bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional study of biomarkers of exposure and biological effect on monozygotic twins discordant for smoking
Authors: Andreoli Cristina , Gregg Evan O. , Puntoni Riccardo , Gobbi Valentina , Nunziata Alfredo , Bassi Antonella
Published: November 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between smoking status and biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biological effect (BoBE) in monozygotic twins discordant for smoking status (smoker and non-smoker pairs). By eliminating potential genetic variability in this manner, a clearer pattern of the effects of lifestyle and environmental exposures should become apparent.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on monozygotic healthy twins (44 subjects, 26 males and 18 females) with a mean age 31.5 years. BoE to cigarette smoke and BoBE were measured in body fluids (24 h urine and blood) after medical pre-screening.

Results: All BoE were significantly higher in the smoker twins. Among BoBE, 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dehydro TBX), 2,3-dinorthromboxane B2 (2,3-dinor TBX), 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epiPGF), hydroxyproline (OH-P), fibrinogen, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and heart rate were statistically significantly increased in the smoker compared to the non-smoker twins. Moreover, statistically significant correlations between neutrophil count and 11-dehydro TBX (r=0.32), WBC and 8-epiPGF (r=0.33), OH-P and 8-epiPGF (r=0.49) and heart rate and fibrinogen (r=0.46) were observed.

Conclusions: The study results confirmed the reliability of the BoE for the evaluation of smoking status. Moreover, a subset of the BoBE, reported as being associated with inflammatory conditions and early stages of vascular disorders, has emerged as showing a consistent relationship with smoking status from the present and the previous studies. By using monozygotic twin pairs, genetic variability has been excluded as a possible source of variability in this study. These results should assist in the interpretation of other population studies using these biomarkers.
A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for benznidazole quantitation in plasma of patients with Chagas disease
Authors: Guerrero Laura , Pinazo Ma Jesús , Posada Elizabeth , Gascón Joaquim , Ribas Josep , Soy Dolors
Published: November 2010

Background: Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America, affecting 16–18 million people with more than 100 million exposed to risk of infection. Its etiological agent is Trypanosoma cruzi. To date, benznidazole is the only treatment of Chagas disease available in Europe.

Methods: A high-performance reversed-phase isocratic liquid chromatographic method for benznidazole analysis in human plasma is described. The mobile phase consists of 60% ultrafiltered water and 40% acetonitrile. Samples were precipitated with trichloroacetic acid (0.3 M) (1/1, v/v). The injection volume was 100 μL. Benzocaine was used as internal standard.

Results: The assay was linear over a benznidazole concentration range of 1.6–100 μg/mL. The method showed good agreement of results (n=15): inaccuracy (5.6%), intra- and inter-day variability (1.1% and 3.9%, respectively), recovery (94.9%), limit of detection (0.8 μg/mL), lower limit of quantitation (1.6 μg/mL) and acceptable stability over 24 h in the auto-sampler. Only 25 samples (58%) showed values within the therapeutic range. Three samples were subtherapeutic and 15 were in the toxic range.

Conclusions: The method offers a fast and simple approach to determining benznidazole in human plasma which could be of use in pharmacokinetic and safety studies.
Analytical validation of the Liaison Calcitonin_II-Gen (DiaSorin)
Authors: Cavalier Etienne , Carlisi Agnès , Bekaert Anne-Catherine , Rousselle Olivier , Chapelle Jean-Paul , Delanaye Pierre
Published: November 2010

Background:We validated the DiaSorin Liaison Calcitonin_II-Gen, an improved method for calcitonin (CT) measurements, compared this method with the Cisbio_h-CT kit and established the reference range of CT in a normal adult population.

Methods:We determined the precision, functional sensitivity, traceability to the 2nd IS 89/620, linearity and measurement uncertainty, accuracy profile and β-expectation limits. We evaluated the specificity, the susceptibility to human anti-animal antibodies (HAMA), hook-effect and carry over. To establish a reference range, we selected 267 adults without renal insufficiency presenting with normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (T4) and calcium concentrations and without anti-thyroglobulin antibodies as our “reference” healthy population. We compared the method with Cisbio on 250 consecutive and 45 samples from a post-pentagastrin stimulation test.

Results:Precision (expressed as CV) was <10% for the measurement range, functional sensitivity: 5.3 ng/L and the method was found linear until to a 1/10 dilution. Uncertainty ranged from 25% to 7.2%, and the risk that one result falls out of the ±20% acceptance limits was <5% between 2.9 and 1513 ng/L. The Bland and Altman plot showed no systematic bias between the two methods. The test is still prone to HAMA influence, does not present any hook-effect, although carry over was observed. Ninety-five percent of our adult reference population showed CT concentrations <7.4 ng/L, with an important gender difference: 95% of the men showed CT values <9.8 ng/L, whereas 95% of women were <4.0 ng/L.

Conclusions:The Liaison Calcitonin_II-Gen is an analytically robust method. The important difference in gender observed in our population might lead to re-evaluation of the generally used “10 ng/L” cut-off in a multicentre prospective study.
On the description of Leibniz superalgebras of nilindex
Authors: Camacho Luisa M. , Gómez Jose R. , Khudoyberdiyev Abror Kh. , Omirov Bakhrom A.
Published: November 2010

In this work we investigate complex Leibniz superalgebras with
characteristic sequence and nilindex ,
where , n and m () are dimensions
of even and odd parts, respectively. Such superalgebras with
the condition were completely classified. In the present paper, we prove that in the case
the Leibniz superalgebras have nilindex less than
. Thus, we obtain the classification of Leibniz superalgebras
with characteristic sequence and nilindex
.
Presentations of graph braid groups
Authors: Farley Daniel , Sabalka Lucas
Published: November 2010

Let be a graph. The (unlabeled) configuration space of n points on is the space of n-element subsets of . The n-strand braid group of , denoted , is the fundamental group of .

This paper applies the methods of discrete Morse theory to the spaces .
We describe how to compute presentations for , where n is an arbitrary natural number and is an arbitrary finite connected graph. Particular attention is paid to the case , and many examples are given.
On the vanishing of the lower K-theory of the holomorph of a free group on two generators
Authors: Metaftsis Vassilis , Prassidis Stratos
Published: November 2010

We show that the holomorph of the free group on two generators satisfies the Farrell–Jones
Fibered Isomorphism Conjecture. As a consequence, we show that the lower K-theory of the above group vanishes.
Optischer inkrementaler Drehgeber in Low-Cost-Bauweise
Authors: Hopp David , Pruss Christof , Osten Wolfgang , Seybold Jonathan , Mayer Volker , Kück Heinz
Published: November 2010

Um der wachsenden Nachfrage nach hochauflösenden und dennoch kostengünstigen optischen Drehgebern gerecht zu werden, entstand die Idee, in optischen Drehgebern anstelle der typischerweise verwendeten Kodierscheibe aus Glas eine mikrostrukturierte Kunststoffscheibe ähnlich einer CD oder DVD einzusetzen. Diese kann auf einfache Weise in einem effizienten Spritzprägeprozess hergestellt werden. Damit wird es möglich, die hochgenaue Maßverkörperung mittels eines kostengünstigen Verfahrens in hohen Stückzahlen zu fertigen.
Neonatal programming by immunological challenge: effects on ovarian function in the adult rat
Authors: Wu Xue-Qing , Li Xiao-Feng , Ye Bilu , Popat Neha , Milligan Stuart R , Lightman Stafford L , O'Byrne Kevin T
Published: November 2010

Neonatal exposure to an immunological challenge (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) increases the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal axis and sensitises the GNRH pulse generator to the inhibitory influence of stress in adult rats. We investigated the effects of neonatal exposure to LPS on various reproductive parameters during puberty and into adulthood in female rats. LPS (50 μg/kg, i.p.) or saline was administered on postnatal days 3 and 5. Vaginal opening was recorded, and oestrous cyclicity was monitored immediately post puberty and again at 8–9 weeks of age. At 10 weeks of age, the ovaries were removed and the number of follicles was counted, together with the thickness of the theca interna of the largest antral follicles. Ovarian sympathetic nerve activity was assessed immunohistochemically by measurement of the levels of ovarian low-affinity receptor of nerve growth factor (p75NGFR). In rats exposed to LPS in early life, there was a significant delay in puberty and disruption of oestrous cyclicity immediately post puberty, which persisted into adulthood. The follicle reserve was decreased, the thickness of the theca interna increased and the expression profile of ovarian p75NGFR increased in the neonatal LPS-treated animals. These data suggest that exposure to LPS during early neonatal life can have long-term dysfunctional effects on the female reproductive system, which might involve, at least in part, increased ovarian sympathetic nerve activity.
Lattice density effect on the negative refractive index of a uniaxial metamaterial
Authors: Amabile Claudio , Prati Enrico
Published: November 2010

Negative refractive index materials tuned at n = -1 are believed to realize perfect lensing of real and evanescent modes. Metamaterials are the natural candidates to realize negative refractive index by the inversion of the effective dielectric permittiviy and magnetic permeability. The effect of the density on the tuning in the proximity of n = -1 is studied in order to find viable solutions to the issue of discretization of the lattice which correspondingly produces steps in the electromagnetic parameters of metamaterials. We study the microwave frequency negative refractive index of a metamaterial as a function of the density of the lattice period. The negative refractive index is realized by means of a waveguide filled with a split ring resonator lattice, exploited below the cut off frequency of the waveguide. We discuss the pass-band behaviour and the collective effects on the negative refractive index.
Tunable Microwave Composites Containing Ferromagnetic Microwires
Authors: Ipatov Mihail , Panina Larissa , Aranda Gloria R. , Zhukova Valentina , Zhukov Arcady , Gonzalez Julian
Published: November 2010

The effect of the external magnetic field on the dispersion of the effective permittivity in arrays of parallel CoFe-based amorphous wires is demonstrated by measuring S-parameters in free space in the frequency band of 0.9-17 GHz. The magnetic field is applied along the wires sensitively changing their magnetization and high frequency impedance. Based on the measurements of magneto-impedance in a single wire and transmission/reflection spectra of composites in free space, we show the correlation between magneto-impedance and the field dependence of the effective permittivity.
Self-Organized V - Mo Oxide Fibers by the Micro-Pulling Down Method
Authors: Klimm Detlef , Orlinski Krzysztof , Pawlak Dorota A.
Published: November 2010

The V2O5-MoO3 mixtures offer a whole range of materials where properties can be adjusted by simple modification of experimental parameters, which may be utilized for manufacturing metamaterials with on-demand properties. The V2O5-MoO3 system contains an intermediate phase V9Mo6O40, with a small fraction of V4+ instead of V5+. Consequently, this system should rather be considered as pseudobinary. The V4+ content depends on the oxygen partial pressure in the atmosphere. Thus, by changing the oxygen partial pressure one can tailor the electric properties of the system, and by changing the supercooling, the morphologic structure of crystallized bodies as well. For better understanding of this system differential thermal analysis and thermodynamic modeling was performed. Fibers of eutectic composition between V9Mo6O40 and MoO3 were grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed the existence of the V9Mo6O40 intermediate phase.
Parallel FDTD Simulations on Optical and Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Tsuruta Kenji , Nagai Shinji , Umeda Ryosuke , Kurose Tomoyuki , Maetani Noriaki
Published: November 2010

We perform large-scale finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations with the aid of efficient parallel-computing algorithms for designing optical and acoustic metamaterials, where either electromagnetic or elastic constants in the materials are artificially modulated via nano/micro-structuring.

For optical metamaterials, effects of nanostructure on dielectric properties are taken into account by introducing the Drude-Lorentz model and a hybrid quantum-mechanical/classical FDTD method for optical dispersion of simple metal particles. Using these computational methods, we assess the materials dependence of light-confinement efficiency in the recently proposed novel structure that combines dielectrics and metamaterials periodically.

In the acoustic case, we perform the parallel FDTD simulations of elastic-wave propagations in 2D phononic crystals. The negative refraction of acoustic wave is shown to occur via a negative effective mass appeared in their phonon band-structures. We demonstrate that the focal intensity by the lens effect and its energy-transfer efficiency can be optimized by adapting the filling fraction of the crystal.
Unification of the Electronic Phase Diagrams of the RO1−xFxFeAs-Compounds by Using the Real Fluorine Content
Authors: Köhler A. , Behr G.
Published: November 2010

Measurements of the actual fluorine content x in the RO1−xFxFeAs-samples by wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDX) reveal sample dependent discrepancies to the nominal fluorine content (initial weight). In particular for SmO1−xFxFeAs, the measured value only reached approximately half of the required value. In the lanthanum compound LaO1−xFxFeAs, we found a good agreement mainly for x>0.05, but the fluorine hardly goes into the sample for x<0.05. We used the measured fluorine content when plotting the electronic phase diagrams again and find a more consistent picture occurs as well for our samples as for comparison with the divers published data.
Effects of a liquid carbon dopant on the superconducting properties of MgB2
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin. , Lee Bong Kun. , Kim Chan Joong. , Lee Kyu Mann. , Park Hai Woong.
Published: November 2010

Various types of chemical doping have been reported as very effective methods to improve the superconducting properties of MgB2 superconductor. Specially, carbon doping via liquid type of carbon-containing compounds have been shown better superconducting properties. In this work, the liquid type of glycerin (C3H8O3) was used as a carbon dopant in MgB2 synthesis. The glycerin was mixed with a liquid media at a different ratio and then pretreated with refined boron powder. Then carbon doped MgB2 superconductor was synthesized through subsequent heat treatment of the pretreated boron powder with magnesium powder. Variation of the amount of carbon dopants and viscosity of the liquid media was correlated with critical current densities and other superconducting properties of MgB2 bulk. The effects of liquid carbon dopants on the superconducting properties also compared with those of solid dopants.
Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanofibers Fabricated by Electrospinning and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Chuangchote Surawut , Fujita Michiyasu , Sagawa Takashi , Yoshikawa Susumu
Published: November 2010

Beaded fibers and/or uniform, smooth-surface fibers of conductive polymers with the average diameters ranging in nanometers to sub-micrometers were fabricated by electrospinning of a mixture of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in a mixed solvent of chlorobenzene and methanol. After the removal of PVP from as-spun fibers by Soxhlet extraction, pure P3HT fibers were obtained as a spindle-like with groove-like morphological appearance which may be widely applicable for some specific applications, such as photovoltaic cells, thin film transistors, and light emitting diodes. Optical properties, including UV absorption and photoluminescence (PL) of fibers were investigated. As-spun fibers showed relatively higher conjugation length and different chain distribution, in comparison with the cast film.
APPLICATIONS OF SOIL MECHANICS IN THE DESIGN OF STABILIZING WORKS FOR EMBANKMENTS, CUTTINGS AND TRACK FORMATIONS
Authors: TOMS A H , BARTLETT D L
Published: November 2010

Since railways were built problems have arisen rectifying slips of earthworks and the breakdown of track formations. This Paper reviews the impact of soil mechanics on the solution of these problems and on works practice. It is based primarily on work done on the Southern and Western Regions of British Railways and deals mainly with the behaviour of clays, silts, sands and gravels and chalk.

Methods are described for investigating slips and designing appropriate remedial works, while alternative theories used in the design of cutting slopes, retaining walls, etc., are discussed. Reference is made to the importance of drainage and the establishment of suitable vegetation on slopes. Since 1940, when the first attempt was made, on British Railways, to apply soil mechanics methods to investigate the breakdown of a clay track formation, much research effort has been directed by British Railways to this problem. The Paper reviews this research and its influence on remedial works to bad track formations and also the design of new roadbeds and drainage.
THE PRIMARY SLUDGE DIGESTION PLANT AT THE MINWORTH WORKS OF THE BIRMINGHAM TAME AND REA DISTRICT DRAINAGE BOARD.
Authors: GARDNER R E F , WATKINS D M
Published: November 2010

The Paper describes the design and construction of the primary sludge digestion plant at the Minworth works of the Birmingham Tame and Rea District Drainage Board.

The introduction reviews briefly the place of the primary sludge digestion plant in the development of the major programme now in progress for the reorganization of the Lower Tame Valley works at an estimated cost of �15 million.

There follow sections on the functional and structural design of the plant and its construction. Because of their comparative novelty the prestressed concrete tanks are dealt with in greater detailt han other sections of the plant.

Pending the completion of a considerable part of the major scheme the plant will at first be very much over-capacitya, nd the Authors consider that no useful purpose is served by giving detailed operational results at this stage.

Tabulated design data and statements of cost are appended.
CATHODIC PROTECTION.
Authors: WRIGHT H J
Published: November 2010

A short history of cathodic protection, from the discovery of its operating principle about 1800 and its use by Sir Humphry Davy a few years later, is followed by a description of where and how corrosion of metal occurs, the use of wrapping and of a sand bed around a pipeline, cathodic protection of pipelines, and of steel-piled jetties, appropriate levels of impressed current, and the prevention of sparking between a berthing ship and a cathodically protected petroleum jetty.

Periodic verification of the effectiveness of both impressed-current and sacrificial-anode systems of cathodic protection is necessary, and worn-out anodes have to be replaced. The Author describes the half-cells of copper/ copper sulphate and silver/silver chloride which are used for testing protection systems in soil and sea water respectively, and states appropriate voltage levels for each. The Paper also describes a typical cathodic protection installation with impressed current.
The shear friction aggregate interlock resistance across sliding planes in concrete
Authors: Haskett M. , Oehlers D.J. , Ali M.S.Mohamed , Sharma S.K.
Published: November 2010

Shear friction or aggregate interlock behaviour across sliding planes in concrete is a well-established area of research used in numerical modelling and in the understanding of shear failure. Much of the research has been done on initially cracked planes. In this paper, both the shear stress (τN) and the crack separation (hcr) of the shear friction parameters for both initially cracked and uncracked concrete sliding planes are quantified mathematically in terms of the displacement (∆) of the sliding plane, the compressive strength of the concrete (fco) and the normal stress (σN) across the sliding plane. A bound to these generic shear friction parameters (τN, hcr, ∆ and σN) for both initially uncracked and cracked concrete is also developed.
The Impact of Climate Change Information: New Evidence from the Stock Market
Authors: Beatty Timothy , Shimshack Jay P
Published: November 2010

On June 19, 2007, a non-profit organization released ratings of companies plans for measuring, reporting, and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. We explore the capital market impacts of this information event. In contrast to much of the related literature, our study examines climate change information and a plausibly exogenous event. We find that the information had an economically important and statistically significant impact on capital market returns. Poorly rated firms suffered market penalties. In contrast, we find limited benefits for firms receiving good ratings. We also uncover suggestive evidence that the economic mechanism driving our results is not a direct consumer demand effect.
Uniform Resolvent Estimates for Magnetic Schrödinger Operators and Smoothing Effects for Related Evolution Equations
Authors: Mochizuki Kiyoshi
Published: November 2010

We prove uniform resolvent estimates for the magnetic Schrödinger operator in an exterior domain under smallness conditions on the magnetic fields and the scalar potential. The results are then used to obtain smoothing effects for the corresponding Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon evolution equations.
Advance Agreements for Mental Health Care: An Examination of Process and Outcomes
Authors: Wauchope Bronwyn , O'Kearney Richard , Bone Linette , Urbanc Amanda
Published: November 2010

Objective: Despite high demand for anticipatory planning tools in mental health there is little Australian research about their implementation. This study examines the processes and outcomes of the introduction of structured mental health advanced agreements in the Australian Capital Territory.

Method: Thirty-three patients with serious mental illness collaborated with a key clinician to develop an advanced agreement. Patients and clinicians were provided with appropriate education, workbooks and materials. The process and outcomes associated with developing and completing an agreement were evaluated with patient and clinician interviews and self-report measures.

Results: The process was strongly accepted by the patients with only 16% discontinuing for reasons related to the advanced agreement. Participants strongly endorsed benefits both to themselves and to the management of patients’ illnesses. Service level impediments, particularly clinician acceptance, limited treatment options, and the lack of legal force of the agreement were identified.

Conclusions: When supported, mental health patients can work collaboratively with clinicians to produce anticipatory treatment requests which are beneficial, feasible and consistent with good care. Implementation of anticipatory planning in mental health will require service-level changes to promote clinician acceptance and to embed practices which facilitate these tools as part of routine care.
Morpho-hydraulic parameters and existing stability condition of Nakhu River, southern Kathmandu, Central Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Binod , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: November 2010

DOI: 10.3126/bdg.v13i0.3961Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.13 2010, pp.1-12
River bio-engineering solution for protecting banks and rehabilitating stream function; models for Bishnumati River, Kathmandu
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: November 2010

DOI: 10.3126/bdg.v13i0.3962Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.13 2010, pp.13-22
Editorial Vol.7(1) 2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2010

DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i1.3954SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(1)
Identification of socio-demographic factors and the causes of poor adherances of urban DOTS in Biratnagar
Authors: Kattel V , Rizal R , Katwal D , Subedi S , Kattel G , Ghimire A , Yadav BK , Niraula SR , Jha N
Published: November 2010

Background : TB is a major public health problem. Though Investigation and chemotherapy is free of cost we are still facing poor compliance and severe degree of disease among the poorly treated ones. We have tried to explore into reasons behind it. Methodology : It was a retrospective cross- sectional study done at Biratnagar Sub-metro Politian City. Result : People accept DOTS. They visit as early as they are referred but are diagnosed lately. They have multiple reasons to quit the treatment before completion. Conclusion : We found that early diagnosis and proper counselling about the need of prolonged regime of treatment and its side effects are important factors in preventing transmission and poor compliance. Keywords: TB; DOTS; HIV; BPKIHS; cases; defaulters     DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i1.3957SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(1) 13-18
Ongoing margin migration of Ice Stream B, Antarctica
Authors: Echelmeyer K. A. , Harrison W. D.
Published: November 2010

The rate of margin migration of an ice stream can be determined using repeat
measurements of the surface velocity profile within the marginal shear zone. The
method relies on the assumption that the velocity profile is a characteristic
feature of the margin, and that this profile is shifted laterally as the margin
migrates. Application of the method to Ice Stream B, Antarctica, indicates that
the southern margin is moving outward into the inland ice at a rate of at least
9.7 ± 1.1 m a−1.
A three-dimensional numerical model of the confluence area of
Unteraargletscher, Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Authors: Gudmundsson G. Hilmar
Published: November 2010

With the use of a numerical three-dimensional (3-D) model the flow dynamics of
the confluence area of Unteraargletscher, Bernese Alps, Switzerland, are
studied. Previous predictions, based on conceptual two-dimensional models, about
flow characteristics at confluence areas are tested against results from the
fully 3-D model. Measured winter velocities are used for model verification.
Despite some consistent systematic differences, good overall agreement between
measured and calculated surface velocities is obtained. The calculated vertical
strain-rate variation with depth is in good agreement with available
measurements from boreholes. The ice is found to be almost three times stiffer
than standard estimates of rheological parameters for glacier ice would predict.
The model predicts a complicated yet realistic pattern of vertical velocity
variation along the surface. The most noticeable features of the vertical
velocity distribution across the surface are listed, and their relation to
topographic surface undulations and the overall dynamics of the confluence
discussed. In accordance with previous results from analytical models, a
strongly localized surface trough and a concomitant negative (downward
orientation) vertical velocity anomaly develop at the junction point. Although
depth-integrated strain rates are positive (extension), the basal layer is
compressed vertically. The ice-cored medial moraine is formed by differential
ablation. The flow mechanics of the confluence area play only an indirect role,
by enabling transfer of debris-covered marginal ice towards the confluence
center. In the absence of differential ablation, an elongated surface depression
would be formed in the down-glacier direction from the junction point instead of
an elevated ice-cored medial moraine.
Estimating late-winter heat flow to the atmosphere from the lake-dominated Alaskan North Slope
Authors: Jeffries Martin O. , Zhang Tingjun , Frey Karoline , Kozlenko Nick
Published: November 2010

The conductive heat flux through the snow cover (Fa) is used as a proxy to examine the hypothesis that there is a significant heat flow from the Alaskan North Slope to the atmosphere because of the large number of lakes in the region. Fa is estimated from measurements of snow depth, temperature and density on tundra, grounded ice and floating ice in mid-April 1997 at six lakes near Barrow, northwestern Alaska. The mean Fa values from tundra, grounded ice and floating ice are 1.5, 5.4 and 18.6 W m2, respectively. A numerical model of the coupled snow/ice/water/soil system is used to simulate Fa and there is good agreement between the simulated and measured fluxes. The flux from the tundra is low because the soils have a relatively low thermal conductivity and the active layer cools significantly after freezing completely the previous autumn. The flux from the floating ice is high because the ice has a relatively high thermal conductivity, and a body of relatively warm water remains below the growing ice at the end of winter. The flux from the grounded ice is intermediate between that from the tundra and that from the floating ice, and depends on the timing of the contact between the growing ice and the lake sediments, and whether or not those sediments freeze completely. Using the estimated Fa values combined with the areal fractions of tundra, grounded ice and floating ice derived from synthetic aperture radar images, area-weighted Fa values are calculated for six areas. Fa values for the ice vary between 9.8 and 13.8 W m−2, and those from the ice plus tundra vary between 3.9 and 5.3 W m−2. The Fa values are similar to those observed in the sea-ice-covered regions of the south and north polar oceans in winter. The North Slope of Alaska may thus make a significant contribution to the regional energy budget in winter.
Strain-rate enhancement at Dye 3, Greenland
Authors: Thorsteinsson Throstur , Waddington E. D. , Taylor K. C. , Alley R. B. , Blankenship D. D.
Published: November 2010

Ice at depth in ice sheets can be softer in bed-parallel shear than Glen’s
flow law predicts. For example, at Dye 3, Greenland, enhancement factors of 3 4
are needed in order to explain the rate of borehole tilting Previous authors
have identified crystal fabric as the dominant contributor, but the role of
impurities and crystal size is still incompletely resolved. Here we use two
formulations of anisotropic flow laws for ice (Azuma’s and Sachs’
models) to account for the effects of anisotropy, and show that the measured
anisotropy of the ice at Dye 3 cannot explain all the detailed variations in the
measured strain rates, the jump in enhancement across the
Holocene–Wisconsin boundary is larger than expected from the measured
fabrics alone. Dust and soluble-ion concentration divided by crystal size
correlates well with the residual enhancement, indicating that most of the
“excess deformation” may be due to impurities or crystal size.
While the major features of the deformation at Dye 3 are explained by anisotropy
and temperature, results also suggest that further research into the role of
impurities and crystal size is warranted.
Climate variables along a traverse line in Dronning Maud Land, East
Antarctica
Authors: van den Broeke Michiel R. , Winther Jan-Gunnar , Isaksson Elisabeth , Pinglot Jean Francis , Karlöf Lars , Eiken Trond , Conrads Louk
Published: November 2010

Temperature, density and accumulation data were obtained from shallow firn cores,
drilled during an overland traverse through a previously unknown part of
Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. The traverse area is characterised by high
mountains that obstruct the ice flow, resulting in a sudden transition from the
polar plateau to the coastal region. The spatial variations of potential
temperature, near-surface firn density and accumulation suggest that katabatic
winds are active in this region. Proxy wind data derived from firn-density
profiles confirm that annual mean wind speed is strongly related to the
magnitude of the surface slope. The high elevation of the ice sheet south of the
mountains makes for a dry, cold climate, in which mass loss owing to sublimation
is small and erosion of snow by the wind has a potentially large impact on the
surface mass balance. A simple katabatic-wind model is used to explain the
variations of accumulation along the traverse line in terms of
divergence/convergence of the local transport of drifting snow. The resulting
wind- and snowdrift patterns are closely connected to the topography of the ice
sheet: ridges are especially sensitive to erosion, while ice streams and other
depressions act as collectors of drifting snow.
An investigation of the thermal conductivity of snow
Authors: Singh A. K.
Published: November 2010

Thermal conductivity of snow has been investigated experimentally using the
thermal-probe method, which is a transient method of measurement. The
measurements have been made over a wide range of snow density (for fresh and
dense snow), for varying temperatures and for different conditions of water
content, snow-grain type, etc., both in the field and in the laboratory. The
results are presented along with detailed sample descriptions. Thermal
conductivity of snow increases with density and water content. It also increases
with temperature, and the effect is more pronounced for temperatures between
–15° and 0°C.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Ehehalt Florian , Franke Ellen , Pilarsky Christian , Grützmann Robert
Published: November 2010

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare primary neoplasms of the pancreas and arise sporadically or in the context of genetically determined syndromes. Depending on hormone production and sensing, PNETs clinically manifest due to a hormone-related syndrome (functional PNET) or by symptoms related to tumor bulk effects (non-functional PNET). So far, radical surgical excision is the only therapy to cure the disease. Development of tailored non-surgical approaches has been impeded by the lack of experimental laboratory models and there is, therefore, a limited understanding of the complex cellular and molecular biology of this heterogeneous group of neoplasm. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of tumorigenesis of familial and sporadic PNETs on a cellular and molecular level. Open questions in the field of PNET research are discussed with specific emphasis on the relevance of disease management.
The Role of Cumulative Risk Assessment in Decisions about Environmental Justice
Authors: Sexton Ken , Linder Stephen H.
Published: November 2010

There is strong presumptive evidence that people living in poverty and certain racial and ethnic groups bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health risk. Many have argued that conducting formal assessments of the health risk experienced by affected communities is both unnecessary and counterproductive—that instead of analyzing the situation our efforts should be devoted to fixing obvious problems and rectifying observable wrongs. We contend that formal assessment of cumulative health risks from combined effects of chemical and nonchemical stressors is a valuable tool to aid decision makers in choosing risk management options that are effective, efficient, and equitable. If used properly, cumulative risk assessment need not impair decision makers’ discretion, nor should it be used as an excuse for doing nothing in the face of evident harm. Good policy decisions require more than good intentions; they necessitate analysis of risk-related information along with careful consideration of economic issues, ethical and moral principles, legal precedents, political realities, cultural beliefs, societal values, and bureaucratic impediments. Cumulative risk assessment can provide a systematic and impartial means for informing policy decisions about environmental justice.
Arsenic in Surface Soils Affected by Mining and Metallurgical Processing in K. Mitrovica Region, Kosovo
Authors: Stafilov Trajce , Aliu Milihate , Sajn Robert
Published: November 2010

The results of a study on the spatial distribution of arsenic in topsoil (0–5 cm) over the K. Mitrovica region, Kosovo, are reported. The investigated region (300 km2) was covered by a sampling grid of 1.4 km × 1.4 km. In total, 159 soil samples were collected from 149 locations. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied for the determination of arsenic levels. It was found that the average content of arsenic in the topsoil for the entire study area was 30 mg/kg (from 2.1 to 3,900 mg/kg) which exceeds the estimated European arsenic average in topsoil by a factor of 4.3. Contents of arsenic in the topsoil exceeded the optimum value recommended by the new Dutchlist (29 mg/kg As) in 124 km2. The action value (55 mg/kg As) was exceeded in 64 km2, with the average content of 105 mg/kg (from 55 to 3,900 mg/kg As).
Toxic Metals (Pb and Cd) and Their Respective Antagonists (Ca and Zn) in Infant Formulas and Milk Marketed in Brasilia, Brazil
Authors: Castro Clarissa S. P. De , Arruda Andréa F. , Cunha Leandro R. Da , SouzaDe Jurandir R. , Braga Jez W. B. , Dórea José G.
Published: November 2010

In non-ideal scenarios involving partial or non-breastfeeding, cow’s milk-based dairy products are mainstream in infant feeding. Therefore, it is important to study the concentrations of potentially neurotoxic contaminants (Pb and Cd) and their respective counteracting elements (Ca and Zn) in infant dairy products. Fifty-five brands of infant formulas and milk sold in Brasilia, Brazil were analyzed. The dairy products came from areas in the central-west (26%), southeast (29%) and south of Brazil (36%) extending as far as Argentina (7%) and the Netherlands (2%). For toxic Pb and Cd, median concentrations in powdered samples were 0.109 mg/kg and 0.033 mg/kg, respectively; in fluid samples median Pb concentration was 0.084 mg/kg, but median Cd concentration was below the limit of detection and overall values were below reference safety levels. However, 62% of these samples presented higher Pb concentration values than those established by FAO/WHO. Although the inverse correlation between Cd and Zn (Spearman r = −0.116; P = 0.590) was not statistically significant, the positive correlation between Ca and Pb was (Spearman r = 0.619; P < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between Pb and Cd. Furthermore, the study also revealed that provision of the essential trace element Zn in infant formulas can provide adequate amounts of the recommended daily requirements. Infant formulas and milk sold for consumption by infants and children can be an efficient tool to monitor neurotoxic metal risk exposure among young children.
Amino Acid Patterns around Disulfide Bonds
Authors: Marques José R. F. , Fonseca Rute R. da , Drury Brett , Melo André
Published: November 2010

Disulfide bonds provide an inexhaustible source of information on molecular evolution and biological specificity. In this work, we described the amino acid composition around disulfide bonds in a set of disulfide-rich proteins using appropriate descriptors, based on ANOVA (for all twenty natural amino acids or classes of amino acids clustered according to their chemical similarities) and Scheffé (for the disulfide-rich proteins superfamilies) statistics. We found that weakly hydrophilic and aromatic amino acids are quite abundant in the regions around disulfide bonds, contrary to aliphatic and hydrophobic amino acids. The density distributions (as a function of the distance to the center of the disulfide bonds) for all defined entities presented an overall unimodal behavior: the densities are null at short distances, have maxima at intermediate distances and decrease for long distances. In the end, the amino acid environment around the disulfide bonds was found to be different for different superfamilies, allowing the clustering of proteins in a biologically relevant way, suggesting that this type of chemical information might be used as a tool to assess the relationship between very divergent sets of disulfide-rich proteins.
RETRACTED: Hybrid Endovascular Repair in Aortic Arch Pathologies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Guo Wei , Liu Xiaoping , Yin Tai , Jia Xin , Xiong Jiang , Zhang Hongpeng , Wang Lijun
Published: November 2010

The aortic arch presents specific challenges to endovascular repair. Hybrid repair is increasingly evolving as an alternative option for selected patients, and promising initial results have been reported. The aim of this study was to introduce our experiences and evaluate mid-term results of supra aortic transpositions for extended endovascular repair of aortic arch pathologies. From December 2002 to January 2008, 25 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections involving the aortic arch were treated with hybrid endovascular treatment in our center. Of the 25 cases, 14 were atherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysms and 11 were thoracic aortic dissection. The hybrid repair method included total-arch transpositions (15 cases) or hemi-arch transpositions (10 cases), and endovascular procedures. All hybrid endovascular procedures were completed successfully. Three early residual type-I endoleaks and one type-II endoleak were observed. Stroke occurred in three patients (8%) during the in-hospital stage. The perioperative mortality rate was 4%; one patients died post-operatively from catheter related complications. The average follow-up period was 15 ± 5.8 months (range, 1–41 months). The overall crude survival rate at 15 months was 92% (23/25). During follow-up, new late endoleaks and stent-raft related complications were not observed. One case (4%) developed a unilateral lower limb deficit at 17 days and was readmitted to hospital. In conclusion, the results are encouraging for endovascular aortic arch repair in combination with supra-aortic transposition in high risk cases. Aortic endografting offers good mid-term results. Mid-term results of the hybrid approach in elderly patients with aortic arch pathologies are satisfying.
Comparison of TNFα to Lipopolysaccharide as an Inflammagen to Characterize the Idiosyncratic Hepatotoxicity Potential of Drugs: Trovafloxacin as an Example
Authors: Liguori Michael J. , Ditewig Amy C. , Maddox Jane F. , Luyendyk James P. , Lehman-McKeeman Lois D. , Nelson David M. , Bhaskaran Vasanthi M. , Waring Jeffrey F. , Ganey Patricia E. , Roth Robert A. , Blomme Eric A. G.
Published: November 2010

Idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDRs) are poorly understood, unpredictable, and not detected in preclinical studies. Although the cause of these reactions is likely multi-factorial, one hypothesis is that an underlying inflammatory state lowers the tolerance to a xenobiotic. Previously used in an inflammation IDR model, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is heterogeneous in nature, making development of standardized testing protocols difficult. Here, the use of rat tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) to replace LPS as an inflammatory stimulus was investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with separate preparations of LPS or TNFα, and hepatic transcriptomic effects were compared. TNFα showed enhanced consistency at the transcriptomic level compared to LPS. TNFα and LPS regulated similar biochemical pathways, although LPS was associated with more robust inflammatory signaling than TNFα. Rats were then codosed with TNFα and trovafloxacin (TVX), an IDR-associated drug, and evaluated by liver histopathology, clinical chemistry, and gene expression analysis. TNFα/TVX induced unique gene expression changes that clustered separately from TNFα/levofloxacin, a drug not associated with IDRs. TNFα/TVX cotreatment led to autoinduction of TNFα resulting in potentiation of underlying gene expression stress signals. Comparison of TNFα/TVX and LPS/TVX gene expression profiles revealed similarities in the regulation of biochemical pathways. In conclusion, TNFα could be used in lieu of LPS as an inflammatory stimulus in this model of IDRs.
Information Operators in Categorical Information Spaces
Authors: Burgin Mark
Published: November 2010

The general theory of information (GTI) is a synthetic approach, which reveals the essence of information, organizing and encompassing all main directions in information theory. On the methodological level, it is formulated as system of principles explaining what information is and how to measure information. The goal of this paper is the further development of a mathematical stratum of the general theory of information based on category theory. Abstract categories allow us to construct flexible models for information and its flow. Now category theory is also used as unifying framework for physics, biology, topology, and logic, as well as for the whole mathematics, providing a base for analyzing physical and information systems and processes by means of categorical structures and methods. There are two types of representation of information dynamics, i.e., regularities of information processes, in categories: the categorical representation and functorial representation. Here we study the categorical representations of information dynamics, which preserve internal structures of information spaces associated with infological systems as their state/phase spaces. Various relations between information operators are introduced and studied in this paper. These relations describe intrinsic features of information, such as decomposition and complementarity of information, reflecting regularities of information processes.
Recent Progress of Ferroelectric-Gate Field-Effect Transistors and Applications to Nonvolatile Logic and FeNAND Flash Memory
Authors: Sakai Shigeki , Takahashi Mitsue
Published: November 2010

We have investigated ferroelectric-gate field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with Pt/SrBi2Ta2O9/(HfO2)x(Al2O3)1−x (Hf-Al-O) and Pt/SrBi2Ta2O9/HfO2 gate stacks. The fabricated FeFETs have excellent data retention characteristics: The drain current ratio between the on- and off-states of a FeFET was more than 2 × 106 after 12 days, and the decreasing rate of this ratio was so small that the extrapolated drain current ratio after 10 years is larger than 1 × 105. A fabricated self-aligned gate Pt/SrBi2Ta2O9/Hf-Al-O/Si FET revealed a sufficiently large drain current ratio of 2.4 × 105 after 33.5 day, which is 6.5 × 104 after 10 years by extrapolation. The developed FeFETs also revealed stable retention characteristics at an elevated temperature up to 120 °C and had small transistor threshold voltage (Vth) distribution. The Vth can be adjusted by controlling channel impurity densities for both n-channel and p-channel FeFETs. These performances are now suitable to integrated circuit application with nonvolatile functions. Fundamental properties for the applications to ferroelectric-CMOS nonvolatile logic-circuits and to ferroelectric-NAND flash memories are demonstrated.
Antiseptic Activity and Phenolic Constituents of the Aerial Parts of Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia
Authors: Ling Tie-Jun , Ling Wei-Wei , Chen Yuan-Jun , Wan Xiao-Chun , Xia Tao , Du Xian-Feng , Zhang Zheng-Zhu
Published: November 2010

Four phenolics, salviaplebeiaside (1), γ-tocopherol (2), chrysosplenol-D (4), and isovitexin (5), along with α-tocoquinone (3) and β-sitosterol (6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia. The isolation was performed using bio-assay tracking experiments. The structures of compounds 1-5 were established by spectroscopic means. The antibacterial activities of the compounds were assessed against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus tetragenus and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Chrysosplenol-D (4) exhibited activities against all the four spoilage microorganisms.