bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving ecological risk assessment in the Mediterranean area: Selection of reference soils and evaluating the influence of soil properties on avoidance and reproduction of two oligochaete species
Authors: Chelinho Sónia , Domene Xavier , Campana Paolo , Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Scheffczyk Adam , Römbke Jörg , Andrés Pilar , Sousa José Paulo 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A current challenge in soil ecotoxicology is the use of natural soils as test substrates to increase ecological relevance of data. Despite the existence of six natural reference soils (the Euro-soils), some parallel projects showed that these soils do not accurately represent the diversity of European soils. Particularly, Mediterranean soils are not properly represented. To fill this gap, 12 natural soils from the Mediterranean regions of Alentejo, Portugal; Cataluña, Spain; and Liguria, Italy, were selected and used in reproduction and avoidance tests to evaluate the soil habitat function for earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and enchytraeids (Enchytraeus crypticus). Predictive models on the influence of soil properties on the responses of these organisms were developed using generalized linear models. Results indicate that the selected soils can impact reproduction and avoidance behavior of both Oligochaete species. Reproduction of enchytraeids was affected by different soil properties, but the test validity criteria were fulfilled. The avoidance response of enchytraeids was highly variable, but significant effects of texture and pH were found. Earthworms were more sensitive to soil properties. They did not reproduce successfully in three of the 10 soils, and a positive influence of moisture, fine sand, pH, and organic matter and a negative influence of clay were found. Moreover, they strongly avoided soils with extreme textures. Despite these limitations, most of the selected soils are suitable substrates for ecotoxicological evaluations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1050–1058. © 2011 SETAC
Sino‐Kharosthi and Sino‐Brahmi coins from the silk road of western China identified with stylistic and mineralogical evidence
Authors: Fang Jiann‐Neng , Yu Bing‐Sheng , Chen Cheng‐Hong , Wang David Teh‐Yu , Tan Li‐Ping 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThree coins of the Khotan horse, or Sino‐Kharosthi, style from Xinjiang province of China were recently obtained from a coin dealer. Because the archaeological context of these coins remains unknown, we conducted chemical and stylistic analyses to help determine their authenticity. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and wavelength dispersive X‐ray (WDX or microprobe) measurements indicate that they are red (pure) copper and bronze coins, with one coin containing 4.2% Ag. Metal content and the presence of secondary minerals formed through weathering indicate that these are authentic ancient coins that were buried in a dry environment. All three coins bear Chinese characters; one shows Kharosthi, and two display Brahmi, a popular language in Khotan from A.D. 260 to 282. This indicates that the Sino‐Brahmi coins were made slightly later than the Sino‐Kharosthi coins, which were made before A.D. 260. These specimens represent the first Sino‐Brahmi coin and 20‐zhu coin ever reported in the literature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observation and analysis of near‐surface pore‐pressure measurements in clay‐shales slopes
Authors: Berti Matteo , Simoni Alessandro 
Published: February 2011

AbstractClay‐shales largely outcrop in the Northern Apennines of Italy, where they are associated with frequent and widespread landslide activity. The paper presents the results of monitoring activities carried out in two field‐sites and focused on the hydrology of clay‐shales prone to landsliding. In the monitored slopes, the water table is close to the ground surface throughout the year, with seasonal fluctuations of tens of centimetres to a couple of metres. Shallow weathered soils, or clay cover, and unaltered material exhibit a much different behaviour. Although responses to single rainfalls are clearly identifiable as pressure pulses in the clay cover, they are never observed in the underlying parental clay‐shales where downward gradients indicate recharge and only long‐term seasonal fluctuations are recorded. Short‐term variations of pressure head in the clay cover are ruled by downward propagation of a pressure wave in saturated conditions. More than 400 pore‐pressure responses collected in the two sites are analysed in terms of lag time, rate and amount of pressure increase and timing of pressure peaking. It emerges that the linear diffusion theory can satisfactorily explain the observed behaviour. In deeper unaltered material, the barometric effect influences the measures similarly to what is observed in confined aquifers. After its removal, the corrected data exhibit regular seasonal fluctuations which are used to estimate the diffusivity of the material based on phase‐lag and attenuation of the downward propagating long‐term periodic pulse. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex steroid and thyroid hormone receptor expressions in the thyroid of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) during different life stages
Authors: Bermudez Dieldrich S. , Skotko Jeremy P. , Ohta Yasuhiko , Boggs Ashley S.P. , Iguchi Taisen , Guillette Louis J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe expression of estrogen receptors, ESR1 (ERα) and ESR2 (ERβ), and androgen receptors (AR) in the thyroid gland has been reported in few vertebrate species other than a few mammals. This study reports the presence of sex steroid hormone receptors and thyroid receptors (ERα, ERβ, AR, TRα, and TRβ) in the thyroid gland of the American alligator at several life stages. It provides a semiquantification and distribution of ERα in the thyroid follicle cells using an immunohistochemical approach as well as reports quantitative differences in mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ, TRα, TRβ, and AR in the same tissue using quantitative real time‐PCR (Q‐PCR) with primers designed specifically for alligators. The thyroid tissue of the American alligator expresses ERα, ERβ, and AR at all of the life stages examined here although no statistically significant differences were observed between male and female in thyroid mRNA expression for any of the genes analyzed. No sexual dimorphism was observed in ERα immunostaining. No statistical analysis across life stages were performed due to confounding factor of season. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A numerical modelling: Opened perspectives to increase the performance of the electromagnetic forming processes
Authors: Luca Dorin 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYElectromagnetic forming is achieved by a system consisting of an equipment, a tool (coil) and a workpiece. The success of the deformation process depends on the equipment's parameters, the tool characteristics and the properties of the workpiece material. Finite element software FLUX2D was used for electromagnetic parameter simulation in the case of a device with flat spiral coil, used for the following operations: deep drawing, embossing, piercing, blanking etc. The simulations were made with a model previously validated by comparison with values experimentally measured for the discharge current and magnetic induction parameters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Devensian and Holocene relative sea‐level change in North Wales, UK
Authors: Roberts M. J. , Scourse J. D. , Bennell J. D. , Huws D. G. , Jago C. F. , Long B. T. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDeglacial sea‐level index points defining relative sea‐level (RSL) change are critical for testing glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) model output. Only a few observations are available from North Wales and until recently these provided a poor fit to GIA model output for the British‐Irish Ice Sheet. We present results of an integrated offshore geophysical (seismic reflection), coring (drilling rig), sedimentological, micropalaeontological (foraminifera), biostratigraphical (palynology) and geochronological (AMS 14C) investigation into a sequence of multiple peat/organic sediment horizons interbedded within a thick estuarine–marine sequence of minerogenic clay‐silts to silty sands from the NE Menai Strait, North Wales. Ten new sea‐level index points and nine new limiting dates from the Devensian Late‐glacial and early Holocene are integrated with twelve pre‐existing Holocene sea‐level index points and one limiting point from North Wales to generate a regional RSL record. This record is similar to the most recent GIA predictions for North Wales RSL change, supporting either greater ice load and later deglaciation than in the GIA predictions generated before 2004, or a modified eustatic function. There is no evidence for a mid‐Holocene highstand. Tidally corrected RSL data indicate initial breaching of the Menai Strait between 8.8 and 8.4 ka BP to form a tidal causeway, with final submergence between 5.8 and 4.6 ka BP. Final breaching converted the NE Menai Strait from a flood‐dominated estuary into a high energy ebb tidal delta with extensive tidal scouring of pre‐existing Late‐glacial and Holocene sequences. The study confirms the value of utilising offshore drilling/coring technology to recover sea‐level records which relate to intervals when rates of both eustatic and isostatic change were at their greatest, and therefore of most value for constraining GIA models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in NICU infants compared to normal‐hearing NICU controls
Authors: Coenraad Saskia , Goedegebure André , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Hoeve L. J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate independent etiologic factors associated with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in infants who have been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to normal‐hearing controls.Study Design:Case–control study.Methods:We included all infants (n = 9) with the ANSD profile admitted to the NICU of Sophia Children's Hospital between 2004 and 2009. Each patient was matched with four normal‐hearing controls of the same gender and postconceptional age. The following possible risk factors were studied: birth weight, dysmorphic features, APGAR scores (at 1, 5, and 10 minutes), respiratory distress (IRDS), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, sepsis, meningitis, cerebral bleeding, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, peak total bilirubin level, furosemide, dexamethason, vancomycin, gentamycin, and tobramycin administration.Results:Nine infants met the ANSD criteria in one or both ears. IRDS (P = .02), meningitis (P = .04), and vancomycin administration (P = .009) were significantly increased in infants with ANSD compared to controls.Conclusions:In high‐risk NICU infants IRDS, meningitis and vancomycin administration are associated with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Laryngoscope, 2011
pCBT/MWCNT Nanocomposites Prepared by In situ Polymerization of CBT After Solid‐Phase High‐Energy Ball Milling of CBT with MWCNT
Authors: Romhány Gábor , Vígh János , Thomann Ralf , Karger‐Kocsis József , Sajó István E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractpCBT/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization of CBT after solid‐phase HEBM of the polymerization catalyst containing CBT with MWCNT. The crystallinity and crystallization behavior of the pCBT nanocomposites were studied by WAXS and DSC. The MWCNTs did not affect the crystallinity of the isothermally produced pCBT significantly, but acted as nucleation agents during the crystallization of pCBT from its melt. pCBT/MWCNT nanocomposites were subjected to DMTA, static flexure, and dynamic Charpy impact tests. The flexural modulus, strength, and impact strength from these tests all went through a maximum as a function of the MWCNT content. Optimum properties were found in the MWCNT range of 0.25–0.5 wt.‐%. magnified image
Rheology and Mixing of Granular Materials
Authors: Khakhar Devang V. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPolymer processing entails several operations involving the handling of granular materials. We present here a review of some recent advances in the field which are of relevance to polymer processing. The stress distribution in static material is considered with application to particulates in bins and hoppers. A new model for description of the rheology of dense granular flows is reviewed. A model for surface granular flows with application to rotating cylinders is discussed. Finally the mixing and segregation is tumbling mixers is reviewed. magnified image
16 T Diffusion microimaging of fixed prostate tissue: Preliminary findings
Authors: Bourne Roger , Kurniawan Nyoman , Cowin Gary , Sved Paul , Watson Geoff 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDiffusion tensor microimaging was used to investigate the water diffusion properties of formalin‐fixed prostate tissue at spatial resolution approaching the cellular scale. Diffusion tensor microimaging was performed at 16.4 T with 40 μm isotropic voxels. Diffusion tensor microimaging clearly demonstrated distinct microscopic diffusion environments and tissue architecture consistent with that seen on light microscopy of the same tissue. The most restricted diffusion environment is the secretory epithelial cell layer (voxel bulk mean diffusivity, D = 0.4 ± 0.1 × 10−3 mm2/sec). Diffusion in the fibromuscular stromal matrix is relatively less restricted (D = 0.7 ± 0.1 × 10−3 mm2/sec). In tumor tissue (Gleason pattern 4+4) distinct glandular and ductal structures are absent in the diffusion‐weighted images and diffusivity is low (D = 0.5 ± 0.1 × 10−3 mm2/sec). Distinct stromal and epithelial diffusion compartments are the most likely origin of biexponential diffusion decay observed in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High resting level and weak response of baroreflex‐governed sympathetic outflow in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nygren Ingela , Fagius Jan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBoth altered sympathetic function and insulin resistance have been observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Insulin is a sympathetic stimulator. We recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) by microneurography in 9 patients with ALS and 9 healthy controls during rest. We also initiated a number of sympathoexcitatory maneuvers, including intake of 100 g of glucose. Patients showed reduced glucose tolerance and a higher heart rate and higher level of MSNA at rest than controls (61.0 ± 15.2 vs. 41.2 ± 5.8 bursts/min, P = 0.006); baroreflex inhibitory influence was present. In contrast, MSNA in ALS patients responded more weakly to maneuvers. This inverse relationship is interpreted as a “ceiling effect,” as ALS patients use nearly maximal MSNA capacity already at rest and do not have sympathetic failure. The increased level of MSNA may be a primary feature of ALS, but insulin stimulation may also contribute. Our findings are assessed in relation to previous, sometimes seemingly contradictory observations. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Effect of gender and obesity on electrical current thresholds
Authors: Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Morelli Andrea , Martin Alain , Duclay Julien , Billot Maxime , Jubeau Marc , Agosti Fiorenza , Sartorio Alessandro 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: In this study we investigated the influence of gender and obesity on electrical current thresholds in an attempt to optimize the application of skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (ES) in clinical practice. Methods: Thirty‐two obese and 35 age‐matched, non‐obese men and women received graded ES to the quadriceps muscle for sensory (detection) and motor (contraction) threshold assessment. Concomitant pain and tolerance to ES were recorded. Results: Sensory threshold was lower in women than in men (P < 0.001), both obese and non‐obese. Sensory and motor thresholds were higher in obese than in non‐obese subjects (P < 0.05), and body mass index was a strong predictor of motor excitability (r2 = 0.56–0.61). Current tolerance to motor stimulation was reduced in obese individuals, particularly in women, whereas pain was not influenced by gender or obesity. Conclusions: We suggest that both gender and obesity factors should be carefully considered in the design of rational ES treatments. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Compatibilized PP/EPDM/PA6 ternary blends: extended morphological studies
Authors: Shokoohi Shirin , Arefazar Ahmad , Naderi Ghasem 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPolypropylene (PP)/polyamide6 (PA6)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) (70/15/15) ternary polymer blends compatibilized with maleic‐anhydride‐grafted EPDM (EPDM‐g‐MA) were prepared by melt blending using a twin‐screw extruder (TSE) in different processing conditions (barrel temperature profile, screw speed, and mixing sequence). The microstructures of prepared ternary blends were studied and compared to the predictions of spreading coefficient, minimum relative interfacial energy (RIE), and dynamic interfacial energy phenomenological models. The observed morphologies were somehow different from the model predictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem application of cationic colloidal silica and Triton X‐114 for plasma membrane protein isolation and purification: Towards developing an MDCK protein database
Authors: Mathias Rommel A. , Chen Yuan‐Shou , Goode Robert J. A. , Kapp Eugene A. , Mathivanan Suresh , Moritz Robert L. , Zhu Hong‐Jian , Simpson Richard J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPlasma membrane (PM) proteins are attractive therapeutic targets because of their accessibility to drugs. Although genes encoding PM proteins represent 20–30% of eukaryotic genomes, a detailed characterisation of their encoded proteins is underrepresented, due, to their low copy number and the inherent difficulties in their isolation and purification as a consequence of their high hydrophobicity. We describe here a strategy that combines two orthogonal methods to isolate and purify PM proteins from Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In this two‐step method, we first used cationic colloidal silica (CCS) to isolate adherent (Ad) and non‐adherent (nAd) PM fractions, and then subjected each fraction to Triton X‐114 (TX‐114) phase partitioning to further enrich for hydrophobic proteins. While CCS alone identified 255/757 (34%) membrane proteins, CCS/TX‐114 in combination yielded 453/745 (61%). Strikingly, of those proteins unique to CCS/TX‐114, 277/393 (70%) had membrane annotation. Further characterisation of the CCS/TX‐114 data set using Uniprot and transmembrane hidden Markov model revealed that 306/745 (41%) contained one or more transmembrane domains (TMDs), including proteins with 25 and 17 TMDs. Of the remaining proteins in the data set, 69/439 (16%) are known to contain lipid modifications. Of all membrane proteins identified, 93 had PM origin, including proteins that mediate cell adhesion, modulate transmembrane ion transport, and cell–cell communication. These studies reveal that the application of CCS to first isolate Ad and nAd PM fractions, followed by their detergent‐phase TX‐114 partitioning, to be a powerful method to isolate low‐abundance PM proteins, and a useful adjunct for in‐depth cell surface proteome analyses.
Conducting polymers: Efficient thermoelectric materials
Authors: Dubey Nidhi , Leclerc Mario 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis review highlights the recent progress made in the area of thermoelectric (TE) applications of conducting polymers and related composites. Several examples of such materials and their TE properties are discussed. TE properties of new poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives are highlighted. References are also made to carbon nanotube/polymer composites and their improved electrical and TE performance. Studies on polymer/inorganic materials composites have also taken a step forward and have shown very promising TE properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Flux compactifications on toric varieties
Authors: Larfors M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSmooth, compact toric varieties (SCTV) can admit a reduced structure group, and thus be suitable as internal manifolds in flux compactifications. We review the construction of SU(3) structures on three‐dimensional SCTV proposed in [1]. We summarise the techniques used to construct the reduced structure group and read off the torsion classes. Some examples illustrate the proposed method.
Risk factors for incidental prostate cancer—who should not undergo vaporization of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia?
Authors: Voigt Susan , Hüttig Friederike , Koch Rainer , Propping Stefan , Propping Catharina , Grimm Marc‐Oliver , Wirth Manfred 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDVaporization of the prostate (e.g., using laser devices) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia does not allow for subsequent histological examination. Therefore, patients should be counseled about the risk of missing an incidental prostate cancer (incPCa). In this study the risk of an incPCa was determined based on all preoperative parameters.METHODSThousand three hundred and fifty seven (04/2004–09/2008) patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in our department. Cases with less than 10 g removed tissue, PSA >20 ng/ml or with known PCa were excluded. Data of the remaining 1,000 consecutive patients were collected retrospectively and statistically analyzed using SAS.RESULTSMean age was 69.4 (36–96) years, mean PSA 4.41 (0.08–19.5) ng/ml, mean weight of removed tissue 30.9 (10–110) g. An incPCa was detected in 111 cases. Thirty‐four out of these were considered to be clinically relevant (relPCa; stage T1b and/or Gleason sum ≥7).In univariate analysis age, volume of the prostate and body mass index correlated with incPCa while age, volume of the prostate and PSA correlated with relPCa. Predictive parameters for a multivariate logistic regression model are age and body mass index for incPCa and age, prostate volume, and number of prior biopsies for relPCa.CONCLUSIONSMore than 1 in 10 patients undergoing TURP has an incPCa and 3.4% have a relPCa. Patients should be counseled carefully about the risk of missing especially relPCa when undergoing vaporization of the prostate. Our model significantly improves prediction of relPCa compared to PSA and digital examination alone. Prostate 71:1325–1331, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Group‐based hybrid authentication scheme for cooperative collision warnings in VANETs
Authors: Riley Marshall , Akkaya Kemal , Fong Kenny 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCooperative collision warnings (CCWs) is one of the important applications of Vehicular Ad‐Hoc Networks (VANETs) where secure and timely delivery of messages to the neighboring vehicles are needed. Secure communication is as important as timely communication to take proper actions in order to avoid collisions and thus prevent fatal accidents. However, security and delay are two competing metrics since security brings additional processing overhead, increasing the packet delays. While symmetric‐key‐based security techniques can be more efficient as opposed to public‐key cryptography (PKC) in terms of delay, they introduce significant key maintenance overheads with the increased number of vehicles in VANETs. To alleviate this overhead and take the advantage of faster processing, we exploit the natural group behavior in CCW applications. We propose a delay efficient authentication scheme for VANETs which is based on group communication. Groups are created and maintained dynamically led by leader vehicles. Since the data communication within the groups will be dominating the overall packet traffic, we utilize symmetric‐key techniques within each group which is handled by the group leader. Group creations on the other hand are less frequent events and thus are done by PKC. We analyzed the security properties of our proposed scheme and tested it with real‐world vehicle data. Simulations results confirmed the efficiency in terms of delay with respect to other existing techniques. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.