bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: The Epistemology of Disagreement
Authors: Christensen David
Published: November 2009

One of the most salient features of forming beliefs in a social context is that people end up disagreeing with one another. This is not just an obvious fact about belief-formation; it raises interesting normative questions, especially when people become aware of the opinions of others. How should my beliefs be affected by the knowledge that others hold contrary beliefs? In some cases, the answer seems easy. If I have reason to think that my friend is much better informed than I am, her dissent will often require substantial revision in my belief. If I have reason to think she's mentally deranged, her dissent may require no revision at all. But other cases are more difficult. For example, how confident should I be about my views in epistemology, knowing that they are denied by philosophers at least as intelligent, sane, knowledgeable, diligent and honest as I am?
On Treating Oneself and Others as Thermometers
Authors: White Roger
Published: November 2009

I treat you as a thermometer when I use your belief states as more or less reliable indicators of the facts. Should I treatmyselfin a parallel way? Should I think of the outputs of my faculties and yours as like the readings of two thermometers the way a third party would? I explore some of the difficulties in answering these questions. If I am to treat myself as well as others as thermometers in this way, it would appear that I cannot reasonably trust my own convictions over yours unless I have antecedent reason to suppose that I am more likely than you to get things right. I appeal to some probabilistic considerations to suggest that our predicament as thermometers might not actually be as bad as it seems.
Peerage
Authors: Conee Earl
Published: November 2009

Experts take sides in standing scholarly disagreements. They rely on the epistemic reasons favorable to their side to justify their position. It is argued here that no position actually has an overall balance of undefeated reasons in its favor. Candidates for such reasons include the objective strength of the rational support for one side, the special force of details in the case for one side, and a summary impression of truth. All such factors fail to justify any position.
Derrida: Opposing Death Penalties
Authors: La Caze Marguerite
Published: November 2009

Derrida's purpose in ‘Death Penalties’ (2004), is to show how both arguments in favour of capital punishment, exemplified by Kant's, and arguments for its abolition, such as those of Beccaria, are deconstructible. He claims that ‘never, to my knowledge, has any philosopher as a philosopher, in his or her own strictly and systematically philosophical discourse, never has any philosophy as such contested the legitimacy of the death penalty.’ (2004, 146) Derrida also asks how it is possible ‘to abolish the death penalty in a way that is based on principle, that is universal and unconditional, and not because it has become not only cruel but useless, insufficiently exemplary?’ (2004, 137) In my paper, I examine Derrida's claim about the lack of systematic opposition to the death penalty on the part of philosophers and suggest an answer to his question concerning the possibility of a universal and unconditional opposition to capital punishment.
Beside(s): Elizabeth Presa with Jacques Derrida
Authors: Vardoulakis Dimitris
Published: November 2009

This paper explores the way that Elizabeth Presa's artworks respond to Jacques Derrida's thought. By examining how the particularity (the beside) and its supplements (the besides) operate in Presa's works, it is shown how this movement between beside and besides is also central to Derrida's thought.
‘Pardon for not meaning’: Remarks on Derrida, Blanchot and Kafka
Authors: Sheaffer-Jones Caroline
Published: November 2009

Jacques Derrida returns relentlessly to the question of literature which is already a prominent concern in early texts such as Writing and Difference. The focus of this article is the conception of literature in ‘Literature in Secret: An Impossible Filiation’, in which Derrida discusses filiation with reference to Abraham and Isaac, the fundamental necessity of secrecy and the notion of the pardon. Above all, it is Kafka's Letter to His Father which perhaps provides a paradigm for defining literature. In this specular address, the promise of a heritage is in the balance. Writing incessantly on Kafka, Maurice Blanchot also reflects on literature. The notion of literature put forward by Derrida in ‘Literature in Secret: An Impossible Filiation’ is considered in this article, as well as reflections by Blanchot, to show what might be at stake in Kafka's Letter to His Father.
Let the Witness Speak: From Archi-writing to the Community to come
Authors: Vitale Francesco
Published: November 2009

The paper aims to present a reading of the question of Testimony rising in Derrida's later works (from Faith and Knowledge to Poetics and Politics of Witnessing): the experience of Testimony as the irreducible condition of the relation to the Other, of every possible link among living human singularities and, thus, of the thinking of a community to come. This thinking is able to divert the community from the economy grounding and structuring it within our political tradition governed by the metaphysics of presence, which demands the sacrifice of the Other in its multiple theoretical and practical forms. We intend to read this proposal and to point out its rich perspectives by bringing it into the articulation of an ethical-political archi-writing. So we suggest going back to Derrida's early analyses of phenomenology and to De la grammatologie in order to present a reading of archi-writing as the irreducible condition of the relation to otherness and, thus, of the experience through which a living human singularity constitutes itself, a singularity different from the one our tradition compels us to think of within the pattern of the absolute presence to the self, free from the relation to the other.
Does Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas Represent a Sustainable Alternative Energy Source?
Authors: Ovando-Medina Isidro , Espinosa-García Francisco , Núñez-Farfán Juan , Salvador-Figueroa Miguel
Published: November 2009

Various government agencies around the world have proposed vegetable oils and their conversion to biodiesel as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Due to its adaptability to marginal soils and environments, the cultivation of Jatropha curcas is frequently mentioned as the best option for producing biodiesel. In the present work the current situation of proven and potential reserves of fossil fuel, and the production and consumption model for the same are analyzed, in order to later review the sustainability of the production process which begins with the cultivation of J. curcas, and culminates with the consumption of biodiesel. A review of the following topics is proposed in order to improve the sustainability of the process: areas destined for cultivation, use of external (chemical) inputs in cultivation, processes for converting the vegetable oil to biodiesel, and, above all, the location for ultimate consumption of the biofuel.
Is Fatigue an Inflammatory Variable in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Analyses of Fatigue in RA, Osteoarthritis, and Fibromyalgia
Authors: BERGMAN MARTIN J. , SHAHOURI SHADI S. , SHAVER TIMOTHY S. , ANDERSON JAMES D. , WEIDENSAUL DAVID N. , BUSCH RUTH E. , WANG SHIRLEY , WOLFE FREDERICK
Published: November 2009

Objective.

To investigate whether fatigue is an inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis; RA) variable, the contributions of RA variables to fatigue, and the levels of fatigue in RA compared with osteoarthritis (OA) and fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods.

We studied 2096 RA patients, 1440 with OA, and 1073 with FM in a clinical setting, and 14,607 RA, 3173 OA, and 2487 patients with FM in survey research. We partitioned variables into inflammatory and noninflammatory factors and examined variable contribution to fatigue (0–10 visual analog scale).

Results.

Factor analysis identified Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) and swollen (SJC) and tender joint count (TJC) as a physician-inflammation factor, and patient global assessment, pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and fatigue as patient components. Fatigue demonstrated weak correlations with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; r = 0.071) and SJC (r = 0.112), weak to fair correlations with TJC (r = 0.294), physician global assessment of RA activity (r = 0.384), and DAS28 (r = 0.399), but strong correlation with patient global assessment of severity (r = 0.567). In hierarchical regression analysis, patient global explained 43.1% of DAS28 fatigue variance; when SJC, TJC, and ESR were entered, the explained variance increased to 43.7%. In reverse order, SJC, TJC, and ESR explained 9.2% of the variance, but explained variance increased to 43.7% when patient global was added. The mean clinic fatigue scores were RA 4.9, OA 4.8, FM 7.6; mean survey scores were RA 4.5, OA 4.4, FM 6.3. Adjusted for age and sex, RA and OA fatigue scores were not significantly different.

Conclusion.

Inflammatory components of the DAS28 contribute minimally to fatigue. RA and OA fatigue levels do not differ. Fatigue is not an inflammatory variable and has no unique association with RA or RA therapy.
Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibody Prevalence and Associated Clinical Manifestations in a Large Series of French Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: MEYER OLIVIER , DE CHAISEMARTIN LUC , NICAISE-ROLAND PASCALE , CABANE JEAN , TUBACH FLORENCE , DIEUDE PHILIPPE , HAYEM GILLES , PALAZZO ELISABETH , CHOLLET-MARTIN SYLVIE , KAHAN ANDRÉ , ALLANORE YANNICK
Published: November 2009

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of anti-RNA polymerase III autoantibodies in French patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to identify the associated clinical manifestations.

Methods.

Consecutive patients with SSc seen in 3 tertiary centers in Paris were included. Sera samples were collected together with the relevant clinical and immunological data. Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies were detected by ELISA at a central laboratory. Data on other antibodies were abstracted from the medical records.

Results.

We included 319 patients: 84% women, 36% with a diffuse cutaneous subtype, 44% with pulmonary fibrosis, 5% with pulmonary hypertension, 4% with renal crisis, among whom 29 (9.4%) had anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies. These antibodies were more prevalent in patients with diffuse than with limited cutaneous disease (14.3% vs 6.0%; OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.48, p = 0.016). Renal crisis was more prevalent in patients with than in those without anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies (14% vs 3%; OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.4–17.3, p = 0.012). Renal crisis occurred in 2.2% of patients with anti-topoisomerase I and 3.9% of patients with anticentromere antibodies. Of the patients with anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies, 24 (83%) had no other systemic sclerosis-specific autoantibodies.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in French patients appeared to be lower than in the United States and similar to that in continental Europe. These antibodies were consistently associated with diffuse cutaneous disease and were the most common immunological marker for renal crisis. Anti-RNA polymerase III determination can help to risk-stratify SSc patients at high risk for this severe manifestation.
Calvin’s election mix in small-scale theology
Authors: Loader James A.
Published: November 2009

This paper shows how Calvin’s ideas about the Old Testament concept of Israel’s election can be dangerous when they are applied uncritically. The main illustration material is drawn from a context the author was himself part of, notably the South African apartheid theology of Calvinist provenance. The paper begins with documenting Calvin’s views on Israel and Israel’s election in the Old Testament, moving to a consideration of how this motif was connected to the idea of predestination and construed to become an instrument to defend apartheid in what may be called a substandard theology. It is suggested that a glance at the English-speaking world shows surprising similarities that justify further consideration. In this title several dimensions are present that need to be explicated.
Spectral Optimization of High-Speed Train Suspension Systems
Authors: Younesian Davood , Nankali Amir
Published: November 2009

In this paper, an optimal suspension system for high-speed passenger trains is proposed based on a spectral analysis in frequency domain. In the optimization procedure, the ride quality and the fatigue life of the suspension system are simultaneously taken into consideration as objective functions. Spectral densities for the coil spring shear stress and the vertical acceleration are obtained using a spectral approach. A multi-variable optimization is carried out using genetic algorithms. Four design parameters including the damping properties of the secondary and primary suspension, and the wire diameter of their coil springs are obtained. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out on the effects of travelling speed, level of irregularity and eccentricity of the wagon body on the performance of the optimized system. The influences of any positive and negative deviations with respect to the optimal design parameters on the dynamic responses are also studied.
Estimation of Applied Forces on Railway Vehicle Wheelsets from Measured Vehicle Responses
Authors: Mehrpouya Majid , Ahmadian Hamid
Published: November 2009

In this paper, a finite element (FE) model of a railway freight vehicle is proposed to be used in the identification of applied forces to the wheelsets. The proposed model is comprised of two, two-axle bogies of type H665 and a freight wagon. The model is updated in two stages. First, the bogie is updated by using modal data extracted from measurements on an actual bogie separated from wagon. Secondly, the whole structure of the vehicle is updated by modal data obtained from a test conducted on the vehicle in the laboratory. Since the proposed model is relatively large, it is reduced to some desirable points through the superelement analysis method, in order to reduce the cost of computation. The final reduced model is then used to identify the applied forces resulted from irregularities of track.
Preparation of Stable Single‐Chain Trimers Engineered with Peptide, β2 Microglobulin, and MHC Heavy Chain
Authors: Hansen Ted , Yu Y.Y. Lawrence , Fremont Daved H.
Published: November 2009

This unit describes a method for constructing a class I MHC molecule with a bound peptide as a single polypeptide chain, termed SCT, for single chain trimer. The component organization of the SCT appears to be widely applicable to different mouse or human MHC class I isotypes bound by different antigenic peptides. The enhanced peptide occupancy afforded by the SCT format makes these molecules effective reagents as DNA vaccines, multimeric staining reagents to enumerate CD8 T cells, and probes of lymphocyte biology. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 87:17.5.1‐17.5.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of Peptide MHC Class I Monomers and Multimers Through Ligand Exchange
Authors: Toebes Mireille , Rodenko Boris , Ovaa Huib , Schumacher Ton N.M.
Published: November 2009

The recognition of defined antigen‐MHC complexes by antigen‐specific T cells forms the molecular basis of T cell immunity. It has been shown that fluorescently labeled recombinant MHC tetramers can be utilized to detect antigen‐specific T cells by flow cytometry. Since this first description, MHC tetramers and other types of MHC multimers have become a core tool to monitor the development of disease‐ and therapy‐induced antigen‐specific T cell responses both in humans and in animal model systems. This unit describes a set of protocols that transform classical MHC multimer technology into a high‐throughput platform, allowing one to produce large collections of MHC class I molecules charged with different peptides. This technology is based on the development of conditional MHC ligands that can be triggered to self‐destruct while in the MHC‐bound state. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 87:18.16.1‐18.16.20. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Population relationships in the Mediterranean revealed by autosomal genetic data (Alu and Alu/STR compound systems)
Authors: González‐Pérez Emili , Esteban Esther , Via Marc , Gayà‐Vidal Magdalena , Athanasiadis Georgios , Dugoujon Jean Michel , Luna Francisco , Mesa Maria Soledad , Fuster Vicente , Kandil Mostafa , Harich Nourdin , Bissar‐Tadmouri Nisrine , Saetta Angela , Moral Pedro
Published: November 2009

The variation of 18 Alu polymorphisms and 3 linked STRs was determined in 1,831 individuals from 15 Mediterranean populations to analyze the relationships between human groups in this geographical region and provide a complementary perspective to information from studies based on uniparental markers. Patterns of population diversity revealed by the two kinds of markers examined were different from one another, likely in relation to their different mutation rates. Therefore, while the Alu biallelic variation underlies general heterogeneity throughout the whole Mediterranean region, the combined use of Alu and STR points to a considerable genetic differentiation between the two Mediterranean shores, presumably strengthened by a considerable sub‐Saharan African genetic contribution in North Africa (around 13% calculated from Alu markers). Gene flow analysis confirms the permeability of the Sahara to human passage along with the existence of trans‐Mediterranean interchanges. Two specific Alu/STR combinations—CD4 110(−) and DM 107(−)—detected in all North African samples, the Iberian Peninsula, Greece, Turkey, and some Mediterranean islands suggest an ancient genetic background of current Mediterranean peoples. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stable isotope analysis of modern human hair collected from Asia (China, India, Mongolia, and Pakistan)
Authors: Thompson A.H. , Chesson L.A. , Podlesak D.W. , Bowen G.J. , Cerling T.E. , Ehleringer J.R.
Published: November 2009

We report isotopic data (δ2H, δ18O n = 196; δ13C, δ15N n = 142; δ34S n = 85) from human hair and drinking water (δ2H, δ18O n = 67) collected across China, India, Mongolia, and Pakistan. Hair isotope ratios reflected the large environmental isotopic gradients and dietary differences. Geographic information was recorded in H and O and to a lesser extent, S isotopes. H and O data were entered into a recently developed model describing the relationship between the H and O isotope composition of human hair and drinking water in modern USA and pre‐globalized populations. This has anthropological and forensic applications including reconstructing environment and diet in modern and ancient human hair. However, it has not been applied to a modern population outside of the USA, where we expect different diet. Relationships between H and O isotope ratios in drinking water and hair of modern human populations in Asia were different to both modern USA and pre‐globalized populations. However, the Asian dataset was closer to the modern USA than to pre‐globalized populations. Model parameters suggested slightly higher consumption of locally producedfoods in our sampled population than modern USA residents, but lower than pre‐globalized populations. The degree of in vivo amino acid synthesis was comparable to both the modern USA and pre‐globalized populations. C isotope ratios reflected the predominantly C3‐based regional agriculture and C4 consumption in northernChina. C, N, and S isotope ratios supported marine food consumption in some coastal locales. N isotope ratios suggested a relatively low consumption of animal‐derived products compared to western populations. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A genetic historical sketch of European Gypsies: The perspective from autosomal markers
Authors: Gusmão Alfredo , Valente Cristina , Gomes Verónica , Alves Cíntia , Amorim António , Prata Maria João , Gusmão Leonor
Published: November 2009

In this study, 123 unrelated Portuguese Gypsies were analyzed for 15 highly polymorphic autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). Average gene diversity across the 15 markers was 76.7%, which is lower than that observed in the non‐Gypsy Portuguese population. Subsets of STRs were used to perform comparisons with other Gypsy and corresponding host populations. Interestingly, diversity reduction in Gypsy groups compared to their non‐Gypsy surrounding populations apparently varied according to an East‐West gradient, which parallels their dispersion in Europe as well as a decrease in complexity of their internal structure. Analysis of genetic distances revealed that the average level of genetic differentiation between Gypsy groups was much larger than that observed between the corresponding non‐Gypsy populations. The high rate of heterogeneity among Gypsies can be explained by strong genetic drift and limited intergroup gene flow. However, when genetic relationships were addressed through principal component analysis, all Gypsy populations clustered together and was clearly distinguished from other populations, a pattern that suggests their common origin. Concerning the putative ancestral genetic component, admixture analysis did not reveal strong Indian ancestry in the current Gypsy gene pools, in contrast to the high admixture estimates for either Europeans or Western Asians. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral health and the postcontact adaptive transition: A contextual reconstruction of diet in Mórrope, Peru
Authors: Klaus Haagen D. , Tam Manuel E.
Published: November 2009

This work explores the effects of European contact on Andean foodways in the Lambayeque Valley Complex, north coast Peru. We test the hypothesis that Spanish colonization negatively impacted indigenous diet. Diachronic relationships of oral health were examined from the dentitions of 203 late‐pre‐Hispanic and 175 colonial‐period Mochica individuals from Mórrope, Lambayeque, to include observations of dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, alveolar inflammation, dental calculus, periodontitis, and dental wear.G‐tests and odds ratio analyses across six age classes indicate a range of statistically significant postcontact increases in dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, and dental calculus prevalence. These findings are associated with ethnohistoric contexts that point to colonial‐era economic reorganization which restricted access to multiple traditional food sources. We infer that oral health changes reflect creative Mochica cultural adjustments to dietary shortfalls through the consumption of a greater proportion of dietary carbohydrates. Simultaneously, independent skeletal indicators of biological stress suggest that these adjustments bore a cost in increased nutritional stress. Oral health appears to have been systematically worse among colonial women. We rule out an underlying biological cause (female fertility variation) and suggest that the establishment of European gender ideologies and divisions of labor possibly exposed colonial Mochica women to a more cariogenic diet. Overall, dietary change in Mórrope appears shaped by local responses to a convergence of colonial Spanish economic agendas, landscape transformation, and social changes during the postcontact transition in northern Peru. These findings also further the understandings of dietary and biocultural histories of the Western Hemisphere. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Singular fiber of the Mumford system and rational solutions to the KdV hierarchy
Authors: Inoue Rei , Yamazaki Takao , Vanhaecke Pol
Published: November 2009

We study the singular isolevel manifold Mg(0) of the genus g Mumford system associated to the spectral curve y2 = x2g + 1. We show that Mg(0) is stratified by g + 1 open subvarieties of additive algebraic groups of dimension 0, 1, …, g, and we give an explicit description of Mg(0) in terms of the compactification of the generalized Jacobian. As a consequence, we obtain an effective algorithm to compute rational solutions to the genus g Mumford system, which is closely related to rational solutions of the KdV hierarchy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selection-Driven Immune Escape Is Not A Significant Factor in the Failure of Cd4 T Cell Responses in Persistent Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Fuller Michael J. , Shoukry Naglaa H. , Gushima Toshifumi , Bowen David G. , Callendret Benoit , Campbell Katherine J. , Hasselschwert Dana L. , Hughes Austin L. , Walker Christopher M.
Published: November 2009

Immune escape driven by selection pressure from virus-specific CD8 T cells has been demonstrated in both chimpanzees and humans infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although escape mutations have also been characterized in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–restricted HCV epitopes, it is unknown whether selection-driven immune escape by CD4 T cell epitopes is a significant factor in the failure of these responses or contributes to persistent infection. To address this issue, evolution of MHC class I– and class II–restricted HCV epitopes was compared in four chimpanzees persistently infected with the virus for more than 10 years. We identified an amino acid change in a CD4 epitope of the HCV NS3 protein in one of the chimpanzees 3 years after infection. This mutation resulted in diminished activation, cytokine production (interferon-γ and interleukin-2), and proliferation by an epitope-specific CD4 T cell line. We expanded our analysis to determine if mutations were common in multiple CD4 versus CD8 T cell epitopes in the four chronically infected animals. Whereas we observed mutations in over 75% of CD8 T cell epitopes analyzed in this study, only 18% of CD4 T cell epitopes analyzed showed amino acid changes. The frequency of changes in class II epitopes was not different from flanking regions, so CD4 T cells rarely exert selection pressure against the HCV genome.

Conclusion:

Apparent mutational escape can occur in MHC class II–restricted epitopes, but this is uncommon when compared with class I–restricted epitopes in the same individual. This indicates that other mechanisms for silencing CD4 T cells are dominant in persistent HCV infections. (Hepatology 2009.)
The spatial and temporal variability of groundwater recharge in a forested basin in northern Wisconsin
Authors: Dripps W. R. , Bradbury K. R.
Published: November 2009

Recharge varies spatially and temporally as it depends on a wide variety of factors (e.g. vegetation, precipitation, climate, topography, geology, and soil type), making it one of the most difficult, complex, and uncertain hydrologic parameters to quantify. Despite its inherent variability, groundwater modellers, planners, and policy makers often ignore recharge variability and assume a single average recharge value for an entire watershed. Relatively few attempts have been made to quantify or incorporate spatial and temporal recharge variability into water resource planning or groundwater modelling efforts. In this study, a simple, daily soil–water balance model was developed and used to estimate the spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater recharge of the Trout Lake basin of northern Wisconsin for 1996–2000 as a means to quantify recharge variability. For the 5 years of study, annual recharge varied spatially by as much as 18 cm across the basin; vegetation was the predominant control on this variability. Recharge also varied temporally with a threefold annual difference over the 5‐year period. Intra‐annually, recharge was limited to a few isolated events each year and exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern. The results suggest that ignoring recharge variability may not only be inappropriate, but also, depending on the application, may invalidate model results and predictions for regional and local water budget calculations, water resource management, nutrient cycling, and contaminant transport studies. Recharge is spatially and temporally variable, and should be modelled as such. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting discharge and sediment for the Abay (Blue Nile) with a simple model
Authors: Steenhuis Tammo S. , Collick Amy S. , Easton Zachary M. , Leggesse Elias S. , Bayabil Haimonote K. , White Eric D. , Awulachew Seleshi B. , Adgo Enyew , Ahmed Abdassalam Abdalla
Published: November 2009

Models accurately representing the underlying hydrological processes and sediment dynamics in the Nile Basin are necessary for optimum use of water resources. Previous research in the Abay (Blue Nile) has indicated that direct runoff is generated either from saturated areas at the lower portions of the hillslopes or from areas of exposed bedrock. Thus, models that are based on infiltration excess processes are not appropriate. Furthermore, many of these same models are developed for temperate climates and might not be suitable for monsoonal climates with distinct dry periods in the Nile Basin. The objective of this study is to develop simple hydrology and erosion models using saturation excess runoff principles and interflow processes appropriate for a monsoonal climate and a mountainous landscape. We developed a hydrology model using a water balance approach by dividing the landscape into variable saturated areas, exposed rock and hillslopes. Water balance models have been shown to simulate river flows well at intervals of 5 days or longer when the main runoff mechanism is saturation excess. The hydrology model was developed and coupled with an erosion model using available precipitation and potential evaporation data and a minimum of calibration parameters. This model was applied to the Blue Nile. The model predicts direct runoff from saturated areas and impermeable areas (such as bedrock outcrops) and subsurface flow from the remainder of the hillslopes. The ratio of direct runoff to total flow is used to predict the sediment concentration by assuming that only the direct runoff is responsible for the sediment load in the stream. There is reasonable agreement between the model predictions and the 10‐day observed discharge and sediment concentration at the gauging station on Blue Nile upstream of Rosaries Dam at the Ethiopia–Sudan border. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of harvest time on essential oil composition, phenolic constituents and antioxidant properties of Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.)
Authors: Ozkan Gulcan , Baydar Hasan , Erbas Sabri
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to determine essential oil composition, phenolic constituents and antioxidant properties of Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.) leaves harvested during the months of June to September.

RESULT: The maximum essential oil yield in the leaves appeared in the middle of July. The main components of oregano oil were carvacrol, thymol, γ‐terpinene, p‐cymene, α‐terpinene and α‐pinene. Carvacrol was highest in the July harvest. The maximum extract yield was found in September. Oil distilled from early‐season (June) harvested leaves had the highest antioxidant ability, expressed as low concentration providing 50% inhibition of free radical scavenging activity and high levels of reducing/antioxidant capacity. Twelve phenolic compounds of oregano extract were identified and the main components were found to be rosmarinic acid and acecetin. The maximum rosmarinic acid and acecetin were found in harvests of July and June, respectively. Total phenolic contents, free radical scavenging activities and reducing/antioxidant capacities were found to be highest in the July harvest.

DISCUSSION: All yields, chemical compositions, free radical scavenging activities and reducing/antioxidant capacities of extracts and essential oils of Turkish oregano changed importantly depending on vegetative periods of growing season. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of pre‐germination time of brown rice on serum cholesterol levels of hypercholesterolaemic rats
Authors: Roohinejad Shahin , Omidizadeh Alireza , Mirhosseini Hamed , Saari Nazamid , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Mohd Yusof Rokiah , Meor Hussin Anis Shobirin , Hamid Azizah , Abd Manap Mohd Yazid
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Brown rice is unpolished rice with immeasurable benefits for human health. Brown rice (BR) and pre‐germinated brown rice (PGBR) are known to contain various functional compounds such as γ‐oryzanol, dietary fibre and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). In the present study, the experimental diets containing BR and PGBR (24, 48 h pre‐germination) were used to investigate the influence of pre‐germination time of brown rice on blood cholesterol in Sprague–Dawley male rats.

RESULTS: Hypercholesterolaemia and elevation of LDL‐cholesterol were successfully ameliorated by the experimental diets containing BR and PGBR (24 and 48 h pre‐germination). As compared to the control sample, the pre‐germination time had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on blood cholesterol of Sprague–Dawley male rats. It was also found that the significantly (P < 0.05) better effect on lipid profile of hypercholesterolaemic rats was observed by prolonging the pre‐germination time. As compared to non‐germinated brown rice, the germinated brown rice showed the higher cardio‐protective effect on hypercholesterolaemic Sprague–Dawley male rats.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the changes of blood cholesterol can be mainly modulated by using the PGBR rather than BR. The prolonging of pre‐germination time led to an increase in the bioactive components, thereby providing a more efficient functional diet affecting the high blood cholesterol. This study suggests that PGBR can be used instead of BR and polished rice in the human diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Toxicokinetics and recovery studies of dicamba dimethyl amine salt in goats following single oral administration
Authors: Mukherjee Madhusudan , Muraleedharannair Prashant , Karmakar Utpal K , Datta Bakul K , Sar Tapas K , Chakraborty Animesh K , Bhattacharya Anjan , Choudhury Ashim , Mandal Tapan K
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Toxicokinetics and recovery studies of dicamba dimethyl amine salt (DDAS) were conducted to obtain more information about its toxicity and tissue retention in farm animals.

RESULTS: The minimum oral toxic dose level of DDAS was determined as 1400 mg kg−1 body weight. In the toxicokinetic study, blood DDAS concentration of 55.6 ± 0.59 µg mL−1 (mean ± standard error) was detected at 0.08 h, which peaked to 102.3 ± 5.03 µg mL−1 at 0.25 h, and declined to a minimum of 4.1 ± 0.06 µg mL−1 at 36 h. In recovery studies, DDAS concentration in urine began to increase significantly (P < 0.05) from 12 h, peaked at 24 h and declined from 48 h onwards. Maximum excretion through faeces was at 24 h and was complete by 144 h. The residual level in tissues decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on day 7 as compared to day 4. In histopathological studies, cellular alterations in lungs, liver, kidney, adrenal gland and spleen were found.

CONCLUSION: DDAS persists in the body for a shorter period and its major excretory route is through urine. DDAS has lower affinity to accumulate in tissues, and intensity of cellular alterations is not severe after single‐dose oral administration. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Topology optimization for stationary fluid–structure interaction problems using a new monolithic formulation
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho
Published: November 2009

This paper outlines a new procedure for topology optimization in the steady‐state fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problem. A review of current topology optimization methods highlights the difficulties in alternating between the two distinct sets of governing equations for fluid and structure dynamics (hereafter, the fluid and structural equations, respectively) and in imposing coupling boundary conditions between the separated fluid and solid domains. To overcome these difficulties, we propose an alternative monolithic procedure employing a unified domain rather than separated domains, which is not computationally efficient. In the proposed analysis procedure, the spatial differential operator of the fluid and structural equations for a deformed configuration is transformed into that for an undeformed configuration with the help of the deformation gradient tensor. For the coupling boundary conditions, the divergence of the pressure and the Darcy damping force are inserted into the solid and fluid equations, respectively. The proposed method is validated in several benchmark analysis problems. Topology optimization in the FSI problem is then made possible by interpolating Young's modulus, the fluid pressure of the modified solid equation, and the inverse permeability from the damping force with respect to the design variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological benefits for cancer patients and their partners participating in mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR)
Authors: Birnie Kathryn , Garland Sheila N. , Carlson Linda E.
Published: November 2009

Objective: Cancer patients experience many negative psychological symptoms including stress, anxiety, and depression. This distress is not limited to the patient, as their partners also experience many psychological challenges. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) programs have demonstrated clinical benefit for a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer. This is the first study to report MBSR participation with partners of cancer patients.

Methods: This study examined the impact of an 8‐week MBSR program for 21 couples who attended the program together on outcomes of mood disturbance, symptoms of stress, and mindfulness.

Results: Significant reductions for both patients and partners in mood disturbance (p<0.05) and the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C‐SOSI) subscales of muscle tension (p<0.01), neurological/GI (p<0.05), and upper respiratory (p<0.01) symptoms were observed after program participation. Significant increases in mindfulness (p<0.05) were also reported in both groups. No significant correlations were observed between patient and partner scores on any measures at baseline or on change scores pre‐ to post‐intervention; however, after MBSR participation couple's scores on the Profile of Mood States and C‐SOSI were more highly correlated with one‐another. Post‐intervention, partners' mood disturbance scores were significantly positively correlated with patients' symptoms of stress and negatively correlated with patients' levels of mindfulness.

Conclusions: Overall, the MBSR program was helpful for improving psychological functioning and mindfulness for both members of the couple. Several avenues of future research are suggested to further explore potential benefits of joint couple attendance in the MBSR program. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and fragmentation of aminomonosaccharides in H2O and D2O
Authors: Choi Sung‐Seen , Kim Jong‐Chul
Published: November 2009

Aminomonosaccharides (glucosamine, galactosamine, and mannosamine) in H2O and D2O were ionized by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and their fragmentation patterns were investigated to identify them. All the aminomonosaccharides showed the same fragment ions but their relative ion intensities were different. Major product ions generated in H2O were [M + H]+, [M + H – H2O]+, and [2M + H – 3H2O]+, while in D2O were [MD6 + D]+, [MD6 + D – D2O]+, and [2MD6 + D – D2O – 2HDO]+. At a high fragmentor voltage above 120 V, the relative ion intensities of the major product ions showed different trends according to the aminomonosaccharides. For the use of H2O as solvent and eluent, the order of the ion intensity ratio of [M + H – H2O]+/[2M + H – 3H2O]+was galactosamine > mannosamine > glucosamine. When using D2O as solvent and eluent, the order of the ion intensity ratios of [MD6 + D – D2O]+/[MD6 + D]+and [2MD6 + D – D2O – 2HDO]+/[MD6 + D]+was mannosamine > galactosamine > glucosamine. It was found that glucosamine, galactosamine, and mannosamine could be distinguished by the specific trends of the major product ion ratios in H2O and D2O. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of bacteria and ion‐exchange particles and its potential in separation for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric identification of bacteria in water
Authors: Guo Zhongxian , Liu Ying , Li Shuping , Yang Zhaoguang
Published: November 2009

Identification of microbial contaminants in drinking water is a challenge to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) due to low levels of microorganisms in fresh water. To avoid the time‐consuming culture step of obtaining enough microbial cells for subsequent MALDI‐MS analysis, a combination of membrane filtration and nanoparticles‐ or microparticles‐based magnetic separation is a fast and efficient approach. In this work, the interaction of bacteria and fluidMAG‐PAA, a cation‐exchange superparamagnetic nanomaterial, was investigated by MALDI‐MS analysis and transmission electron microscopy. FluidMAG‐PAA selectively captured cells of Salmonella, Bacillus, Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. This capture was attributed to the aggregation of negatively charged nanoparticles on bacterial cell regional surfaces that bear positive charges. Three types of non‐porous silica‐encapsulated anion‐exchange magnetic microparticles (SiMAG‐Q, SiMAG‐PEI, SiMAG‐DEAE) were capable of concentrating a variety of bacteria, and were compared with silica‐free, smaller fluidMAG particles. Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and other bacteria spiked in aqueous solutions, tap water and reservoir water were separated and concentrated by membrane filtration and magnetic separation based on these ion‐exchange magnetic materials, and then characterized by whole cell MALDI‐MS. By comparing with the mass spectra of the isolates and pure cells, bacteria in fresh water can be rapidly detected at 1 × 103 colony‐forming units (cfu)/mL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of progesterone on cervical shortening in women at risk for preterm birth: secondary analysis from a multinational, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: O'Brien J. M. , DeFranco E. A. , Adair C. D. , Lewis D. F. , Hall D. R. , How H. , Bsharat M. , Creasy G. W.
Published: November 2009

Objectives

To determine whether progesterone supplementation alters cervical shortening in women at increased risk for preterm birth.

Methods

We performed a planned secondary analysis from a large, multinational preterm birth prevention trial of daily intravaginal progesterone gel, 90 mg, com‐ pared with placebo in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth or premature cervical shortening. Transvaginal cervical length measurements were obtained in all randomized patients at baseline (18 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks' gestation) and at 28 weeks' gestation. For this secondary analysis, the difference in cervical length between these time points was compared for the study population with a history of spontaneous preterm birth and for a population with premature cervical shortening (≤ 30 mm) at randomization. Differences between groups in cervical length for the 28‐week examination were analyzed using ANCOVA, including adjustment for relevant clinical parameters and maternal characteristics.

Results

Data were analyzed from 547 randomized patients with a history of preterm birth. The progesterone‐treated patients had significantly less cervical shortening than the placebo group (difference 1.6 (95% CI, 0.3–3.0) mm; P = 0.02, ANCOVA). In the population of 104 subjects with premature cervical shortening at randomization, the cervical length also differed significantly on multivariable analysis, with the treatment group preserving more cervical length than the placebo group (difference 3.3 (95% CI, 0.3–6.2) mm; P = 0.03, ANCOVA), with adjustment for differences in cervical length at screening. A significant difference was also observed between groups for categorical outcomes including the frequency of cervical length progression to ≤ 25 mm and a ≥ 50% reduction in cervical length from baseline in this subpopulation.

Conclusions

Intravaginal progesterone enhances preservation of cervical length in women at high risk for preterm birth. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Characterization and Surface‐Activity of a Polyoxyethylene Ether Trimeric Quaternary Ammonium Surfactant
Authors: Zhang Jiaoxia , Zheng Yaping , Yu Peiying , He Lin , Wang Huining , Wang Rumin
Published: November 2009

A trimeric quaternary ammonium salt surfactant containing polyoxyethylene chains was synthesized from fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and thionyl chloride by a two‐step process. Its chemical structure was characterized, and the surface activity in aqueous solution was studied at different temperatures. The results showed that when the concentration attains the CMC (1.0 mmol/L), the surface tension is 38.9 mN m−1 and the conductivity is 105.3μS cm−1 at 25 °C. These show that the trimeric quaternary ammonium salt surfactant containing polyoxyethylene chains exhibits high surface activity and effectively reduces the surface tension of water.
The Effects of Microwave Frying on Physicochemical Properties of Frying and Sunflower Oils
Authors: Gharachorloo Maryam , Ghavami Mehrdad , Mahdiani Maryam , Azizinezhad Reza
Published: November 2009

Deep fat frying is a method of food preparation which has been popular for quite a number of years. During deep frying, the quality of oil and the finished product decreases as the result of heat treatment of the oil exposed to air at high temperature. Application of heat by microwave as an alternative to the conventional method of frying has become popular in recent years. In this research, the effects of microwave frying on the changes in the quality indices of used oil have been investigated. To achieve this, potato slices were fried in both frying and sunflower oils by application of medium power microwave (550 W) for 20 min, three times a day, for five consecutive days, and oils were sampled for analysis. The results obtained from the chemical tests demonstrated that used frying oil had lower polar compounds, a higher induction period, and more saturated fatty acids than sunflower oil. The interesting point observed was that peroxides formed as the result of oxidation chain reactions were not broken down and were built up due to the lower temperature and shorter period of frying. Therefore microwave frying might be considered as a suitable alternative to the conventional frying due to less degradation of the oil and consequently a lower production of artifacts.
Behavior genetics and the prospect of “personalized social policy”
Authors: Panofsky Aaron L
Published: November 2009

I develop “personalized social policy” as a speculative exercise to examine the possibility that policy makers and service providers, making decisions under conditions of uncertainty, could use genetic information to divide clients into “treatment groups” receiving differential service goods to better meet individual needs or achieve efficiency. Using real and hypothetical examples from genetics and social services, I show how personalized social policy might work and discuss its implications for the practical organization and theoretical justification of social policy. The analysis suggests that behavior genetics could dramatically impact social policy, not by sowing fatalism about change, but by offering specific, practical tools that would reorganize the institutional and professional composition of social services delivery and bolster functionalist rationales for social welfare. Policy analysts should focus on specific ways genetic information might affect policy decisions to prepare proactive responses should the prospect of personalized social policy become a reality.