bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the molecular structure of alginates and their gelation in acidic conditions
Authors: Andriamanantoanina Hanta , Rinaudo Marguerite
Published: October 2010

The study reports examined the influence of chemical composition of blocks along alginate chains on the ability to form a gel in acidic conditions. For that purpose, GG (where G is α‐L‐guluronic acid) and MM (where M is β‐D‐mannuronic acid) blocks of high purity were obtained with good yield from algae recovered along Madagascar coasts; the molecular weight distribution and M/G ratio were determined. The alginates extracted from Sargassum species (SG1 and SG4) are particularly rich in G units. From the dependence of viscosity on pH for solutions of each type of block, it is established that cooperative interchain interactions based on hydrogen bond networks occur for GG blocks when the pH is lower than 3.41 with an optimum at pH = 2.68; MM blocks phase‐separate at pH ≤ 1.93. For a purified commercial alginate (M/G = 1.3) a gel is formed at pH < 3.05 and modulus G′ becomes maximum at pH = 2.28. From these data, it is concluded that gelation in acidic conditions is mainly based on GG blocks forming junction zones. It is shown that acid gels obtained from pre‐formed gels in the presence of calcium are stronger than when formed directly from the sodium salt form. In addition, the degree of swelling of these gels in the acid form is lower (50% lower) than in the calcium form; this is attributed to the screening of electrostatic repulsions in the gel when the pH is around the intrinsic pK of carboxylic groups and, eventually, to the establishment of hydrogen bond interactions involving M units. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma‐modified halloysite nanocomposites: effect of plasma modification on the structure and dynamic mechanical properties of halloysite–polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Shamsi Mohtashim H , Luqman Mohammad , Basarir Fevzihan , Kim Joon‐Seop , Yoon Tae‐Ho , Geckeler Kurt E
Published: October 2010

Plasma polymerization of styrene was used to modify the hydrophilic surfaces of halloysite nanotubes to investigate the reinforcement effect of new hydrophobic surfaces on the dynamic mechanical properties of halloysite–polystyrene nanocomposites at various degrees of loading. Pristine and plasma‐modified halloysite–polystyrene nanocomposites were synthesized by solution blending and characterized using various techniques. The storage moduli and glass transition temperatures of the composites were analyzed using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. It was found that the rubbery moduli increased substantially after plasma coating with styrene due to the compatibility of the new hydrophobic halloysite surfaces with the polystyrene polymer matrix. In addition, the rubbery moduli increased with increasing amount of clay. The glass transition temperatures of the composites did not change significantly with the amount of clay. The strengths of the plasma‐modified composites were also compared with those of recently reported halloysite–epoxy resin composites. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Direct observation of minimum‐sized amyloid fibrils using solution NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Yoshimura Yuichi , Sakurai Kazumasa , Lee Young‐Ho , Ikegami Takahisa , Chatani Eri , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji
Published: October 2010

It is challenging to investigate the structure and dynamics of amyloid fibrils at the residue and atomic resolution because of their high molecular weight and heterogeneous properties. Here, we used solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to characterize the conformation and flexibility of amyloid fibrils of β2‐microglobulin (β2m), for which direct observation of solution NMR could not be made. Ultrasonication led to fragmentation producing a solution of minimum‐sized fibrils with a molecular weight of around 6 MDa. In 1H‐15N heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation measurements, five signals, derived from N‐terminal residues (i.e., Ile1, Gln2, Arg3, Thr4, and Lys6), were newly detected. Signal strength decreased with the distance from the N‐terminal end. Capping experiments with the unlabeled β2m monomer indicated that the signals originated from molecules located inside the fibrils. Ultrasonication makes the residues with moderate flexibility observable by reducing size of the fibrils. Thus, solution NMR measurements of ultrasonicated fibrils will be promising for studying the structure and dynamics of fibrils.
Increased flexibility decreases antifreeze protein activity
Authors: Patel Shruti N. , Graether Steffen P.
Published: October 2010

Antifreeze proteins protect several cold‐blooded organisms from subzero environments by preventing death from freezing. The Type I antifreeze protein (AFP) isoform from Pseudopleuronectes americanus, named HPLC6, is a 37‐residue protein that is a single α‐helix. Mutational analysis of the protein showed that its alanine‐rich face is important for binding to and inhibiting the growth of macromolecular ice. Almost all structural studies of HPLC6 involve the use of chemically synthesized protein as it requires a native N‐terminal aspartate and an amidated C‐terminus for full activity. Here, we examine the role of C‐terminal amide and C‐terminal arginine side chain in the activity, structure, and dynamics of nonamidated Arg37 HPLC6, nonamidated HPLC6 Ala37, amidated HPLC6 Ala37, and fully native HPLC6 using a recombinant bacterial system. The thermal hysteresis (TH) activities of the nonamidated mutants are 35% lower compared with amidated proteins, but analysis of the NMR data and circular dichroism spectra shows that they are all still α‐helical. Relaxation data from the two nonamidated mutants indicate that the C‐terminal residues are considerably more flexible than the rest of the protein because of the loss of the amide group, whereas the amidated Ala37 mutant has a C‐terminus that is as rigid as the wild‐type protein and has high TH activity. We propose that an increase in flexibility of the AFP causes it to lose activity because its dynamic nature prevents it from binding strongly to the ice surface.
Estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters with the R package PK
Authors: Jaki Thomas , Wolfsegger Martin J.
Published: October 2010

The study of the pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of a compound is crucial to understand the absorbtion, distribution, metabolism and elimination of a drug by the body. PK studies involve measuring the concentration of the drug in the plasma or blood at several time points post drug administration. The classic complete data design samples each subject at all predefined time points. Ethical considerations and restrictions in blood volume, however, lead to incomplete data designs being frequently used instead. In serial sampling designs only one sample is taken from each subject, whereas batch designs take samples more than once from each subject, but not at all time points. In this manuscript the R package PK, which enables the computation of various PK parameters in complete and incomplete data designs, is introduced and some examples are given. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the minimum clinically important difference and its impact on designing a trial
Authors: Chuang‐Stein Christy , Kirby Simon , Hirsch Ian , Atkinson Gary
Published: October 2010

The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) between treatments is recognized as a key concept in the design and interpretation of results from a clinical trial. Yet even assuming such a difference can be derived, it is not necessarily clear how it should be used. In this paper, we consider three possible roles for the MCID. They are: (1) using the MCID to determine the required sample size so that the trial has a pre‐specified statistical power to conclude a significant treatment effect when the treatment effect is equal to the MCID; (2) requiring with high probability, the observed treatment effect in a trial, in addition to being statistically significant, to be at least as large as the MCID; (3) demonstrating via hypothesis testing that the effect of the new treatment is at least as large as the MCID. We will examine the implications of the three different possible roles of the MCID on sample size, expectations of a new treatment, and the chance for a successful trial. We also give our opinion on how the MCID should generally be used in the design and interpretation of results from a clinical trial. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Juvenile coho salmon behavioural characteristics in Klamath river summer thermal refugia
Authors: Sutton R. , Soto T.
Published: October 2010

During the summer in the main‐stem Klamath River, juvenile salmonids respond positively to cooler tributary temperatures by congregating in large schools at the mouths of these tributaries, referred to as thermal refugia. The purpose of this paper is to summarize results from coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) thermal refugia studies conducted since 2006 in the Klamath River. Results showed that juvenile coho salmon started using thermal refugia when the Klamath River main‐stem temperature approached approximately 19 °C. The majority of the juvenile coho salmon within the studied thermal refugia were found in the slower velocity habitat associated with cover. Juvenile coho salmon counts in the studied thermal refugia dramatically decreased at temperatures >22–23 °C, suggesting that this approximates their upper thermal tolerance level. Although some juvenile coho salmon were very mobile, others chose, until smoltification, to rear in the mouths and lower reaches of non‐natal tributaries where thermal refugia occurred, apparently because of suitable habitat conditions. Information gained from these investigations will improve our knowledge of the life history of coho salmon in the Klamath River drainage and how they use the main‐stem river. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrients and water level fluctuations: A study of three aquatic plants
Authors: Deegan B. M. , White S. D. , Ganf G. G.
Published: October 2010

Water holes characteristic of the middle sections of fragmented, lowland, semi‐arid rivers act as refuge areas for biota during low flow and drought. However, river regulation and catchment development has altered the hydrological and nutrient status of these refuges. A series of artificial ponds were used to imitate these habitats and experiments were designed to determine whether stochastically fluctuating water levels with maximum amplitude of 65 cm would counteract the influence of nutrient enrichment on the growth of three key aquatic plant species. The species (Cyperus gymnocaulos, Triglochin procerum and Typha domingensis) represented different functional groups that inhabit contrasting zones across the elevation gradient. Each species was grown at a different elevation within the experiment reflecting each species' elevation preference and supplied with the equivalent to 0, 10 or 30 g N m−2 year−1. Under a static water regime nutrient enrichment doubled the total biomass of all three species. In contrast under a fluctuating water regime, nutrient addition did not influence total biomass of either T. domingensis or T. procerum and the performance of C. gymnocaulos was reduced by ca. 30%. These data suggest that if environmental flows were managed to provide a natural stochastically fluctuating water regime, this would nullify the influence of nutrient enrichment and limit the distribution and spread of invasive species such as Typha, that exists under the current altered conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the Contribution of Stem/Progenitor Cells to Tumorigenesis in thePten−/−TP53−/− Prostate Cancer Model
Authors: Abou-Kheir Wassim G. , Hynes Paul G. , Martin Philip L. , Pierce Rachel , Kelly Kathleen
Published: October 2010

Loss of PTEN is one of the most common mutations in prostate cancer, and loss of wild-type TP53 is associated with prostate cancer progression and castrate resistance. Modeling prostate cancer in the mouse has shown that while Pten deletion in prostate epithelial cells leads to adenocarcinoma, combined loss of Pten and TP53 results in rapidly developing disease with greater tumor burden and early death. TP53 contributes significantly to the regulation of stem cell self-renewal, and we hypothesized that loss of Pten/TP53 would result in measurable changes in prostate cancer stem/progenitor cell properties. Clonogenic assays that isolate progenitor function in primary prostate epithelial cells were used to measure self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenic potential. Pten/TP53 null as compared with wild-type protospheres showed increased self-renewal activity and modified lineage commitment. Orthotopic transplantation of Pten/TP53 null cells derived from protospheres produced invasive Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN)/adenocarcinoma, recapitulating the pathology seen in primary tumors. Pten/TP53 null progenitors relative to wild type also demonstrated increased dependence on the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and androgen receptor (AR) pathways for clonogenic and tumorigenic growth. These data demonstrate roles for Pten/TP53 in prostate epithelial stem/progenitor cell function, and moreover, as seen in patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer, suggest for the involvement of an AR-dependent axis in the clonogenic expansion of prostate cancer stem cells.
Serotonergic mechanism underlying tranylcypromine enhancement of nicotine self‐administration
Authors: Villégier Anne‐Sophie , Belluzzi James D. , Leslie Frances M.
Published: October 2010

Although nicotine is generally considered to be the main psychoactive component of tobacco, growing evidence highlights the importance of nonnicotine compounds in smoking reinforcement. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition is a major consequence of smoking and MAO inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine, increase nicotine reinforcement. Tranylcypromine has multiple pharmacological effects, increasing monoamine release for a few hours immediately after its administration and blocking MAO activity for several days. To assess the relative role of these two actions, adult male rats were tested in consecutive daily 3‐h sessions for self‐administration of nicotine (3 μg kg−1inj−1, i.v.) either 20 or 1 h following administration of tranylcypromine (3 mg kg−1). Both paradigms were shown to produce highly significant inhibition of MAO activity. However, whereas animals readily acquired self‐administration when pretreated with tranylcypromine 1 h prior to testing, they did not with the longer pretreatment interval. Such animals did immediately acquire nicotine self‐administration when the tranylcypromine pretreatment interval was switched to 1 h prior to testing on Day 4, indicating that an acute effect of the MAO inhibitor was responsible for enhanced nicotine reinforcement. Several lines of evidence implicate serotonin (5‐HT) as the mediator of this enhancement: (1) Tranyclypromine‐enhanced nicotine reinforcement was blocked by the 5‐HT2receptor antagonists, ritanserin and ketanserin; (2) parachloroamphetamine (PCA), a 5‐HT releaser, also enhanced nicotine self‐administration in animals in which MAO activity was inhibited; (3) pretreatment with tranylcypromine increased PCA‐induced 5‐HT overflow in the nucleus accumbens. These findings suggest that MAO inhibition enhances serotonergic transmission, which serves a critical role in the reinforcing effects of nicotine. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fear conditioning is associated with synaptogenesis in the lateral amygdala
Authors: Dalzell L. , Connor S. , Penner M. , Saari M.J. , Leboutillier J.C. , Weeks A.C.W.
Published: October 2010

Fear conditioning in the rat typically involves pairing a conditioned stimulus (tone) with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (foot shock) which elicits a freeze response. Although the circuitry that underlies this form of learning is well defined, potential synaptic changes associated with this form of learning have not been fully investigated. This experiment examined synaptic structural plasticity in the lateral amygdala which is critical for the acquisition of the conditioned fear response. Adult male rats were randomly allocated to either a paired, unpaired or tone only condition. One day after the initial fear conditioning session and 1 h after a probe trial confirmation of a conditioned fear response, the rats were perfused and the relevant tissue was embedded for electron microscopic analysis. Synaptic changes were quantified in the lateral amygdala using a stereological approach. The results showed a significant increase in the number of synapses in the conditioned animals compared to controls. This finding suggests that an increase in synaptic compliment in the amygdala may underlie the acquisition of the conditioned fear response. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melanization of flavonoids by fungal and bacterial laccases
Authors: Fowler Zachary L. , Baron Christopher M. , Panepinto John C. , Koffas Mattheos A. G.
Published: October 2010

Laccase activity in plants results in the formation of a number of brown pigments, often referred to as tannins. Laccase‐dependent pigment production is also catalogued in numerous fungal and bacterial species. The laccase of the haploid yeast Cryptococcus neoformans forms melanin‐like pigmentation outside the cell wall in the presence of exogenous substrates. While this process is a contributing factor to its virulence in humans, the evolutionary intent for the laccase function remains a mystery. We show here that C. neoformans and Bacillus subtilis have the ability to create melanin‐like pigments from a variety of flavonoid molecules across a range of conformations, preferring those with 3′,4′‐dihydroxylations. Since flavonoids are ubiquitous plant molecules and often‐considered antimicrobial agents, we postulate that they are the intended natural targets of laccase activity and result in the formation of a defensive melanin‐like coat. These results suggests a new mechanism by which flavonoid‐melanin formation may occur, using not only A‐ and C‐ring linkages, but also monomer links through the B‐ring of the flavonoid structure. We also show that resveratrol and other non‐ and mono‐hydroxylated polyphenol substrates have the ability to restrict pigment formation and may be potent inhibitors of laccase activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous peripheral nerve blocks in acute pain management
Authors: Mariano Edward R.
Published: October 2010

Continuous peripheral nerve block techniques offer many benefits for the surgical patient in terms of target‐specific pain control and avoidance of opioid‐related side effects. There are many acceptable techniques for perineural catheter placement and infusion management, and practitioners are encouraged to obtain specialized training to develop a consistent practice and ensure patient safety. Emerging technology in ultrasound guidance may offer advantages in perineural catheter insertion accuracy and procedural efficiency. Various infusion devices are available that permit delivery of a basal rate and patient‐controlled bolus for use in the event of breakthrough pain. A successful outpatient continuous peripheral nerve block program should include thorough patient education, detailed written instructions, daily telephone follow‐up, and contact information for a healthcare provider familiar with these techniques who can answer questions and intervene when necessary.
Transforaminal or translaminar approach for dorsal root ganglion and dorsal nerve root. Anatomical reason for technique decision
Authors: Reina Miguel A. , De Andrés José A. , Hernández José M. , Prats‐Galino Alberto , Machés Fabiola , Peláez Jesús
Published: October 2010

Radiculopathy is probably one of the most frequent types of pain seen in Pain Clinics. Invasive techniques such as transforaminal or translaminar injections are used when other conservative methods have failed. In these procedures, medication such as corticosteroids and local anaesthetics are injected next to the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal nerve root.

The decision to use one or another approach depends on factors such as the region to treat (cervical, dorsal or lumbar), the characteristics and the cause of the pain.

In this study we review the anatomical and histological aspects that can influence the decision to use each of these techniques for the treatment of radicular pain.

We describe the morphology of the intervertebral foramen, its dimensions and the vascular supply of spinal cord and intervertebral foramen.

We also analyze ultrastructural details that may help understand the role of spinal nerve root cuffs and other structures such as capillaries and fat that plays an important role on the spread of substances injected in the epidural space and in transforaminal blockade.

This review includes a microscopic analysis of the corticosteroids used and in some cases related to the complications published.
Automated Scanning Probe Lithography with n-Alkanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayers on Au(111): Application for Teaching Undergraduate Laboratories
Authors: Brown Treva T. , LeJeune Zorabel M. , Liu Kai , Hardin Sean , Li Jie-Ren , Rupnik Kresimir , Garno Jayne C.
Published: October 2010

Controllers for scanning probe instruments can be programmed for automated lithography to generate desired surface arrangements of nanopatterns of organic thin films, such as n-alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). In this report, atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods of lithography known as nanoshaving and nano-grafting are used to write nanopatterns within organic thin films. Commercial instruments provide software to control the length, direction, speed, and applied force of the scanning motion of the tip. For nanoshaving, higher forces are applied to an AFM tip to selectively remove regions of the matrix monolayer, exposing bare areas of the gold substrate. Nanografting is accomplished by force-induced displacement of molecules of a matrix SAM, followed immediately by the surface self-assembly of n-alkanethiol molecules from solution. Advancements in AFM automation enable rapid protocols for nanolithography, which can be accomplished within the tight time restraints of undergraduate laboratories. Example experiments with scanning probe lithography will be described in this report that were accomplished by undergraduate students during laboratory course activities and research internships in the chemistry department of Louisiana State University. Students were introduced to principles of surface analysis and gained “hands-on” experience with nanoscale chemistry.
Automated Immunomagnetic Processing and Separation of Legionella Pneumophila with Manual Detection by Sandwich ELISA and PCR Amplification of the ompS Gene
Authors: Reidt Ulrich , Geisberger Beatrice , Heller Christoph , Friedberger Alois
Published: October 2010

The culture-independent and automated detection of bacteria in the environment is a scientific and technological challenge. For detection alone, a number of sensitive methods are known (e.g., PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescent in situ hybridization) but a major problem remaining is the enrichment and separation of the bacteria that usually occur at low concentrations. Here, we present an automated capturing and separation system, which can easily be combined with one of the sensitive detection techniques.

We have developed a method for enrichment and detection of Legionella pneumophila in liquid media. Concentrated microorganisms were either detected by PCR or by sandwich ELISA. The limit of detection with the immunological assay was about 750 bacteria. Using PCR, the equivalent of about 2000 genomes could be detected.

The assays were then transferred to a laboratory prototype for automated processing. It was possible to automatically enrich L. pneumophila by immunomagnetic separation (IMS), and again, the bacteria were detected by sandwich ELISA and PCR amplification of the ompS gene. As a novel aspect, ompS gene was used for the first time as a target for the detection of L. pneumophila on magnetic beads.

The aim of this work was to develop an automated procedure and a device for IMS of bacteria. With Legionella as a model organism, we could show that such a novel fully automated system can be an alternative to timeconsuming conventional cultivation methods for detecting bacteria or other microorganisms.
Prävention auf Bundesebene – Das Nationale Zentrum Frühe Hilfen (NZFH) zur Prävention von Kindesmisshandlung und -vernachlässigung
Authors: Paul Mechthild , Backes Jörg
Published: October 2010

Einleitung

Gerade Eltern von kleinen Kindern sollen unterstützt werden, damit sie ihre Erziehungsaufgaben kompetent wahrnehmen können. Fachkräfte sowie Bezugs- und Betreuungspersonen können eine ergänzende oder sogar kompensatorische Rolle einnehmen, wenn Eltern an ihre Grenzen kommen oder gar überfordert sind. Hier sieht sowohl die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe als auch das Gesundheitswesen die Notwendigkeit Eltern ggf. noch frühzeitiger zu unterstützen. Daher wurden regional und bundesweit systemübergreifende Programme zu Frühen Hilfen eingeführt.
The Cuban Slave Market, 1790–1880
Authors: Bergad Laird W. , Iglesias García Fe , Barcia María del Carmen
Published: October 2010

Slavery was in many ways the fundamental institution in colonial Cuba, whose economy was based on the export of sugar from the slave-worked plantations. This volume presents a quantitative study of Cuban slavery from the late eighteenth century until 1880, the year slavery was formally abolished on the island. The core of this study is an examination of the yearly movement of slave prices and changes in the demographic characteristics of the slave market. Based on data from the notarial protocol records of the Archivo Nacional de Cuba, this book establishes precise price trends for slaves by age, sex, nationality, and occupation, and considers a number of other variables including the prices of coartados (slaves who had begun the process of buying their freedom) and the patterns of emancipation. Incorporating over 30,000 slave transactions from three separate locations in Cuba - Havana, Santiago, and Cienfuegos - this work comprises the largest extant database on any slave market in the Americas.
A debate on magnetic current: the troubled Einstein–Ehrenhaft correspondence
Authors: SANTOS GILDO MAGALHÃES
Published: October 2010

The unconventional correspondence between physicists Albert Einstein and Felix Ehrenhaft, especially at the height of the alleged production by the latter of magnetic monopoles, is examined in the following paper. Almost unknown by the general public, it is sometimes witty, yet it can be pathetic, and certainly bewildering. At one point the arguments they exchanged became a poetic duel between Einstein and Ehrenhaft's wife. Ignored by conventional Einstein biographies, this episode took place during the initial years of the Second World War, but was rooted in disputes dating back to the early years of the twentieth century. The interesting intersection of a series of scientific controversies also highlights some aspects of the personal dramas involved, and after so many years the whole affair in itself is still intriguing.
Development of nutritional iron deficiency in growing male rats: haematological parameters, iron bioavailability and oxidative defence
Authors: Alférez María J. M. , Díaz-Castro Javier , López-Aliaga Inmaculada , Rodríguez-Ferrer María , Pérez-Sánchez Luis Javier , Campos Margarita S.
Published: October 2010

Despite Fe deficiency having been widely studied, the sequence of events in its development still remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of nutritional Fe-deficiency development on haematological parameters, Fe bioavailability and the enzymes involved in oxidative defence in recently weaned male Wistar albino rats. Control (C) and Fe-deficient (ID) groups were fed the AIN-93 G diet with a normal Fe level (45 mg/kg diet) or with a low Fe level (5 mg/kg diet), respectively, for 20, 30 or 40 d. At day 20 serum Fe, serum ferritin and the saturation of transferrin decreased drastically, decreasing further in the course of Fe-deficiency development for the saturation of transferrin. The development of Fe deficiency did not affect plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance production, or catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in erythrocyte cytosol. Fe deficiency diminished hepatic Fe content and CAT and GPx activities in hepatic cytosol only at day the 20. However, in spite of the minor Fe deposits in the brain of ID rats, the CAT and GPx activities in the brain cytosolic fraction did not differ in any of the studied periodsv.control rats. These results show that brain is a tissue that does not seem to depend on Fe levels for the maintenance of antioxidant defence mechanisms in the course of nutritional Fe deficiency.
The fat and protein fractions of freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract reduce serum cholesterol and enhance bile acid biosynthesis and sterol excretion in hypercholesterolaemic rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Authors: Chijimatsu Takeshi , Umeki Miki , Okuda Yuji , Yamada Koji , Oda Hiroaki , Mochizuki Satoshi
Published: October 2010

We investigated whether the fat and protein fractions of freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract (FCE) could ameliorate hypercholesterolaemia in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. We also explored the mechanism and the components that exert the hypocholesterolaemic effect of FCE. The doses of the fat and protein fractions were equivalent to those in 30 % FCE. The fat and protein fractions of FCE, two major components of FCE, significantly reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels. The fat fraction more strongly reduced serum cholesterol levels than the same level of total FCE. The excretion of faecal neutral sterols increased in rats fed the total the FCE and the fat fraction of FCE. On the other hand, faecal bile acid levels were greater in rats fed the total FCE and the fat and protein fractions of FCE than in control animals. The hepatic gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter G5 and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was up-regulated by the administration of the total FCE and both the fat and protein fractions of FCE. These results showed that the fat and protein fractions of FCE had hypocholesterolaemic properties, and that these effects were greater with the fat fraction than with the protein fraction. The present study indicates that FCE exerts its hypocholesterolaemic effects through at least two different mechanisms, including enhanced excretion of neutral sterols and up-regulated biosynthesis of bile acids.
The Party Politics of “Guns versus Butter” in Post-Vietnam America
Authors: SEO JUNGKUN
Published: October 2010

As the Vietnam War concluded with the failure of US foreign policy, the so-called “Cold War consensus” collapsed in American politics and society. A significant number of lawmakers came to revisit their national security positions, and under these circumstances the Anti-ballistic Missile (ABM) bills came up in the 91st Congress (1969–70). The costly missile program quickly stirred a major controversy, particularly over a trade-off between guns (defense budget) and butter (welfare spending). This article examines how and why party rank-and-file members in US Congress stayed the course or shifted their positions during the ABM debates. The empirical findings suggest that representatives did not immediately abandon their national security preferences, but rather employed gradual position shifts in legislative processes. In addition, institutional conditions such as “in-party” and “party-out-of-power” hindered or helped legislators' position reversals. This case study of the “guns-or-butter” debates in 1969 and 1970 sheds light on how the representative system in America works in response to public discomfort, with lawmakers trying to fine-tune their individual policy positions and collective party reputations simultaneously.
Scattering of gravity waves by potential vorticity in a shallow-water fluid
Authors: WARD MARSHALL L. , DEWAR WILLIAM K.
Published: October 2010

The influence of a geostrophically balanced or potential vorticity (PV) containing background flow on the propagation of a coherent gravity wave is examined in a rotating shallow-water model. Over inertial time scales, we find that the gravity wave energy is scattered into other modes of similar wavelength, but with different directions of propagation. We attribute this response to nonlinear resonant interactions between the PV and gravity wave modes, despite the absence of any exchange of energy between the two, and show that the response is consistent with resonant triad theory. We first consider the scattering of a gravity wave mode due to a single PV mode, and compare the theoretical response to numerical solutions. This is followed by consideration of the propagation of a coherent gravity mode through a turbulent PV background. These results are expected to have relevance to the propagation of coherent internal tides in the open ocean.
Sexual size dimorphism, sex ratio and the relationship between seasonality and water quality in four species of Gordiida (Nematomorpha) from Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Salas L. , De Villalobos C. , Zanca F.
Published: October 2010

A total of 687 adult nematomorphs of four species of Gordiida:Chordodes brasiliensis(393 specimens),Noteochorododes cymatium(47 specimens),N. talensis(162 specimens) andPseudochordodes dugesi(85 specimens) were collected during a period of 1 year from El Simbolar stream, Argentina. Free-living worms were abundant during autumn and spring, but their number decreased during winter and summer. Males were shorter and significantly more abundant than females. The presence ofN. cymatium,N. talensisandP. dugesiwas correlated with water temperature and these species were most abundant in winter and spring. The presence ofC. brasiliensiswas correlated with flow rate and pH; this species was more abundant in autumn and winter. These four species are sympatric.
Presence of individual (residual) symptoms during depressive episodes and periods of remission: a 3-year prospective study
Authors: Conradi H. J. , Ormel J. , de Jonge P.
Published: October 2010

Background

Residual depressive symptomatology constitutes a substantial risk for relapse in depression. Treatment until full remission is achieved is therefore implicated. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the prevalence of (1) residual symptoms in general and (2) the individual residual symptoms in particular.

Method

In a 3-year prospective study of 267 initially depressed primary care patients we established per week the presence/absence of the individual DSM-IV depressive symptoms during subsequent major depressive episodes (MDEs) and episodes of (partial) remission. This was accomplished by means of 12 assessments at 3-monthly intervals with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

Results

In general, residual depressive symptomatology was substantial, with on average two symptoms present during remissions. Three individual symptoms (cognitive problems, lack of energy and sleeping problems) dominated the course of depression and were present 85–94% of the time during depressive episodes and 39–44% of the time during remissions.

Conclusions

Residual symptoms are prevalent, with some symptoms being present for almost half of the time during periods of remission. Treatment until full remission is achieved is not common practice, yet there is a clear need to do so to prevent relapse. Several treatment suggestions are made.
Solving a paradox against concrete-composite Christology: a modified hylomorphic proposal
Authors: LOKE ANDREW
Published: October 2010

A paradox adapted from the well-known ‘paradox of increase’ has been formulated against composite Christology in recent literature. I argue that concrete-composite Christologists can reply by denying the premise that the pre-incarnate divine nature=the Second Person of the Trinity. This denial can be made by modifying a hylomorphic theory of individuals. Using an analogy from material coinciding objects, this modified theory provides an illuminating account of how a person can gain (or lose) parts over time but remain numerically identical, and it demonstrates that concrete nature and person are not the same thing.
The lower semicontinuity of the Frobenius splitting numbers
Authors: ENESCU FLORIAN , YAO YONGWEI
Published: October 2010

We show that, under mild conditions, the (normalized) Frobenius splitting numbers of a local ring of prime characteristic are lower semicontinuous.
Potential ammonia emissions from penguin guano, ornithogenic soils and seal colony soils in coastal Antarctica: effects of freezing-thawing cycles and selected environmental variables
Authors: Zhu Renbin , Sun Jianjun , Liu Yashu , Gong Zhijun , Sun Liguang
Published: October 2010

Very little attention has been paid to quantifying ammonia (NH3) emissions from Antarctic marine animal excreta. In this paper, penguin guano and ornithogenic soils from four penguin colonies and seal colony soils were collected in coastal Antarctica, and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate potential NH3emissions and effects of environmental factors on NH3fluxes. Ammonia fluxes were extremely low from the frozen samples. Significantly enhanced NH3emissions were observed following thawing. The mean fluxes were 7.66 ± 4.33 mg NH3kg-1h-1from emperor penguin guano, 1.31 ± 0.64 mg NH3kg-1h-1from Adélie penguin guano and 0.33 ± 0.39 mg NH3kg-1h-1from seal colony soils during the thawing period. Ammonia emissions from penguin guano were higher than those from ornithogenic soils during freezing-thawing cycles (FTCs). The temperature, pH, total nitrogen (TN) and drying-wetting conversion had an important effect on NH3fluxes. For the first time, we provide a quantitative relationship between NH3flux and temperature, TN and pH. Our results show that marine animal excreta and ornithogenic soils are significant NH3emission sources. In coastal Antarctica, FTC-induced NH3emissions might account for a large proportion of annual flux from marine animal colonies due to high freezing-thawing frequency.
Foraminiferal, calcareous algal and problematica assemblages from the Mississippian Lower Limestone Formation in the Midland Valley, Scotland
Authors: Cózar Pedro , Somerville Ian D. , Burgess Iain
Published: October 2010

Foraminiferal, algal and problematica assemblages from the Mississippian (late Viséan and early Serpukhovian) Lower Limestone Formation have been studied in order to validate lithostratigraphical correlations of limestones within the central and western parts of the Midland Valley of Scotland. Analysis of more than 100 outcrops allows recognition of four calcareous microfossil assemblages, which span the late Brigantian and early Pendleian, and enables a detailed correlation to be made within the Central Coalfield (north Lanarkshire) and with the thinner sequences to the west (north Ayrshire), to the south (Douglas area, south Lanarkshire), and to the east (Bathgate area, West Lothian). The age of the Lower Limestone Formation is modified because the upper part of this formation is now assigned to the Pendleian (due to the first occurrences of new foraminiferans and the co-occurrence with the Namurian goniatites), and some individual limestone horizons within the formation are repositioned, or their precise correlation with other limestones is established. A refined stratigraphical framework is proposed for the above noted areas, and a correlation between them and the Pennine region in northern England is proposed, passing through the Archerbeck Borehole sequence in the Scottish Borders.
Late Ordovician (Katian) brachiopods from the Southern Uplands of Scotland: biogeographic patterns on the edge of Laurentia
Authors: Candela Yves , Harper David A. T.
Published: October 2010

Some 40 brachiopod species are known from the localities of Kilbucho and Wallace’s Cast in the Kirkcolm Formation in the Northern Belt of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The fauna is diverse despite the relatively small numbers of brachiopod specimens (c. 180) available for study. Much of the fauna was transported downslope and is locally preserved in obtrution deposits. It represents a broad census of outer shelf and upper slope palaeocommunities around this part of the Laurentian margin during the early Katian, and is dominated by relatively small plectambonitoid brachiopods. When compared with other circum-Iapetus assemblages, the brachiopods from the Southern Uplands compare most closely with those from the Bardahessiagh Formation, Pomeroy, Northern Ireland, rather than with adjacent, well-known faunas from the Girvan district, SW Scotland. These new data suggest that this part of the Southern Uplands was located in closer proximity to Pomeroy than Girvan, and located in deep-water environments similar to those in the upper parts of the Bardahessiagh Formation.
†Henningsmoenicaris scutula, †Sandtorpia vestrogothiensis gen. et sp. nov. and heterochronic events in early crustacean evolution
Authors: Haug Joachim T. , Maas Andreas , Waloszek Dieter
Published: October 2010

A detailed account of the morphology and ontogeny of the late Middle Cambrian crustacean †Henningsmoenicaris scutula is presented. Ten successive ontogenetic stages could be recognised in the material collected from various localities in Sweden. Morphogenetic changes include the development of a pair of stalked lateral eyes and the increase in the number and size of appendages and their setal armature. Notably, early stages lack ‘proximal endites’ on all post-antennular appendages; such a spine-bearing endite has previously been thought to appear simultaneously on these limbs. In †H. scutula a single functional endite appears on the third limb in an advanced stage; an additional endite appears on the second limb and, subsequently, further endites appear on more posterior limbs. Furthermore, a single specimen of †Sandtorpia vestrogothiensis gen. et sp. nov. is described. Based on this new information and data of other ‘Orsten’ taxa, particularly those assigned already to the early evolutionary lineage of Crustacea, a small-scale computer-based phylogenetic analysis was performed. This resolved the basal branchings of Crustacea s. l. as follows: †Oelandocarididae (=†Oelandocaris oelandica+†H. scutula+†S. vestrogothiensis)+(†Cambropachycopidae (=†Goticaris longispinosa+†Cambropachycope clarksoni)+ (†Martinssonia elongata+Labrophora (=†Phosphatocopina+Eucrustacea))). Plotting ontogenetic data on the phylogram and comparing the ground pattern at every node led to the detection of three peramorphic heterochronic events in the evolutionary lineage towards Eucrustacea.
Morphology and systematics of the Pennsylvanian amphibian Platyrhinops lyelli (Amphibia: Temnospondyli)
Authors: Clack J. A. , Milner A. R.
Published: October 2010

The morphology of the amphibamid temnospondyl amphibian Platyrhinops lyelli from the Middle Pennsylvanian of Linton, Ohio is reassessed from previously described and undescribed specimens. Newly reported or newly significant features include the presence of bicuspid marginal teeth, anteriorly widened frontals, elongate choanae, a broad rhomboidal sphenethmoid and a pair of flattened blade-like ceratohyals. One specimen shows an unusual distribution of tooth sizes along the premaxillaries. No derived characters can be found to justify reference of the species lyelli to the genus Amphibamus as represented by its type species A. grandiceps, but Platyrhinops does belong to the ‘Amphibamus branch’ of the Amphibamidae.
Design of a six-axis cryogenic sample manipulator for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Wang D.-J. , Chiu C.-C. , Cheng C.-M.
Published: October 2010

We report the design and construction of an ultrahigh vacuum compatible cryogenic manipulator for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. This design allows six-axis motions in order to measure the band dispersion and Fermi surface of novel electronic materials. Three translational and polar angular motions are implemented by commercial stages. The azimuthal angle of the crystal can be rotated by up to ±90°, and the range of tilt motion varies from 95° to –10°. The sample position is designed at the centre of the above rotation goniometers. The sample holder is cooled using a continuous-flow cryostat. With liquid helium and nitrogen used for the cryostat, the temperature performance of the sample holder is tested and discussed.
Large wind shears and stabilities in the mesopause region observed by Na wind‐temperature lidar at midlatitude
Authors: Yue Jia , She Chiao‐Yao , Liu Han‐Li
Published: October 2010

Unexpected large horizontal winds and wind shears in the lower thermosphere have been observed by rocket soundings and lidars for decades. From 4 years of the Colorado State University sodium wind‐temperature lidar data set (2002–2005; total of ∼1600 nocturnal h), we observed an altitude distribution of high wind velocity and wind shears between 80 and 105 km, similar to the results of chemical release experiments. Our lidar data show conclusively that when the observed wind shears are plotted as a function of the squared Brunt‐Vaisala frequency, N2, they are below the value corresponding to the Richardson number of 1/4, which is a necessary condition of the onset of dynamic instability. This suggests that large wind shears can be sustained in the region of high static stability, for example, in the lower thermosphere, where large wind shears are often observed by rocket sounding. The full‐diurnal‐cycle lidar data enable the extraction of tidal wave components with periods of 24, 12, 8, and 6 h, therefore allowing us to reveal the strong correlation of 60% between large wind shears (>50 m s−1 km−1) and tidal waves. The lidar‐measured seasonal variation in N2 and tidal amplitudes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere are found to be consistent with the difference in altitude distribution of strong wind shears between winter and summer.
Airglow imaging observations of small‐scale structures driven by convective instability in the upper mesosphere over Tirunelveli (8.7°N)
Authors: Lakshmi Narayanan V. , Gurubaran S. , Emperumal K.
Published: October 2010

Airglow imaging observations of broadband OH Meinel band emissions made on the night of 20 January 2007 from the tropical Indian site Tirunelveli (8.7°N, 77.8°E) reveal large‐ and small‐scale wave features that are aligned perpendicular to each other and that are associated with gravity wave dynamics. The large‐scale waves were the signatures of propagating quasi‐monochromatic (QM) waves, whereas the small‐scale features were identified to be ripples generated by convective instability in the mesosphere‐lower thermosphere (MLT) region. The QM waves showed consistent propagation toward the northwest direction throughout the observation period of ∼4.5 hr, whereas the ripples that manifested as short‐lived patches in the airglow images were transient and did not show any prominent phase propagation. In addition to these well‐resolved structures in images, we infer the presence of waves with relatively longer observed time periods (compared with the observed time period of QM waves) from the spectrum of the time series generated with zenith intensity values derived from the images. From the complementary wind and temperature data obtained with co‐located MF radar and Sounding of Atmosphere with Broad band Emission Radiometry on the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics mission, an attempt is made to understand the dynamic processes occurring in the vicinity of the mesopause during the night of 20 January 2007. The uniqueness of the present observations is that there were short‐lived ripple patches seen in various parts of the sky during the entire observation period of 4.5 hr. The precipitation rates obtained by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite mission suggest that the deep convective activity occurring over the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean provided a plausible source mechanism for sustained generation of the waves observed over Tirunelveli during this night.