bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on slotted rectangular and square hollow structural section (HSS) tension connections
Authors: Zhao R. G. , Huang R. F. , Khoo H. A. , Cheng J. J.R.
Published: November 2008

An experimental study has been carried out on slotted hollow structural section (HSS) connections with and without welding at the end of the gusset plate. A total of 30 slotted square and rectangular HSS specimens, with 16 different connection configurations, were investigated for effects of weld length ratio, slot orientation, gusset plate thickness, slot opening length, and end welding. Experimental results show that the net section efficiency of the specimen with no end welding was greater than unity for a weld length ratio (L/w), where L is weld length and w is the circumferenctial distance between the longitudinal welds, as low as 0.8, and full net section efficiency was achieved with L/w ratio as low as 0.76 for a square HSS specimen with end welding. These results support findings from other research that show provisions to account for the effect of shear lag in slotted HSS connections are overly conservative in both Canadian and American design standards. Recommendations are provided to improve on provisions to account for shear lag in the Canadian design standard.
Laboratory characterization of recycled crumb-rubber-modified asphalt mixture after extended aging
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Kim Hakseo , Akisetty Chandra K. , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a limited study that characterizes the recycling of artificially aged crumb-rubber modified (CRM) mixtures depending on their recycling percentage and aggregate type. Eight mixtures [six recycled mixtures containing rubberized reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and two control virgin mixtures] were designed and tested. Two types of aggregates were used in this research project. The rubberized RAP used in the study was artificially aged in the laboratory using an accelerated aging processes. The percentages of the RAP, by total weight of the mix, incorporated into the recycled mixtures were 15%, 25%, and 35%. Evaluation of all mixtures included the following testing procedures: tensile strength ratio (TSR), asphalt pavement analyzer (APA), resilient modulus, and indirect tensile strength (ITS) after long-term oven aging. The results from this study showed that (i) the recycled aged CRM mixtures (with 15%, 25%, and 35% rubberized RAP) can satisfy the current Superpave mixture requirements, including moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance, and (ii) in general, there was no significant difference between the control and the recycled CRM mixtures for the properties evaluated in this study.
State-boundary surface for very loose sand and its practical implications
Authors: Sasitharan S. , Robertson P. K. , Sego D. C. , Morgenstern N. R.
Published: November 2008

A state-boundary surface defines a boundary in stress – void-ratio space above which no stress state can exist. The applicability of the state-boundary surface for sand has not gained widespread attention primarily because sand is not generally considered to be a difficult soil from a design point of view apart from liquefaction. Liquefaction is a phenomenon usually encountered in very loose cohesionless materials. An experimental study relating the drained and undrained behavior of very loose saturated sand is presented. It is shown that the post-peak portion of undrained stress paths travels along the state boundary and that the state boundary can be approximated by a straight line. The slope of this straight line appears to stay constant for very loose sand. There are potentially an infinite number of these lines, which form a three-dimensional surface in deviator stress – effective mean normal stress – void-ratio space. Previously published results by various researchers are used to confirm the existence of the state boundary. This surface is mathematically defined in deviator stress – effective mean normal stress – void-ratio space. Loose saturated sand samples loaded drained from a stress state on or very close to the state boundary surface essentially travel along the state boundary surface. Key words : sand, collapse, liquefaction, stress path, state boundary, triaxial test.
Incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in four hot water systems using various types of disinfection
Authors: Sebakova Helena , Kozisek Frantisek , Mudra Radim , Kaustova Jarmila , Fiedorova Marie , Hanslikova Danuse , Nachtmannova Hana , Kubina Jaroslav , Vraspir Pavel , Sasek Jaroslav
Published: November 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in hot water systems of 4 selected hospital settings. The hospitals provided the following types of disinfection for their hot water systems: hydrogen peroxide and silver, thermal disinfection, chlorine dioxide, and no treatment (control). In each building, 6 samples were collected from 5 sites during a 3 month period. NTM were detected in 56 (46.7%) of 120 samples; the CFU counts ranged from 10 to 1625 CFU/L. The detected NTM species were the pathogens Mycobacterium kansasii , Mycobacterium xenopi , and Mycobacterium fortuitum and the saprophyte Mycobacterium gordonae. The most common to be isolated was M. xenopi, which was present in 51 samples. The hot water systems differed significantly in the incidence of NTM. NTM were not detected in the system treated by thermal disinfection, and a relatively low incidence (20% positive samples) was found in the system disinfected with chlorine dioxide. However, a high incidence was found in the control system with no additional disinfection (70% positives) and in the system using hydrogen peroxide and silver (97% positives). Water temperatures above 50 °C significantly limited the occurrence of NTM.
In vitro activity of essential oils extracted from plants used as spices against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida spp.
Authors: Pozzatti Patrícia , Scheid Liliane Alves , Spader Tatiana Borba , Atayde Margareth Linde , Santurio Janio Morais , Alves Sydney Hartz
Published: November 2008

In the present study, the antifungal activity of selected essential oils obtained from plants used as spices was evaluated against both fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida spp. The Candida species studied were Candida albicans , Candida dubliniensis , Candida tropicalis , Candida glabrata , and Candida krusei. For comparison purposes, they were arranged in groups as C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and Candida non-albicans. The essential oils were obtained from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn, Lippia graveolens HBK, Ocimum basilicum L., Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., and Zingiber officinale . The susceptibility tests were based on the M27-A2 methodology. The chemical composition of the essential oils was obtained by gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy and by retention indices. The results showed that cinnamon, Mexican oregano, oregano, thyme, and ginger essential oils have different levels of antifungal activity. Oregano and ginger essential oils were found to be the most and the least efficient, respectively. The main finding was that the susceptibilities of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and Candida non-albicans to Mexican oregano, oregano, thyme, and ginger essential oils were higher than those of the fluconazole-susceptible yeasts (P < 0.05). In contrast, fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and Candida non-albicans were less susceptible to cinnamon essential oil than their fluconazole-susceptible counterparts (P < 0.05). A relationship between the yeasts’ susceptibilities and the chemical composition of the essential oils studied was apparent when these 2 parameters were compared. Finally, basil, rosemary, and sage essential oils did not show antifungal activity against Candida isolates at the tested concentrations.
Pacific lamprey climbing behavior
Authors: Reinhardt U. G. , Eidietis L. , Friedl S. E. , Moser M. L.
Published: November 2008

New lamprey-friendly fishways feature inclined ramps that facilitate passage of Pacific lampreys ( Lampetra tridentata (Richardson, 1836)) over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, USA. We observed the lampreys moving against water at two flow volumes and on two ramps of 45° and 18° angles relative to horizontal. We documented climbing movements using high-speed video (125 frames/s). Lampreys advanced on the ramps by repeated cycles of attaching to the ramps by their sucker mouths (resting phase), bending their bodies into a W shape (stage II), and then, rapidly straightening the body to propel themselves up the ramp, with simultaneous brief (20–140 ms) release of suction (stage III). We inferred that lampreys were using burst swimming to propel themselves up the ramp, because we observed inflection points in the body curvature traveling toward the posterior of the body and the center of mass moving up, during stage III. This climbing behavior is not described for any other fish species. Vertical motion, relative to the ground, during each cycle of movement was greatest in the 45° ramp – low water flow volume treatment (mean of 0.07 L/cycle), but the movement upstream along the ramp plane was greatest on the 18° ramp, regardless of flow volume. These findings can be used to develop ramp designs that maximize lamprey climbing performance.
Predator-naïve fall field crickets respond to the chemical cues of wolf spiders
Authors: Storm Jonathan J. , Lima Steven L.
Published: November 2008

Few studies have addressed whether terrestrial insects assess predation risk via chemical cues. We exposed predator-naïve fall field crickets ( Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeister, 1838) to filter paper containing the chemical cues of three wolf spiders ( Hogna helluo (Walckenaer, 1837), Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837), Rabidosa punctulata (Hentz, 1844)), the house cricket ( Acheta domesticus L., 1758,) and blank filter paper. Crickets exhibited greater immobility and reduced speed of movement when exposed to chemical cues of all three spider species. Crickets exhibited reduced speed with increasing mass of R. punctulata, suggesting that larger spiders may pose a greater risk. Cricket response did not differ between cues of H. helluo fed conspecific crickets versus H. helluo fed house crickets, suggesting that crickets cannot distinguish between cues from H. helluo fed phylogenetically similar crickets. Our work nevertheless demonstrates that naïve field crickets respond to chemical cues of several species of wolf spiders.
FLAT CURRENTS OF A GREEN–SCHWARZ SIGMA MODEL ON SUPERCOSET TARGETS WITH ℤ4m GRADING
Authors: KE SAN-MIN , SHI KANG-JIE , WANG CHUN
Published: November 2008

We construct actions of Green–Schwarz sigma models on supercoset targets with ℤ4m grading whose kinetic terms only contain the target-space bosons. We consider a simple case of such kinetic term and show that there exist a one-parameter family of flat currents of the model by requiring a suitable choice of the Wess–Zumino term. Such flat currents naturally lead to a hierarchy of classical conserved nonlocal charges. We also find that the one-parameter flat currents of the model satisfy equations of motion and the Virasoro constraint. This implies that one can generate a series of classical solutions from an existing one. When m = 1, our model coincides with the well-known model given by Metsaev and Tseytlin on a supercoset PSU (2, 2|4)/[ SO (4, 1) × SO (5)] and similar models.
NEAR-THRESHOLD Z-PAIR PRODUCTION IN THE MODEL OF UNSTABLE PARTICLES WITH SMEARED MASS
Authors: KUKSA V. I. , PASECHNIK R. S.
Published: November 2008

Near-threshold production of neutral boson pairs is considered within the framework of the model of unstable particles with smeared mass. The results of calculations are in good agreement with LEP II data and Monte Carlo simulations. Suggested approach significantly simplifies calculations with respect to standard perturbative one.
ZEEMAN EFFECT ON THE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF CARBON NANOTORI IN A STRONG MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: LIU C. P.
Published: November 2008

We mainly study the Zeeman effect on electronic structure of carbon nanotori in the presence of magnetic field (B) perpendicular to the tori's plane. As a function of magnetic flux (ϕ), the energy gap (Eg) and density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level are obtained in the case of with and without considering the Zeeman effect. Without spin-B interaction, the ϕ-dependent electronic structure would exhibit the periodical Aharonov–Bohm (AB) oscillation. A magnetic-field-induced semiconductor-metal transition is indicated in the variation of energy gap and DOS of armchair tori. The Zeeman effect on electronic structure is notable at relatively large ϕ (~100ϕ0, with ϕ0 = h/e), e.g., more phase transition points may appear in the Eg - B dependence for armchair tori, and the destruction of periodical AB oscillation is distinct due to the Zeeman effect. These results may be observed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurement.
Utility of Fetal Muscle Biopsy for Diagnosis of Nemaline Myopathy
Authors: Kasperski Stefanie B. , Brennan Allison M. , Corteville Jane E. , Finkel Richard S. , Golden Jeff , Johnson Mark P. , Wilson R. Douglas
Published: November 2008

Objectives: To report and discuss prenatal diagnosis of nemaline myopathy (NM) using fetal muscle biopsy. Methods: A consanguineous couple, with a history of a child with a clinical diagnosis of NM but no molecular genetic confirmation, was referred for prenatal diagnosis in two subsequent pregnancies. Fetal muscle biopsy with ultrasound guidance was undertaken at 22 and 21 weeks, respectively. Results: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of the fetal muscle specimen from the first ‘at-risk’ pregnancy was consistent with a diagnosis of NM and that pregnancy was terminated. Analysis of the fetal muscle specimen from the subsequent pregnancy revealed no pathologic abnormality. The pregnancy continued, and the child is unaffected. Conclusion: This represents the first reported prenatal diagnosis of NM by fetal muscle biopsy. Pathologic changes characteristic of NM can be identified in mid-second trimester fetal muscle.
The Cellular Reaction in Glomeruli of Rats with Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Nephritis
Authors: Sterzel Bernd , Pabst Reinhard
Published: November 2008

This work examines the cellular reaction in glomeruli of rats with an acute form of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis. After intravenous injection of rabbit-derived anti-GBM serum, heterologous and, later, autologous IgG fixed to the glomerular capillary loops. From day 1 to 11 of nephritis, glomerular hypercellularity was not appreciable or modest by qualitative histology, whereas morphometric evaluation revealed mild but significant increases of glomerular cell counts as compared to untreated controls. Histoautoradiographic studies of renal tissue 2 h after pulse administration of 3H-thymidine served to determine the proportion of glomerular cells which synthesized DNA, indicating forthcoming cell division. The mean labeling index (LI) of epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule was 1.8% in controls, rose 4- to 5-fold on the first day of nephritis and fell gradually from day 2 to 11. LI of tuft cells was 1.9% in controls, peaked on day 4, and fell thereafter. Histochemical staining for nonspecific esterase, a marker of monocytes and macrophages, revealed that glomeruli of normal rats contain very few stained cells (mean: 0.2/tuft section). In the course of nephritis, a gradual increase of esterase-positive cells took place in glomeruli which reached a plateau on day 4 (mean: 5.5/tuft section), indicating an influx of migrating monocytes. It is concluded that the injury of this model of anti-GBM nephritis involves markedly enhanced proliferation of intrinsic glomerular cells associated with infiltration of monocytes. Such a prominent cellular response is revealed by the applied quantitative methods in the absence of histologically impressive glomerular hypercellularity.
Decreased Damage From Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia by Transfusion of Zero-Link Hemoglobin Polymers in Mouse
Authors: Mito Toshiaki , Nemoto Masaaki , Kwansa Herman , Sampei Kenji , Habeeb Murtuza , Murphy Stephanie J. , Bucci Enrico , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Transfusion of large polymers of hemoglobin avoids the peripheral extravasation and hypertension associated with crosslinked tetrameric hemoglobin transfusion and may be more effective in rescuing brain from focal ischemia. Effects of transfusion of high-oxygen-affinity hemoglobin polymers of different weight ranges were determined.

Methods—

Hypervolemic exchange transfusion was performed during 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice.

Results—

Compared to transfusion with a 5% albumin solution or no transfusion, infarct volume was reduced 40% by transfusion of a 6% solution containing hemoglobin polymers in the nominal range 500 to 14 000 kDa. Infarct volume was not significantly reduced by transfusion of a lower concentration of 2% to 3% of this size range of polymers, 6% hemoglobin solutions without removal of polymers <500 kDa or >14000 kDa, or crosslinked hemoglobin tetramers with normal oxygen affinity. Exchange transfusion with the 6% solution of the 500 to 14 000 kDa hemoglobin polymers did not improve the distribution of cerebral blood flow during focal ischemia and, in mice without ischemia, did not affect flow to brain or other major organs.

Conclusion—

An intermediate size range of polymerized bovine hemoglobin possessing high oxygen affinity appears optimal for rescuing mouse brain from transient focal cerebral ischemia. A minimum concentration of a 6% solution is required, the rescue is superior to that obtained with crosslinked tetrameric hemoglobin possessing normal oxygen affinity, and tissue salvage is not associated with increased blood flow. This polymer solution avoids the adverse effects of severe renal and splanchnic vasoconstriction seen with crosslinked tetrameric hemoglobin.
Remembering in Latin America
Authors: Adelman Jeremy
Published: November 2008

Latin American historians and social scientists have been grappling with the region's experience of crimes against humanity since the 1950s. In recent years, a number of important works have sought to go beyond the concern for “transitional justice” as a frame for writing about how societies grapple with atrocious pasts, examining instead the ties between historiography and the legacies of atrocity—the murky relationship between what is known about and what is known from the past.
Whale Music: Anatomy of an Interspecies Duet
Authors: Rothenberg David
Published: November 2008

The author played clarinet in accompaniment with a singing male humpback whale off the coast of Maui. A sound spectrogram suggests that the whale may have altered his song in response to the clarinet. This observation is consistent with the fact that humpback whales rapidly change their song during breeding season from week to week. A male humpback whale may be able to quickly match new pitched, musical sounds it has never heard before—a result different from those of most humpback whale playback experiments. This experiment suggests that interspecies music-making might be a valuable tool in helping understand the complex communication strategies of humpback whales, as well as in extending our own music making beyond the human realm.
Understanding Terrorism Charges against Protesters in the Context of Salvadoran History
Authors: Ladutke Lawrence M.
Published: November 2008

While nongovernmental organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly warned of the dangers created by legislation modeled after the U.S.A. Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act of 2006, a recent quantitative study by Todd Landman has found that the passage of such laws has not had a significant impact on abuses against human rights defenders. Examination in historical context of the use of El Salvador's Special Law against Terrorist Acts against peaceful protesters sheds light on Landman's findings. Serious violations of human rights in El Salvador have occurred under the new “antiterrorist” law, but there has been no dramatic increase since the passage of the law because violations had already been increasing before the law was enacted. Furthermore, the Salvadoran state has a long history of using the fight against terrorism to justify such violations. Landman's model tests for antiterrorist laws as a cause of human rights violations but does not address the fact that such laws are also a symptom of a deteriorating human rights situation.
Efficiency and Equity
Authors: Fields Zack
Published: November 2008

Worker cooperatives can be at least as efficient as privately owned, hierarchically managed firms. Testimony from workers in a number of worker-occupied companies in Buenos Aires reveals that cooperatives can compete in the short term by producing more for less expenditure on labor and in the long term by efficiently allocating money for the purchase of capital. This evidence challenges the rationale for highly unequal ownership of the means of production and the distribution of wages and opens possibilities for a reorganization of systems of production that achieves greater equity in the distribution of wealth.
Forced Displacement among Rural Women in Colombia
Authors: Osorio Pérez Flor Edilma
Published: November 2008

Women are the main survivors in the Colombian conflict. Even in the most adverse circumstances they play a crucial role in their families' vital material and symbolic reconstruction. They are burdened with the pain of their losses, fear, family rupture, and righteous anger at seeing their bodies transformed into military targets. They reconstruct territories and identity referents while building multiple forms of resistance in the midst of sudden impoverishment and social exclusion. They take leading roles in their daily domestic and public spaces as they garner social recognition and self-esteem even while living at the limits of pain and uncertainty. As their memories interweave different times and places, pains and pleasures, these women rediscover their social networks and capabilities, the most important of which is the chance to provide a better life for their children.
Bullying: Are researchers and children/youth talking about the same thing?
Authors: Vaillancourt Tracy , McDougall Patricia , Hymel Shelley , Krygsman Amanda , Miller Jessie , Stiver Kelley , Davis Clinton
Published: November 2008

Given the rapid increase in studies of bullying and peer harassment among youth, it becomes important to understand just what is being researched. This study explored whether the themes that emerged from children's definitions of bullying were consistent with theoretical and methodological operationalizations within the research literature, and whether the provision of a definition when administering bullying experience items would lead to different prevalence rates in reported victimization and bullying. Students aged 8—18 ( N = 1767) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the first condition, students were provided with a standard bullying definition; in the second condition, students provided their own definition of bullying. Results indicated that students' definitions of bullying rarely included the three prominent definitional criteria typically endorsed by researchers: intentionality (1.7%), repetition (6%), and power imbalance (26%), although almost all students (92%) did emphasize negative behaviors in their definition. Younger children made more mention of physical aggression, general harassing behaviors, and verbal aggression in their definitions, whereas the theme of relational aggression was most prominent in the middle years and reported more by girls than boys. Finally, students who were given a definition of bullying reported being victimized less than students not provided with a definition. As well, boys who were given a definition of bullying tended to report higher levels of bullying than those not given a definition (marginal effect).
Reared apart Korean female twins: Genetic and cultural influences on life histories, physical and health-related measures, and behavioral traits
Authors: Segal Nancy L. , Hur Yoon-Mi
Published: November 2008

This paper reports physical and behavioral similarities and differences in a pair of 18-year-old monozygotic (MZA) female twins, raised apart from birth in dramatically different cultures: South Korea and the United States. The main outcome measures included life history characteristics (e.g., age at separation, age at reunion), physical and health-related traits (e.g., height, weight, body mass index, age at menarche, illnesses), and behavioral traits (e.g., IQ, special mental abilities, personality traits, dietary preferences). Similarities in some physical characteristics, as well as differences, were noted. High levels of concordance were obtained for IQ and for two special mental ability measures. Selected personality traits presented a mixed picture with respect to concordance and discordance, and dietary preferences showed some unexpected similarities. The findings are discussed with reference to genetic and cultural influences on development.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Review of Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Kanaan Abir O. , Al-Homsi A. Samer
Published: November 2008

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an adverse drug reaction to heparin therapy leading to devastating clinical outcomes including venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, and limb amputation. Heparin cessation alone is not sufficient for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban and lepirudin, are considered the mainstay for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Case reports support the use of fondaparinux in the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; however, randomized trials are still lacking. This article will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, complications, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
The Securityness of Secularism? The Case of Turkey
Authors: Bilgin Pinar
Published: November 2008

Secularism is frequently portrayed as a security referent in present-day Turkey. But, what is it that makes secularism a security issue? Where are we to locate the `securityness' of secularism? Against prevailing accounts that privilege the domestic dimension, this article argues that the securityness of secularism in Turkey should be located in both the domestic and the international . This is not to suggest that secularism can be reduced to security, but it is to suggest that efforts to portray Turkey's secularism merely as a constitutive principle and an outcome of the project of Republican transformation, or as a means of safeguarding a particular vision of transformation through controlling religion, or as an instrument of national economic development, while rewarding in themselves, nevertheless miss an important set of dynamics that help to explain secularism's centrality to Turkey's politics. The article locates this latter set of dynamics in the international realm and ultimately proffers the argument that secularism was in part a response to European/international society's ambivalence towards Turkey's `difference' and the insecurities this entailed. The conclusion suggests that the present-day centrality of secularism in Turkey's politics and the apparent securityness of such centrality could be considered as a response to particular remembrances of the past and interpretations of the present vis-à-vis such ambivalence.
Recent Legal Developments
Authors: Wallace Donald H.
Published: November 2008

This review organizes the highlights of the jurisprudence for the calendar year 2007 of international supervisory bodies and tribunals that are contributing to the development of international legal norms for the accountability of human rights violations involving criminal justice system issues and international criminal law. The relevant jurisprudence for international criminal law is noted for three ad hoc international criminal tribunals: the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The legal developments for three major sources of legal norms for international human rights are also highlighted: the UN Human Rights Committee, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.1
Translating a Global Issue Into Local Priority
Authors: Ye Qi  , Li Ma  , Huanbo Zhang  , Huimin Li
Published: November 2008

This article provides an analysis of a puzzling development among local governments in China: Climate change largely ignored as a problem in the past has suddenly become a high priority of provincial and prefectural governments. It is observed that the mandate from the central government, internalized needs, and the international market are three primary factors that transformed local governments' responses to climate change. Other factors, including the local impacts of climate change, capacity and awareness, and leadership and vision also contributed to the changes. Climate change can and should be further internalized as a priority issue for local governments. Clean development mechanism and other market mechanisms should also continue to be key elements of post-Kyoto proposals. The central government will remain the most important player directing national, regional, and local responses to climate change, but its role needs to be complemented with local initiatives.
Postnatal and Adult Neurogenesis in the Development of Human Disease
Authors: Danzer Steve C.
Published: November 2008

The mammalian brain contains a population of neurons that are continuously generated from late embryogenesis through adulthood—after the generation of almost all other neuronal types. This brain region—the hippocampal dentate gyrus—is in a sense, therefore, persistently immature. Postnatal and adult neurogenesis is likely an essential feature of the dentate, which is critical for learning and memory. Protracted neurogenesis after birth would allow the new cells to develop in conjunction with external events—but it may come with a price: while neurogenesis in utero occurs in a protected environment, children and adults are exposed to any number of hazards, such as toxins and infectious agents. Mature neurons might be resistant to such exposures, but new neurons may be vulnerable. Consistent with this prediction, in adult rodents seizures disrupt the integration of newly generated granule cells, whereas mature granule cells are comparatively unaffected. Significantly, abnormally interconnected cells may contribute to epileptogenesis and/or associated cognitive and memory deficits. Finally, studies increasingly indicate that new granule cells are extremely sensitive to a host of endogenous and exogenous factors, raising the possibility that disrupted granule cell integration may be a common feature of many neurological diseases. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(5):446—458, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408317008
Propagating Waves of Activity in the Neocortex: What They Are, What They Do
Authors: Wu Jian-Young , Xiaoying Huang  , Chuan Zhang
Published: November 2008

The development of voltage-sensitive dyes (VSD) and fast optical imaging techniques have brought us a new tool for examining spatiotemporal patterns of population neuronal activity in the neocortex. Propagating waves have been observed during almost every type of cortical processing examined by VSD imaging or electrode arrays. These waves provide subthreshold depolarization to individual neurons and increase their spiking probability. Therefore, the propagation of the waves sets up a spatiotemporal framework for increased excitability in neuronal populations, which can help to determine when and where the neurons are likely to fire. In this review, first discussed is propagating waves observed in various systems and possible mechanisms for generating and sustaining these waves. Then discussed are wave dynamics as an emergent behavior of the population activity that can, in turn, influence the activity of individual neurons. The functions of spontaneous and sensory-evoked waves remain to be explored. An important next step will be to examine the interaction between dynamics of propagating waves and functions in the cortex, and to verify if cortical processing can be modified when these waves are altered. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(5):487—502, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408317066
Noncoding RNAs in Long-Term Memory Formation
Authors: Mercer Tim R. , Dinger Marcel E. , Mariani Jean , Kosik Kenneth S. , Mehler Mark F. , Mattick John S.
Published: November 2008

Current research exploring the molecular basis of memory focuses mainly on proteins despite recent genomic studies reporting the abundant transcription of non-protein-coding RNA (ncRNA). Although ncRNAs are involved in a diverse range of biological processes, they are particularly prevalent within the nervous system, where they contribute towards the complexity and function of the mammalian brain. In this review, we apply recent advances in ncRNA biology to predict a critical role for ncRNAs in the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation and maintenance. We describe the role of ncRNAs in regulating the translation, stability, and editing of mRNA populations in response to synaptic activity during memory formation and the role of ncRNAs in the epigenetic and transcriptional programs that underlie long-term memory storage. We also consider ncRNAs acting as an additional avenue of communication between neurons by their intercellular trafficking. Taken together, the emerging evidence suggests a central role for ncRNAs in memory formation and provokes novel research directions in this field. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(5):434—445, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408319187
Pricing consistency across direct and indirect distribution channels in South West UK hotels
Authors: Wai Mun Lim  , Hall Matthew J.
Published: November 2008

This study seeks to ascertain if hotels across the South West of the UK price their room nights consistently across each of the distribution channels utilized, such as the hotel's website, `bricks and mortar' travel agents, third party online booking systems, telephone, and emails. While studies examining pricing consistency have been done among larger hotel chains or groups, there had been no studies looking at smaller independent hotels, particularly hotels in the UK. The results will suggest that hotel pricing across channels show no comparable difference but indicates that the star rating of a hotel plays a vital role in pricing decisions and in the methods of distribution utilized.
Beyond splenectomy — options for the management of splenic trauma
Authors: Whitfield CG , Garner JP
Published: November 2008

The spleen remains a vulnerable organ to blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma and recognition of its important immunological role has meant that alternatives to mandatory splenectomy for splenic injury are now available. This article examines the alternatives to splenectomy and then discusses the post-splenectomy management of patients.
Recent advances in clot biology and assessment of clotting
Authors: Hedner Ulla , Ezban Mirella
Published: November 2008

Since the first description of the haemostatic process by Morawitz in 1904, knowledge about the haemostasis mechanism has undergone substantial modifications. Increasing knowledge of enzymology, purification and characterisation of coagulation proteins led to the introduction of the waterfall or cascade model of coagulation. However, these models were based on in vitro studies in the presence of artificial phospholipids and the absence of cells. Two pathways to achieve the formation of a haemostatic fibrin plug were identified, the so-called `extrinsic system' involving both factors present in the circulation and from the extravascular space, and the `intrinsic system' using only factors present in the circulation. However, with increasing knowledge about the interaction between factors from the two systems, the relevance of this model was questioned. The availability of recombinant FVIIa has made further research of the role of FVII/FVIIa and TF feasible, resulting in the current concept of haemostasis according to which the process principally occurs on two cell surfaces, the TF-bearing cell and the thrombin-activated platelet. A limited amount of thrombin is generated by the FVIIa-TF complex on the TF-bearing cell resulting in activation of platelets, FIX, FVIII and FV. The further and full thrombin generation then takes place on the activated platelet surface. The most frequently used assays for evaluation of the global haemostatic capacity are the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The PT measures the formation of a fibrin clot in the presence of an abundance of TF thereby principally reflecting the initial thrombin generation dependent especially on FVII, FV and FX, while the APTT mimics the processes on the activated platelet surface involving FVIII, FIX, FXl, FV, FX and prothrombin. For more specific analyses, assay systems measuring the level of various coagulation factors are available. Platelet function is measured by platelet count and bleeding time. The platelet aggregation response to different agonists can be measured in special aggregometers. The usefulness of these techniques in evaluating a potential bleeding risk is, however, doubtful.
Hamstring injuries
Authors: Gokaraju Kishan , Garikipati Sekhar , Ashwood Neil
Published: November 2008

Hamstring strains or ruptures require accurate diagnosis and appropriate management for a successful return to normal function. Such injuries may occur to varying severities in one or more of the individual muscles at any point throughout their length. Understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of the lower limb are essential for accurate assessment and treatment of the insult. The type and severity of the injury determines whether conservative or surgical approaches are utilised for definitive management. In addition, the importance of immediate measures and appropriate rehabilitation should not be underestimated
Exploring valid reference genes for gene expression studies in Brachypodium distachyonby real-time PCR
Authors: Hong Shin-Young , Seo Pil Joon , Yang Moon-Sik , Xiang Fengning , Park Chung-Mo
Published: November 2008

Background

The wild grass species Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium hereafter) is emerging as a new model system for grass crop genomics research and biofuel grass biology. A draft nuclear genome sequence is expected to be publicly available in the near future; an explosion of gene expression studies will undoubtedly follow. Therefore, stable reference genes are necessary to normalize the gene expression data.

Results

A systematic exploration of suitable reference genes in Brachypodium is presented here. Nine reference gene candidates were chosen, and their gene sequences were obtained from the Brachypodium expressed sequence tag (EST) databases. Their expression levels were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using 21 different Brachypodium plant samples, including those from different plant tissues and grown under various growth conditions. Effects of plant growth hormones were also visualized in the assays. The expression stability of the candidate genes was evaluated using two analysis software packages, geNorm and NormFinder. In conclusion, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 18 gene (UBC18) was validated as a suitable reference gene across all the plant samples examined. While the expression of the polyubiquitin genes (Ubi4 and Ubi10) was most stable in different plant tissues and growth hormone-treated plant samples, the expression of the S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase gene (SamDC) ranked was most stable in plants grown under various environmental stresses.

Conclusion

This study identified the reference genes that are most suitable for normalizing the gene expression data in Brachypodium. These reference genes will be particularly useful when stress-responsive genes are analyzed in order to produce transgenic plants that exhibit enhanced stress resistance.
Myonecrosis secondary to Clostridium Septicumin a patient with Occult Colon Malignancy: a case report
Authors: Gibson Michael A , Avgerinos Dimitrios V , Llaguna Omar H , Sheth Nitin D
Published: November 2008

Background

Gas gangrene is a relatively rare event that is typically associated with history of trauma. A non-traumatic history of gas gangrene has been associated with Clostridium septicum and cecal malignancy.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 54-year-old male patient who presented with myonecrosis secondary to Clostridium septicum septicemia and an occult cecal carcinoma.

Conclusion

C. septicum and its association with malignancy should be considered in any patient suffering from myonecrosis without a history of trauma.
Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Patterson David Allen , Wolf (Adelv unegv Waya) Silver
Published: November 2008

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical technique that has received considerable attention in the addictions arena over the past decade. In the present pilot study, the impact of providing up to five MI sessions during the first two weeks of intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), relative to the treatment as usual was addressed. The participants were 106 IOP patients, and a post-test design was utilized. Results showed that adding MI sessions during the first two weeks of IOP did not increase the number of days in treatment nor was there an increase in treatment completion. It is possible that the MI sessions by themselves were not sufficient to offset factors that were contributing to less than optimal treatment involvement.
Perceived risk of medicine side effects in users of a patient information website: A study of the use of verbal descriptors, percentages and natural frequencies
Authors: Knapp P. , Gardner P. H. , Carrigan N. , Raynor D. K. , Woolf E.
Published: November 2008

Objectives. Research into the provision of patient information has demonstrated that, under certain conditions, patients overestimate the risks of medicine side effects. Gigerenzer and Edwards (2004) argue that ‘natural frequencies’ are a less confusing way of expressing risk information. Two experiments with users of an existing high profile patient information website, investigate the effectiveness of presenting medicine side‐effect risk information in different forms.

Design. In both experiments participants were randomly allocated to one of the three conditions for representing risk information (a form of ‘natural frequency’, percentages and verbal descriptors).

Method. Participants were recruited from users of the Cancer Research UK patient information website (Cancer Help UK). In Experiment 1, participants (N = 148) were asked to imagine that they had to take a chemotherapy drug (Taxol®) and were asked to estimate the risks of two side‐effects occurring. In Experiment 2 participants (N = 137) estimated the risk for three different side‐effects occurring with the painkiller ibuprofen.

Results. In both experiments, verbal descriptions led to significantly higher estimations of risk compared to the other two formats. There was some evidence that people given information as frequencies were more accurate in their estimates than those given percentage information.

Conclusions. These findings provide partial support for the advantages of a form of ‘natural frequencies’ when presenting side‐effects to patients. They also add weight to the growing body of research highlighting the deficiencies in using verbal descriptions of side‐effect risk alone.
Development and Evaluation of Quality Control Dried Blood Spot Materials in Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: De Jesus Victor R , Zhang X Kate , Keutzer Joan , Bodamer Olaf A , Mühl Adolf , Orsini Joseph J , Caggana Michele , Vogt Robert F , Hannon W Harry
Published: November 2008

Background: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) comprise more than 40 genetic diseases that result in the accumulation of products that would normally be degraded by lysosomal enzymes. A tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based method is available for newborn screening for 5 LSDs, and many laboratories are initiating pilot studies to evaluate the incorporation of this method into their screening panels. We developed and evaluated dried blood spot (DBS) QC materials for LSDs and used the MS/MS method to investigate their suitability for LSD QC monitoring.

Methods: We incubated 3.2-mm punches from DBS controls for 20–24 h with assay cocktails containing substrate and internal standard. Using MS/MS, we quantified the resulting product and internal standard. Samples were run in triplicate for 3 consecutive days, and results were reported as product-to-internal standard ratios and enzyme activity units (μmol/L/h).

Results: Enzyme activity interday imprecision (CV) for the high, medium, and low series were 3.4%–14.3% for galactocerebroside α-galactosidase, 6.8%–24.6% for acid α-galactosidase A, 7.36%–22.1% for acid sphingomyelinase, 6.2%–26.2% for acid α-glucocerebrosidase, and 7.0%–24.8% for lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (n = 9). In addition, DBS stored at −20° and 4 °C showed minimal enzyme activity loss over a 187-d period. DBS stored at 37° and 45 °C had lower activity values over the 187-day evaluation time.

Conclusions: Suitable QC materials for newborn screening of LSDs were developed for laboratories performing DBS LSD screening. Good material linearity was observed, with goodness-of-fit values of 0.953 and higher. The QC materials may be used by screening laboratories that perform LSD analysis by MS and/or more conventional fluorescence-based screening methods.
Effects of salt and light stress on the release of volatile halogenated organic compounds bySolieria chordalis: a laboratory incubation study
Authors: Bondu Stephanie , Cocquempot Boris , Deslandes Eric , Morin Pascal
Published: November 2008

The red algaSolieria chordaliswas used as a model to investigate the effects of salt and light stress on the release of volatile halogenated organic compounds (VHOCs). We used a purge and trap technique coupled with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector.S. chordaliswas exposed to hyposaline (22 psu), hypersaline (50 psu) and normal salinity (34 psu) media in combination with light stress (48 h in the dark followed by 24 h under continuous light). The releases of 9 VHOCs (i.e., CH3I, CH3CH2I, CH2ClI, CH2Br2, CHBrCl2, CHBr2Cl, CH2BrI, CHBr3, CH2I2) were measured after 0, 24, 48 and 72 h on algal sub-samples. In algae unstressed by salt, VHOC production rate decreased under dark conditions but increased with light exposure. However, long periods of light also resulted in higher production of di-halogenated compounds (as compared to tri-halogenated or mono-halogenated compounds). The results from salt-stressed samples indicate that hypoosmotic conditions strongly enhanced whole VHOC production rate, whereas hyper-osmotic conditions slightly reduced their production. An exception was mono-halogen production, which was higher under hyper-osmotic condition (especially during dark periods). Furthermore, long exposure to light and hyper-osmotic conditions led to a decrease in the production of di-halogenated compounds (this did not occur in thalli unstressed by salt). As halogen productions derive from different metabolic pathways, including an enzymatic mechanism, it is possible that the activity of these enzymes may be affected by exposure to various salinity conditions.