bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equations for the near‐surface mass flux density profile of wind‐blown sediments
Authors: Dong Zhibao , Lu Junfeng , Man Duoqing , Lv Ping , Qian Guanqiang , Zhang Zhengcai , Luo Wanyin 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe erosion of sediment by wind and the resulting mass flux density profile is thought to be described by a mathematical function that bears information on the mechanisms responsible for the movement of individual particles by the wind, and such functions have been studied extensively. In this study several functions are evaluated that have been proposed to describe the variation in mass flux density with height of wind‐blown sediment, with the flux containing a mixture of particles in suspension and saltation, based on detailed field data at four land types in the Minqin area of north‐western China, where severe wind erosion occurs. High‐resolution mass flux density measurements at 50 heights, collected at 20 mm intervals to a height of 1 m above the surface, were obtained using vertically segmented samplers. Three kinds of functions fit the measured flux density profiles reasonably well, but a three‐parameter modified exponential function is preferred because it contains fewer coefficients to be defined and provides a reasonably good fit to the measured mass flux density profiles. This and previous conclusions suggest that the decay with height of mass flux density of sediments dominated by saltation particles as in the present study tends to follow a modified exponential function law, but a modified power function law replaces the modified exponential function law when the height extends to a level high enough to be dominated by suspension particles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable self‐similar sinuosity properties within simulated river networks
Authors: Gaucherel Cédric , Salomon Ludovic , Labonne Jacques 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTRiver networks have been shown to obey power scaling laws and to follow self‐organization principles. Their self‐similar (fractal) properties open a path to relate small scale and large scale hydrological processes, such as erosion, deposition or geological movements. However, the existence of a self‐similar dimension has only been checked using either the whole channel network or, on the contrary, a single channel link. No study has explicitly addressed the possible spatial variation of the self‐similar properties between these two extreme geomorphologic objects. Here, a new method based on self‐similarity maps (SSM) is proposed to spatially explore the stream length self‐similar dimension Dl within a river network. The mapping principle consists in computing local self‐similar dimensions deduced from a fit of stream length estimations using increasing divider sizes. A local uncertainty related to the fit quality is also computed and localized on every stream. To assess the efficiency of the approach, contrasted river networks are simulated using optimal channel networks (OCN), where each network is characterized by an exponent γ conditioning its overall topology. By building SSM of these networks, it is shown that deviations from uniform self‐similarity across space occur. Depending on the type of network (γ parameter), these deviations are or are not related to Strahler's order structure. Finally, it is found numerically that the structural averaged stream length self‐similar dimension Dl is closely related to the more functional γ parameter. Results form a bridge between the studies on river sinuosity (single channel) and growth of channel networks (watershed). As for every method providing spatial information where they were lacking before, the SSM may soon help to accurately interpret natural networks and help to simulate more realistic channel networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyzing Macroeconomic Forecastability
Authors: Fair Ray C. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper estimates, using stochastic simulation and a multi‐country macroeconometric model, the fraction of the forecast error variance of output changes and the fraction of the forecast error variance of inflation that are due to unpredictable asset price changes. The results suggest that between about 25% and 37% of the forecast error variance of output growth over eight quarters is due to asset price changes and between about 33% and 60% of the forecast error variance of inflation over eight quarters is due to asset price changes. These estimates provide limits to the accuracy that can be expected from macroeconomic forecasting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of structural modifications on 3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione‐induced hepatotoxicity in Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Patel Niti N. , Crincoli Christine M. , Frederick Douglas M. , Tchao Ruy , Harvison Peter J. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTGlitazones, used for type II diabetes, have been associated with liver damage in humans. A structural feature known as a 2,4‐thiazolidinedione (TZD) ring may contribute to this toxicity. TZD rings are of interest since continued human exposure via the glitazones and various prototype drugs is possible. Previously, we found that 3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione (DCPT) was hepatotoxic in rats. To evaluate the importance of structure on DCPT toxicity, we therefore studied two series of analogs. The TZD ring was replaced with: a mercaptoacetic acid group {[[[(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl]thio]acetic acid, DCTA}; a methylated TZD ring [3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione, DPMT]; and isomeric thiazolidinone rings [3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐ and 3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐thiazolidinone, 2‐DCTD and 4‐DCTD, respectively]. The following phenyl ring‐modified analogs were also tested: 3‐phenyl‐, 3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐, 3‐(3,5‐dimethylphenyl)‐ and 3‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐2,4‐thiazolidinedione (PTZD, CPTD, DMPT and DFMPT, respectively). Toxicity was assessed in male Fischer 344 rats 24 h after administration of the compounds. In the TZD series only DPMT produced liver damage, as evidenced by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities at 0.6 and 1.0 mmol kg−1 (298.6 ± 176.1 and 327.3 ± 102.9 Sigma‐Frankel units ml−1, respectively) vs corn oil controls (36.0 ± 11.3) and morphological changes in liver sections. Among the phenyl analogs, hepatotoxicity was observed in rats administered PTZD, CPTD and DMPT; with ALT values of 1196.2 ± 133.6, 1622.5 ± 218.5 and 2071.9 ± 217.8, respectively (1.0 mmol kg−1 doses). Morphological examination revealed severe hepatic necrosis in these animals. Our results suggest that hepatotoxicity of these compounds is critically dependent on the presence of a TZD ring and also the phenyl substituents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of aluminium content and iron homeostasis in nipple aspirate fluids from healthy women and breast cancer‐affected patients
Authors: Mannello Ferdinando , Tonti Gaetana A. , Medda Virginia , Simone Patrizia , Darbre Philippa D. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAluminium is not a physiological component of the breast but has been measured recently in human breast tissues and breast cyst fluids at levels above those found in blood serum or milk. Since the presence of aluminium can lead to iron dyshomeostasis, levels of aluminium and iron‐binding proteins (ferritin, transferrin) were measured in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), a fluid present in the breast duct tree and mirroring the breast microenvironment. NAFs were collected noninvasively from healthy women (NoCancer; n = 16) and breast cancer‐affected women (Cancer; n = 19), and compared with levels in serum (n = 15) and milk (n = 45) from healthy subjects. The mean level of aluminium, measured by ICP‐mass spectrometry, was significantly higher in Cancer NAF (268.4 ± 28.1 μg l−1; n = 19) than in NoCancer NAF (131.3 ± 9.6 μg l−1; n = 16; P < 0.0001). The mean level of ferritin, measured through immunoassay, was also found to be higher in Cancer NAF (280.0 ± 32.3 μg l−1) than in NoCancer NAF (55.5 ± 7.2 μg l−1), and furthermore, a positive correlation was found between levels of aluminium and ferritin in the Cancer NAF (correlation coefficient R = 0.94, P < 0.001). These results may suggest a role for raised levels of aluminium and modulation of proteins that regulate iron homeostasis as biomarkers for identification of women at higher risk of developing breast cancer. The reasons for the high levels of aluminium in NAF remain unknown but possibilities include either exposure to aluminium‐based antiperspirant salts in the adjacent underarm area and/or preferential accumulation of aluminium by breast tissues. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying Critical Brand Contact Elements of a Tourist Destination: Applications of Kano's Model and the Importance–satisfaction Model
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Chien , Chen Mu‐Chen , Hsu Chia‐Lin 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTA destination brand comprises brand elements that lead tourists to form a brand impression of a destination. Based on a literature review, this study contributes to a model for exploring tourist destination brand contact experiences. The results from applying Kano's model and the importance–satisfaction model to a specific hot spring destination indicate that four types of contact elements can be identified as having different quality attributes. The contact elements related to staff's service efficiency, attitude and willingness of serving customers are identified as the critical brand contact elements for the tourist destination. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Distress Thermometer, Impact Thermometer and combinations of these in screening for distress
Authors: Baken Donald McLaren , Woolley Cheryl 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective: Screening for distress is important for identifying those who might benefit from support and allocating limited resources. A common screening tool is the Distress Thermometer (DT) but other thermometers such as the Impact Thermometer (IT) have also been suggested. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy in identifying distress of these two screening thermometers individually and two possible methods of combining the responses.Methods: A random selection of 400 patients from a regional cancer treatment service data base was selected and 50% responded to a mailed questionnaire. The accuracy of these screening options individually and of two methods of combining the responses was investigated by comparison with responses to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results: The results supported the cut off suggested in the literature for the DT. The IT individually was found to perform at least as well as the DT individually. However, the combinations of the two generally proved to be more accurate than either used alone.Conclusions: These results suggest that the accuracy of the DT in identifying distress can be increased by combining it with the IT. This increase in accuracy must be weighed against the possible increase in complexity. However, one method of combining the responses from the two thermometers simply involves summing the two scores and this should not be enough to deter busy clinicians from screening patients and family members. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on the Reaction of Powdered Tin as a Metallic Fuel with Some Pyrotechnic Oxidizers
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ghorban , Eslami Abbas 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to examine the thermal behavior of Sn+KClO3, Sn+KNO3, and Sn+KClO4 pyrotechnic systems and the results were compared with thermal characteristics of individual constituents. TG curves for tin powder, heated alone in air, showed a relatively slow oxidation above 570 °C. From thermal results the decomposition temperatures of KClO3, KClO4, and KNO3, in nitrogen atmosphere, were measured at 472, 592 and 700 °C, respectively. For the Sn+KNO3 pyrotechnic system, the tin oxidation was completed within the range of 480 to 500 °C. Replacing KNO3 with KClO4 led to an increase of thermal stability of the pyrotechnic mixture. Among above‐mentioned pyrotechnic mixtures, Sn+KClO3 has the lowest ignition temperature at about 390 °C. The apparent activation energy (E), ΔG#, ΔH# and ΔS# of the combustion processes were obtained from the DSC experiments. Based on these kinetic data and ignition temperatures, the relative reactivity of these mixtures was found to obey in the following order: Sn+KClO3>Sn+KNO3>Sn+KClO4.
Chemical composition, impact from biomass burning, and mass closure for PM2.5 and PM10 aerosols at Hyytiälä, Finland, in summer 2007
Authors: Maenhaut Willy , Nava Silvia , Lucarelli Franco , Wang Wan , Chi Xuguang , Kulmala Markku 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA comprehensive chemical aerosol characterisation was carried out at the forested site of Hyytiälä, Finland, from 2 to 30 August 2007. PM2.5 and PM10 Nuclepore polycarbonate and quartz fibre filter samples were taken in parallel, typically for separate day‐time and night‐time periods. All samples were analysed for the particulate mass by weighing. The Nuclepore filters were analysed for over 20 elements by particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) spectrometry and for major anions and cations by ion chromatography. The quartz fibre filters were analysed for organic and elemental carbon by a thermal‐optical transmission technique. A number of samples exhibited high K, Zn, and oxalate levels, indicating an impact from biomass burning. A noteworthy episode occurred on 12‐13 August, when air masses were advected from the southern part of European Russia where extensive biomass burning had occurred. In the aerosol chemical mass closure calculations, eight aerosol types were considered. Organic matter (OM) contributed by far the most to the PM2.5 and PM10 mass; it accounted for about 70% of the average PM2.5 and PM10 mass and 48% of the coarse (PM10–2.5) aerosol. Crustal matter, deduced from the PIXE data, provided a rather small contribution; only 3% in PM2.5, 13% in PM10, and 32% in the coarse aerosol. The mean PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations and their attribution to the eight aerosol types for the 2007 campaign at Hyytiälä were similar to those for the cold period of a 2006 summer campaign at the forested site of K‐puszta, Hungary. OM was more important and nitrate was clearly less important at Hyytiälä, though. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a chondrite meteorite from Slovenia
Authors: Šmit Ž. , Jezeršek D. , Pelicon P. , Vavpetič P. , Jeršek M. , Mirtič B. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe chondrite meteorite that exploded above the city of Jesenice in north‐west Slovenia on April 2009, and was partly recovered during the subsequent summer months, was investigated by the in‐air method of proton‐induced X‐rays and gamma rays (PIXE‐PIGE) and by microbeam mapping in a vacuum. The chondrules composed of olivine/pyroxene and pyroxenes were identified and the composition of the minerals determined. Different pyroxene types were found in the chondrule core and in the enveloping material. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review: Can we identify how programmes aimed at promoting self‐management in musculoskeletal pain work and who benefits? A systematic review of sub‐group analysis within RCTs
Authors: Milesl Clare L. , Pincusl Tamar , Carnesl Dawn , Homerl Kate E. , Taylorl Stephanie J.C. , Bremnerl Stephen A. , Rahmanl Anisur , Underwoodl Martin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground: There are now several systematic reviews of RCTs testing self‐management for those with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Evidence for the effectiveness of self‐management interventions in chronic musculoskeletal pain is equivocal and it is not clear for which sub‐groups of patients SM is optimally effective.Aims: To systematically review randomized controlled trials of self‐management for chronic musculoskeletal pain that reported predictors, i.e., ‘baseline factors that predict outcome independent of any treatment effect’; moderators, i.e., ‘baseline factors which predict benefit from a particular treatment’; or mediators i.e., ‘factors measured during treatment that impact on outcome’ of outcome.Method: We searched relevant electronic databases. We assessed the evidence according to the methodological strengths of the studies. We did meta‐regression analyses for age and gender, as potential moderators.Results: Although the methodological quality of primary trials was good, there were few relevant studies; most were compromised by lack of power for moderator and mediator analyses. We found strong evidence that self‐efficacy and depression at baseline predict outcome and strong evidence that pain catastrophizing and physical activity can mediate outcome from self‐management. There was insufficient data on moderators of treatment.Conclusions: The current evidence suggests four factors that relate to outcome as predictors/mediators, but there is no evidence for effect moderators. Future studies of mediation and moderation should be designed with ‘a priori’ hypotheses and adequate statistical power.
Estradiol upregulates calcineurin expression via overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha gene in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lin Hui‐Li , Yen Jeng‐Hsien , Chiou Shi‐Shin , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Ou Tsan‐Teng , Wu Cheng‐Chin , Liu Hong‐Wen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting women (9:1 compared with men). To investigate the influence of female sex hormone estrogen on the development of female‐biased lupus, we compared the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene and protein levels as well as expression of T‐cell activation gene calcineurin in response to estrogen in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from SLE patients and normal controls. PBLs were isolated from 20 female SLE patients and 6 normal female controls. The amount of ERα protein in PBL was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of ERα and calcineurin messenger RNA was measured by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Calcineurin phosphatase activity was measured by calcineurin assay kit. The expression of ERα messenger RNA and ERα protein was significantly increased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.023, respectively) in PBL from SLE patients compared with that from normal controls. In addition, the basal calcineurin in PBL from SLE patients was significantly higher (p = 0.000) than that from normal controls, and estrogen‐induced expression of calcineurin was increased (p = 0.007) in PBL from SLE patients compared with that from normal controls, a 3.15‐fold increase. This increase was inhibited by the ERα antagonism ICI 182,780. The effects of ER antagonism were also found in calcineurin activity. These data suggest that overexpression of ERα gene and enhanced activation of calcineurin in response to estrogen in PBL may contribute to the pathogenesis of female dominant in SLE.
China in Darfur: humanitarian rule-maker or rule-taker?
Authors: LEE PAK K. , CHAN GERALD , CHAN LAI-HA 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMost people hold that in its quest for natural resources abroad, China shields rogue states with egregious human-rights record from international opprobrium and sanctions. Its political support for Sudan is a case in point. By examining Chinese perspectives on humanitarian intervention and national sovereignty, this article first argues that Beijing's interests are so multiple and complex that concern about the implications of humanitarian intervention for national integration is more crucial than oil in determining its policy towards Sudan. Paradoxically it asserts that China, a non-democratic country, is more influential than liberal democratic states in making the rules of humanitarian intervention in Darfur because of a lack of political will in the West. In addition, there are early signs that China intends to utilise its newfound power to remake international rules regarding territorial sovereignty. Further development is likely to be shaped by its interactions with the United States.
MARITAL STATUS, NATION MARITAL STATUS COMPOSITION, AND SELF-ASSESSED HEALTH
Authors: Huijts Tim , Kraaykamp Gerbert 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT
This study examines to what extent the often found association between marital status and self-assessed health is influenced by the marital composition of the country people live in. Four hypotheses explaining why the national marital status composition may be influential are derived and tested. Whereas earlier research in this field solely focused on divorce rates, this study includes six different indicators of the national marital status composition to provide a comprehensive test of our expectations. We employ data on 29 European countries (European Social Survey 2002, 2004, and 2006, N=97,797). Multilevel regression analyses demonstrate that both the strength of the relationship between marital status and health, and which unmarried group is most disadvantaged, vary across European countries. Living in a country with a high proportion of married people appears to be beneficial to the health of never married persons, but detrimental for widowed people. Additionally, our findings contradict the argument that divorced, widowed, and never married persons may be best off when living in countries with high proportions of people who are in the same situation. Finally, our results show that the never married are worst off in countries with a high proportion of cohabitants. This may reflect stronger health selectivity into cohabitation in countries where cohabitation is more common. We conclude that the ways through which the marital status composition influences the association between marital status and health appear to be complex and highly dependent on the exact marital status groups that are examined.
STOCHSIMGPU: parallel stochastic simulation for the Systems Biology Toolbox 2 for MATLAB
Authors: Klingbeil Guido , Erban Radek , Giles Mike , Maini Philip K. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Motivation: The importance of stochasticity in biological systems is becoming increasingly recognized and the computational cost of biologically realistic stochastic simulations urgently requires development of efficient software. We present a new software tool STOCHSIMGPU that exploits graphics processing units (GPUs) for parallel stochastic simulations of biological/chemical reaction systems and show that significant gains in efficiency can be made. It is integrated into MATLAB and works with the Systems Biology Toolbox 2 (SBTOOLBOX2) for MATLAB.
Results: The GPU-based parallel implementation of the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA), the logarithmic direct method (LDM) and the next reaction method (NRM) is approximately 85 times faster than the sequential implementation of the NRM on a central processing unit (CPU). Using our software does not require any changes to the user's models, since it acts as a direct replacement of the stochastic simulation software of the SBTOOLBOX2.
Availability: The software is open source under the GPL v3 and available at http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/cmb/STOCHSIMGPU. The web site also contains supplementary information.
Contact: klingbeil@maths.ox.ac.uk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.