received vincristine IV at a dosage of 0.75 mg/m2. The motility index (MI) of the antral contraction was ultrasonographically evaluated 30 minutes postfeeding before administration of vincristine and for 6 days after vincristine treatment. After a 6‐week washout period, the dogs received vincristine with mosapride (2 mg/kg PO, q24h for 6 days), and the MI was re‐evaluated. Adverse gastrointestinal events were evaluated according to the Veterinary Co‐operative Group Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG‐CTCAE).

Results

After vincristine administration, a significant decrease (P < .05) in MI was observed on days 3 (6.64 ± 0.30) and 4 (8.02 ± 0.94), compared with pretreatment levels (10.00 ± 0.62). Gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in 4 dogs (grade 2 decreased appetite: 3 dogs; grade 1 vomiting: 2 dogs; and grade 1 diarrhea and grade 2 hematochezia: 1 dog). When mosapride citrate was administered with vincristine and for the next 5 days, no decrease in MI was observed. Furthermore, adverse gastrointestinal events occurred less frequently (grade 1 vomiting and grade 2 hematochezia in 1 dog each).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Vincristine (0.75 mg/m2) induces gastric hypomotility in dogs. Preventive administration of mosapride citrate (2.0 mg/kg PO, q24h) improves hypomotility and may decrease the adverse gastrointestinal effects of vincristine.
Synergistic Interaction of the Triple Combination of Amphotericin B, Ciprofloxacin, and Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Stergiopoulou Theodouli , Meletiadis Joseph , Sein Tin , Papaioannidou Paraskevi , Walsh Thomas J. , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: September 2011

Aspergillus
is damaged by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by means of nonoxidative and oxidative mechanisms, which may be affected by antifungal and antibacterial agents that patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis often receive. The pharmacodynamic interactions among deoxycholate amphotericin B (AMB), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and human PMNs against
Aspergillus fumigatus
growth are unknown. We therefore studied the interactions between 0.032 to 2.0 μg/ml of AMB, 0.1 to 50 μg/ml of CIP at a fixed AMB/CIP ratio of 1:3.125, and PMNs from six donors at an effector-to-target (E:T) ratio of 400:1 against a clinical
A. fumigatus
isolate using an XTT metabolic assay and the Bliss independence pharmacodynamic-interaction model. CIP exhibited no antifungal activity alone or in combination with PMNs. Synergy was found between AMB and PMNs, with interaction indices (II) of 0.06 to 0.21; the highest interaction of 21% ± 3.6% was observed at 0.22 ± 0.09 μg/ml of AMB. The AMB and CIP (AMB+CIP) combination was synergistic (II = 0.39) at low AMB concentrations and antagonistic (II = 1.39) at high AMB concentrations, with a maximal synergistic interaction of 16% ± 3.7% observed at 0.16 ± 0.08 μg/ml of AMB. The triple combination AMB+CIP+PMNs was synergistic, with interaction indices of 0.05 to 0.20, and a maximal synergistic interaction of 24% ± 4% was observed at 0.20 ± 0.07 μg/ml of AMB. The increased percentage of Bliss synergy of the triple combination AMB+CIP+PMNs (24% ± 4%) was the product of those of the constituent double combinations AMB+PMNs (21% ± 3.6%) and AMB+CIP (16% ± 3.7%). Thus, the antifungal activity of AMB, at clinically relevant concentrations, was enhanced in combination with PMNs and CIP against
A. fumigatus
growth in a concentration-dependent manner.
Genome Sequence of Pasteurella multocida subsp. gallicida Anand1_poultry
Authors: Ahir V. B. , Roy A. , Jhala M. K. , Bhanderi B. B. , Mathakiya R. A. , Bhatt V. D. , Padiya K. B. , Jakhesara S. J. , Koringa P. G. , Joshi C. G.
Published: September 2011

We report the finished and annotated genome sequence of
Pasteurella multocida gallicida
strain Anand1_poultry, which was isolated from the liver of a diseased adult female chicken. The strain causes a disease called “fowl cholera,” which is a contagious disease in birds. We compared it with the published genome sequence of
Pasteurella multocida
Pm70.
Micro-Scale Printmaking on Silicon
Authors: Brunvand Erik , Denyer Al
Published: September 2011

Printmaking is a fine art practice that encompasses a variety of media including intaglio, relief, lithography and screen-printing. In this collaborative research project the authors extend the traditional boundaries of printmaking to create editions of micro-scale prints on the surface of silicon integrated circuits using the layers of materials normally used for making transistors and electrical interconnections. The process by which the images are printed on the silicon surface is discussed, alongside some of the conceptual and technical issues related to creating printed images using this technology.
Sensitivity, Structure, and Dynamics of Singular Vectors Associated with Hurricane Helene (2006)
Authors: Lang Simon T. K. , Jones Sarah C. , Leutbecher Martin , Peng Melinda S. , Reynolds Carolyn A.
Published: September 2011

The sensitivity of singular vectors (SVs) associated with Hurricane Helene (2006) to resolution and diabatic processes is investigated. Furthermore, the dynamics of their growth are analyzed. The SVs are calculated using the tangent linear and adjoint model of the integrated forecasting system (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts with a spatial resolution up to TL255 (~80 km) and 48-h optimization time. The TL255 moist (diabatic) SVs possess a three-dimensional spiral structure with significant horizontal and vertical upshear tilt within the tropical cyclone (TC). Also, their amplitude is larger than that of dry and lower-resolution SVs closer to the center of Helene. Both higher resolution and diabatic processes result in stronger growth being associated with the TC compared to other flow features. The growth of the SVs in the vicinity of Helene is associated with baroclinic and barotropic mechanisms. The combined effect of higher resolution and diabatic processes leads to significant differences of the SV structure and growth dynamics within the core and in the vicinity of the TC. If used to initialize ensemble forecasts with the IFS, the higher-resolution moist SVs cause larger spread of the wind speed, track, and intensity of Helene than their lower-resolution or dry counterparts. They affect the outflow of the TC more strongly, resulting in a larger downstream impact during recurvature. Increasing the resolution or including diabatic effects degrades the linearity of the SVs. While the impact of diabatic effects on the linearity is small at low resolution, it becomes large at high resolution.
Imprinted polymers for the removal of heavy metal ions from water
Authors: Ashraf Syed , Cluley Angela , Mercado Ckarlos , Mueller Anja
Published: September 2011

In wastewater treatment, the removal of heavy metals is difficult due to the limited affinity of heavy metal ions to ion exchange resins. Here imprinting polymerization is used to develop resins with high capacity and selectivity for heavy metal ions for water treatment. A random copolymer of methacrylate and methacrylamide was found to be most effective for the removal of hydrophilic metal complexes, like CdCl2, ZnCl2, and the metalloid NaH2AsO4, particularly when the porosity of these resins is increased. For hydrophobic complexes imprinting emulsion polymerization was developed and data for the effective removal of mercury dithizonate will be described. Complete removal for up to 80 ppm of cadmium and mercury with only 200 mg of imprinted resin was obtained; competition and co-imprinting experiments are described as well.
Influence of environmental factors on abundance and temporal variation of benthic fauna resources in the eutrophic Tha Chin estuary, Samut Sakhon province, Thailand
Authors: Ritnim Nittaya , Meksumpun Charumas
Published: September 2011

The influence of environmental factors on the abundance and temporal variation of benthic fauna resources was studied in the eutrophic Tha Chin estuary located in Samut Sakhon province. The objectives were to analyze the status of abundance and temporal variation of the benthic fauna and to clarify the impacts from environmental factors (water and sediment quality). Field surveys were conducted monthly from August 2007 to March 2008 at 11 sampling stations in the estuary. Based on freshwater runoff volumes, the high-, medium-, and low-loading periods were categorized to be from August to October 2007, November to December 2007, and January to March 2008, respectively. The benthic fauna resources were composed of 57 species in eight phyla. Annelids were the dominant species (with the maximum density being 19,885 individuals/m2), followed by the mollusks. Both densities decreased during the low-loading period in 2008. Water quality deteriorated during the high-loading period. Land-based wastewater discharges decreased the levels of salinity and dissolved oxygen but dramatically increased various nutrients. Consequently, the sediment quality deteriorated during the medium-loading period. Bottom deposits during this time depicted high accumulation of acid volatile sulfides (more than 0.76 mg/g dry weight). Analyzing the environmental relationships, deposit feeders (for example, Nereis sp. and Prionospio sp.) and a clam (Arcuatula sp.) showed potential as bio-indicators for environmental monitoring. The overall results revealed the importance of changes in the water and sediment qualities that had an influence on related benthic resources. The increase in the level of NH4+-N had a negative impact on the economic clam species, while the sedimentary TOM showed positive correlation (P < 0.05) with this increase. The succession of groups based on feeding behavior seemed to correspond with stress in eutrophication along the salinity gradient and in different estuarine parts. In addition, the economic clam population decreased noticeably during the medium-loading period, as a consequence of deteriorated sediment conditions. Thus, the land-based runoff should be controlled for the protection of resources. Further effective sustainable management will be enhanced by giving serious consideration to an eco-based zoning scheme for conservation and restoration of the Tha Chin estuary.
Additional Use of Glycated Hemoglobin for Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes in People Undergoing Coronary Angiography Reveals a Subgroup at Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Silbernagel Guenther , Kleber Marcus E. , Grammer Tanja B. , Winkelmann Bernhard R. , Boehm Bernhard O. , März Winfried
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

To study the prognosis of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes as per the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2010 definition but without diabetes as per the ADA 2009 definition.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 2,002 participants of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study without a history of diabetes were studied.

RESULTS

During the follow-up of a mean duration ± SD of 7.7 ± 2.0 years, 346 people died (202 cardiovascular deaths). Subjects with type 2 diabetes as per the ADA 2009 definition (n = 468) had significantly increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with people without diabetes as per the ADA 2010 definition (both P ≤ 0.003). Subjects with type 2 diabetes as per the ADA 2010 definition but without diabetes as per the ADA 2009 definition (n = 150) were at significantly increased risk to die of cardiovascular diseases (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the ADA 2010 diabetes definition may be instrumental in improving cardiovascular risk stratification in people undergoing coronary angiography.