bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Santos Drift System: stratigraphic organization and implications for late Cenozoic palaeocirculation in the Santos Basin, SW Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Duarte Cláudio S. L. , Viana Adriano R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

High-quality 2D and 3D seismic data were analysed to investigate the stratigraphic organization of the sedimentary deposits and the impact of the palaeocirculation of the SW Atlantic Ocean in the construction of the Santos Basin slope from late Palaeogene to Recent time. Seven seismic sequences were identified based on their external geometry, internal seismic pattern and seismic boundaries. A correlation between these sequences, the glacio-eustatic curves and the major climatic-palaeoceanographic events was attempted. The base of the studied sequences is the
c.
28 Ma intra-Oligocene Rupelian-Chatian unconformity. Six other seismic horizons corresponding to the sequence boundaries were mapped ranging from the late Oligocene to the Pliocene. Variations in the bottom-current intensity were characterized by the seismic pattern of each sequence and by the evolution of margin physiography. A 100 km long channel-like gutter, the Santos Channel, was excavated at the foot of an intra-slope escarpment. It was the locus of major flow circulation until the middle Miocene, when the margin physiography reorganization transferred the main axis of deep current action downslope and excavated the São Paulo Channel at the foot of the present continental slope. Two major contourite drifts were accumulated in response to the different combinations of bottom-current axis position and slope physiography. Those drifts constitute the Santos Drift System. Conversely to the present-day circulation pattern, with southward flow above the slope dominated by the western boundary Brazil Current, both at surface and deep waters, the geological record indicates that the palaeocirculation in the Santos Basin was marked by the opposite sense of circulation of surface waters (southward palaeo Brazil Current) and of the intermediate to deep waters (northward Southern Ocean Current). The study indicates that periods of relative sea-level rise to highstands correspond to increase in drift accumulation whereas during lowstands slope drift sedimentation is reduced.
Mediterranean bottom-current deposits: an example from the Southwestern Adriatic Margin
Authors: Verdicchio Giuseppe , Trincardi Fabio , Asioli Alessandra 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The identification of bottom-current deposits is a key to understanding the long-term deep-sea circulation and its changes through geological times. The Southwestern Adriatic Margin (SAM) is a small Mediterranean sub-basin that represents a key site to study bottom-current deposits in a Mediterranean context and hence to improve our knowledge of changes in Mediterranean deep-water circulation during the recent geological past. The SAM is characterized by complex stratification and circulation related to an interaction between two south-flowing bottom water masses: the cold North Adriatic Dense Water (NAdDW), formed in the shallow northern Adriatic through cold wind forcing and winter heat loss, and the highly saline Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW), generated in the Eastern Mediterranean through intense evaporation and flowing along the slope in a depth range of 200–600 m. Chirp-sonar profiles, TOBI mosaics and sediment cores acquired along the SAM reveal distinctive sediment drift types (elongated, plastered and isolated drifts) and extensive fields of sediment waves. Non-depositional and erosional features related to bottom-current activity include moats between drifts and the steep slope, widespread upper-slope erosional areas and extensive furrowed areas, which are particularly developed where change in slope orientation blocks the current circulation. The distribution, morphology and size of bottom-current features along the SAM result from an interaction between current regime and slope morphology, characterized by structural highs perpendicular to the slope contour (e.g. Dauno Seamount), multiple slope incisions (e.g. Bari Canyon and slump scars) and extensive block-slide deposits. Morphobathymetric and seismic stratigraphic data on the SAM show that bottom-current deposits are best developed where the regional slope flattens seaward of a very steep, often erosional, upper slope. The roughness of the lower slope, in particular, seems to correlate with the complexity and decreasing size of the bottom-current deposits. Like other land-locked basins, the Adriatic underwent dramatic palaeogeographical and palaeoceanographic rearrangements during the Late Quaternary sea-level oscillations. Indeed, during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), most of the areas where NAdDW is formed today were subaerially exposed. Concurrently, during glacial times the LIW production was probably reduced compared with the present-day conditions. The SAM slope is a key site to study the impact of changing current regime on late Quaternary slope deposits. Other Mediterranean late Quaternary contourite deposits are either in water depths compatible with the LIW, particularly in the case of shallow sill basins (e.g. Sicily, Corsica Channel), or at the slope base reflecting the flow of Mediterranean deep waters. The SAM bottom-current deposits, instead, seems to record the changing interaction between two distinctive bottom-hugging currents along the same pathway.
Small mounded contourite drifts associated with deep-water coral banks, Porcupine Seabight, NE Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Van Rooij D. , Blamart D. , Kozachenko M. , Henriet J.-P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Numerous studies on sediment drifts have demonstrated a close interaction between sea-bed morphology, palaeoceanography, sediment supply and climate. Contourites have been reported in areas along continental margins directly influenced by the effect of intensive deep-water currents from the global conveyor belt. In this paper, we report the occurrence of a small-scale confined contourite drift from Porcupine Seabight, SW of Ireland, and its association with a province of coral banks. The Porcupine Basin is a relatively shallow, semi-enclosed basin characterized by the presence of cold-water coral bank provinces. These coral banks are often associated to a strong northward-flowing bottom current, created and steered by a complex interaction of the water mass characteristics, tidal influences and sea-bed morphology. Very high-resolution seismic stratigraphy allowed the identification of a small mounded drift, located between a depression created by (1) an irregular palaeotopography caused by a vigorous Late Pliocene erosion event and (2) a north-south alignment of coral banks. Core MD99-2327, taken on the flank of this drift mound, shows the variability of the bottom currents. Sortable silt data show several periods of bottom-current enhancement, which may be linked with warmer periods and an inferred influx of Mediterranean Outflow Water. The glacial part of the core has been interpreted as a muddy contourite with a high content of ice-rafted debris. The lower part of the core is a deep-water massive contourite sand resembling the present-day sea-floor sediments.
Francisco de Vitoria on just war on both sides and on the legal position of Burgundy
Authors: Winkel Laurens 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTwo texts of Francisco de Vitoria, a 16th century theologian, on the emerging concept of just war on both sides give interesting information on a less known aspect of the contemporary controversy between the Emperor Charles V and the French King François I: the position of the Duchy of Burgundy. These texts also link elegantly the theory of international law and political reality.
Smoking cessation treatment in a real-life setting: the Greek experience
Authors: Rovina Nikoletta , Nikoloutsou Ioanna , Dima Efi , Michailidou Makrina , Roussos Charalampos , Gratziou Christina 
Published: December 2007

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical efficacy of counseling combined with currently used pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation (bupropion SR and nicotine replacement therapy, NRT) in actual clinical practice, and to identify predictors of successful abstinence at the end of therapy, as well as predictors of sustained abstinence in one year. Methods: 895 smokers, self—motivated to quit, received bupropion SR for 7 or 19 weeks and/or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (nicotine patch) for 9 weeks in combination with individual behavioural therapy. An intensive program including repetitive visits and telephone contacts during treatment and one year's follow-up period was available for supporting and motivating smokers to prevent relapse. Results: Post-treatment abstinence rates were 71.6% and 53.2% in bupropion SR groups for 7 and 19 weeks of treatment, respectively, ( p < 0 .001), 63.4% in bupropion SR plus nicotine patch group and 45% ( p < 0 .001) in nicotine patch group. One year's follow-up abstinence rates were 43.1%, 29.6%, 30.4% and 18.4% ( p < 0 .05), respectively. Predictors of successful abstinence at the end of therapy included (a) bupropion SR, (b) lower DSM IV symptom score, and (c) lower nicotine addiction, while predictors for sustained abstinence in one year included: (a) bupropion SR, (b) lower nicotine addiction, and (c) smoker's motivation. Conclusions: Smoking cessation interventions implementing intensive multi-component programs and constant smokers' motivation in health care settings of actual practice seem promising for increasing short and long-term abstinence rates.
Phenotypic characterisation of T-lymphocytes in COPD: abnormal CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-lymphocyte response to tobacco smoking
Authors: Barceló B. , Pons J. , Ferrer J. M. , Sauleda J. , Fuster A. , Agustí A. G. N. 
Published: December 2007

Tobacco smoking induces an inflammatory response in the lungs of all smokers but, for reasons that are still poorly understood, only a proportion of them develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent evidence indicates that this inflammatory response persists after smoking cessation, suggesting some type of auto-perpetuation mechanism similar to that described in autoimmune disorders. T-lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both COPD and several autoimmune processes. A subtype of regulatory CD4+ T-cells expressing CD25 (Tregs) plays a critical role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and the prevention of autoimmunity, but their potential role in COPD has not been explored. The present study sought to evaluate maturation (CD45RA/CD45R0) and activation markers (CD28) of T-lymphocytes and to explore potential Treg abnormalities in COPD.Flow cytometry was used to characterise T-lymphocytes obtained from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in 23 patients with moderate COPD, 29 smokers with normal lung function and seven never-smokers.The main findings were that in BALF: patients with COPD showed higher CD8+CD45RA+ and lower CD8+CD45R0+ than smokers with normal lung function; and compared with never-smokers, smokers with preserved lung function showed a prominent upregulation of Tregs that was absent in patients with COPD.These observations indicate a final maturation-activation state of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, for the first time, identify a blunted regulatory T-cell response to tobacco smoking in these patients, further supporting a potential involvement of the acquired immune response in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Fibrinogen Aα Thr312Ala polymorphism is associated with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Suntharalingam J. , Goldsmith K. , van Marion V. , Long L. , Treacy C. M. , Dudbridge F. , Toshner M. R. , Pepke-Zaba J. , Eikenboom J. C. J. , Morrell N. W. 
Published: December 2007

Although chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterised by the persistence of organised thrombus, few pro-thrombotic risk factors have been identified in subjects with the disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of eight functionally relevant haemostatic polymorphisms between CTEPH subjects and healthy controls.Genomic DNA was isolated from 214 CTEPH subjects and 200 healthy controls, and analysed for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin guanine (G) to adenine (A) substitution at nucleotide 20210 (20210G>A), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G, tissue plasminogen activator 7351 cytosine (C)>thymidine (T), Factor XIII 100G>T, fibrinogen Aα substitution of threonine with alanine at position 312 (Thr312Ala), fibrinogen Bβ substitution of arginine with lysine at position 448 (Arg448Lys) and fibrinogen Bβ 455G>A polymorphisms.A significant difference was demonstrated in fibrinogen Aα Thr312Ala genotype and allele frequencies between CTEPH subjects and controls. The presence of the alanine allele significantly increased the risk of CTEPH.The fibrinogen Aα alanine 312 allele alters fibrinogen α–α chain cross-linkage and has previously been associated with both increased risk of embolisation and increased resistance to thrombolysis. An association between this polymorphism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, therefore, supports an embolic aetiology for this disease, and may provide a mechanism by which thrombus persists following an acute event.
Endurance shuttle walking test: responsiveness to salmeterol in COPD
Authors: Brouillard C. , Pepin V. , Milot J. , Lacasse Y. , Maltais F. 
Published: December 2007

Few studies have shown that the endurance shuttle walking test (ESWT) is responsive to treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This exercise test needs to be further investigated because of its relevance for activity of daily living. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in patients with COPD, the responsiveness of the ESWT in detecting improvement in walking performance after a single dose of salmeterol.In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 patients with COPD performed two ESWT at 80% of peak capacity 2.5 h after inhaling either a placebo or 50 µg of salmeterol. Cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored during each walking test. Inspiratory capacities and Borg ratings for dyspnoea were obtained every other minute throughout the tests.Compared with placebo, salmeterol produced a significant change in lung function and a significant improvement in walking performance (mean±sddifference in time: 117±20 s; difference in distance: 160±277 m). At isotime (the latest exercise time that was reached on both ESWT), a significant reduction in dyspnoea was observed after bronchodilation.Bronchodilation with salmeterol reduced dyspnoea during walking and improved walking capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These findings provide further support for the use of the endurance shuttle walking test as an evaluative tool in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-β1production through a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Lee K. S. , Park S. J. , Kim S. R. , Min K. H. , Lee K. Y. , Choe Y. H. , Hong S. H. , Lee Y. R. , Kim J. S. , Hong S. J. , Lee Y. C. 
Published: December 2007

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mediator of airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1plays pivotal roles in diverse biological processes, including tissue remodelling and repair in a number of chronic lung diseases. However, there are few studies elucidating the interactions between VEGF and TGF-β1in allergic airway disease.A murine model of allergic airway disease was used to define the mechanism by which VEGF induces subepithelial fibrosis and to investigate a potential relationship between VEGF and TGF-β1and the mechanisms by which VEGF signalling regulates TGF-β1expression in allergic airway disease.The ovalbumin (OVA)-inhaled murine model revealed the following typical pathophysiological features of allergic airway disease in the lungs: increased numbers of inflammatory cells of the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, increased peribronchial fibrosis, and increased levels of VEGF and TGF-β1. Administration of VEGF inhibitors reduced the pathophysiological signs of allergic airway disease and decreased the increased TGF-β1levels and peribronchial fibrosis, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity after OVA inhalation. In addition, the increased TGF-β1levels and collagen deposition after OVA inhalation were decreased by administration of PI3K inhibitors.These results suggest that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates peribronchial fibrosis, at least when mediated by regulation of transforming growth factor-β1expression through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway in a murine model of allergic airway disease.
Surgical pleurodesis for Vanderschueren's stage III primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Rena O. , Massera F. , Papalia E. , Della Pona C. , Robustellini M. , Casadio C. 
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of various pleurodesis procedures on post-operative morbidity and late recurrence rate after surgical treatment of Vanderschueren’s stage III primary spontaneous pneumothorax.Between January 2001 and June 2004, 208 consecutive patients (169 male and 39 female; mean (range) age 25 (12–39) yrs) were submitted to 220 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedures for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. All patients underwent apical lung resection; 112 were assigned at random to mechanical pleural abrasion (group A) and 108 to apical pleurectomy (group B).The two groups of patients showed similar characteristics. No intra- or post-operative deaths occurred. Post-operative morbidity was 6.25% for group A and 12.9% for group B; the two groups exhibited a similar persistent post-operative air leak rate (5.3% in group A and 5.5% in group B), whereas haemothorax was significantly more frequent after apical pleurectomy (eight (7.4%) cases) than after pleural abrasion (one (0.9%) case). The mean duration of follow-up was 46 (24–66) months. Late recurrence occurred in five cases (4.6%) after apical pleurectomy, and in seven (6.2%) after mechanical pleural abrasion.Mechanical pleural abrasion by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safer than apical pleurectomy in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. No differences in late recurrence rate were observed between the two procedures.
Hybrid (hydrodynamic + permanent magnetic) journal bearings
Authors: Hirani H , Samanta P 
Published: December 2007

Survey of patents on bearings indicates the maturity of hydrodynamic and rapid development of magnetic bearings. Active magnetic bearings are costlier compared with permanent magnetic bearings. To understand the performance characteristics of permanent magnetic bearings, an experimental setup has been developed. Experimental studies on radial permanent magnetic bearings demonstrated the drawbacks, such as high axial thrust and low load capacity. This has led the authors to hybridize the permanent magnet with hydrodynamic technology and to explore the possibility of achieving the low starting torque of a permanent magnetic bearing and the medium to high load carrying capacity of a hydrodynamic bearing in a single bearing arrangement. Simulation is carried out in order to reduce axial force-effect and enhance the radial force supported by the permanent magnetic bearing. Results of simulation on permanent magnetic bearing have been compared with that of published research papers. Finally an algorithm has been developed to investigate the coupling of forces generated by permanent magnets and hydrodynamic actions. Results of load sharing have been reported. The experimentally measured displacements of the shaft running at 500, 2000, and 3000 r/min have been plotted. The effect of hydrodynamics on shaft orbit has been illustrated.
Sex Discrimination and Private Insurance: should sex differences make a difference?
Authors: Keithley Jane 
Published: December 2007

This paper argues that UK insurance companies should abandon their policy of charging differential premiums and offering differential benefits to women and men on the basis of gender specific morbidity and mortality tables. The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) permits such practices, although subsequent legal judgements, particularly in the European Court, have challenged aspects of them. However, the spirit of the SDA, as of recent European Community legislation, is to outlaw unequal treatment which arguably reflects unfair, culturally-based or outdated stereotypes about the capabilities and the needs of either sex.
Firstly, this paper considers the contemporary legal and statutory context, as regards differential treatment of women and men, in which British insurance companies operate. Secondly, it discusses certain conflicting views as to whether such differentiation is either ‘fair’ to the insured or commercially necessary for the continued viability of the insurance industry, drawing on debates in this country and the United States. The paper concludes with some suggestions as to how changes might be introduced, on a legislative or voluntary basis.
Chemical evolution toward the origin of life
Authors: Fitz Daniel , Reiner Hannes , Rode Bernd Michael 
Published: December 2007

AbstractNumerous hypotheses about how life on earth could have started can be found in the literature. In this article, we give an overview about the most widespread ones and try to point out which of them might have occurred on the primordial earth with highest probability from a chemical point of view. The idea that a very early stage of life was the "RNA world" encounters crucial problems concerning the formation of its building blocks and their stability in a prebiotic environment. Instead, it seems much more likely that a "peptide world" originated first and that RNA and DNA took up their part at a much later stage. It is shown that amino acids and peptides can be easily formed in a realistic primordial scenario and that these biomolecules can start chemical evolution without the help of RNA. The origin of biohomochirality seems strongly related to the most probable formation of the first peptides via the salt-induced peptide formation (SIPF) reaction.
Recent advances in the synthesis of carbohydrate analogs
Authors: Sydnes Leiv K. , Valdersnes Stig 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
With 3,3,4,4-tetraethoxy-1-butyne as starting material, we are investigating the preparation of a range of alkylated, partially deoxygenated carbohydrate derivatives. In the lecture, an overview of recent results was given, with particular emphasis on progress in the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl-substituted deoxygenated analogs. Since many of the results discussed in the lecture have recently been or are in the process of being published, this paper focuses on our recent advances in preparing fluorinated analogs.
Chemistry of porous coordination polymers
Authors: Maji Tapas Kumar , Kitagawa Susumu 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Remarkable advances in the recent development of porous compounds based upon coordination polymers have paved the way toward functional chemistry having potential applications such as gas storage, separation, and catalysis. From the synthetic point of view, the advantage is a designable framework, which can readily be constructed from building blocks, the so-called bottom-up assembly. Compared with conventional porous materials such as zeolites and activated carbons, porous inorganic-organic hybrid frameworks have higher potential for adsorption of small molecules because of their designability with respect to the coordination geometry around the central metal ion as well as size and probable multifunctionality of bridging organic ligands. Although rigidity and robustness of porous framework with different degree of adsorption are the most studied properties of metal-organic coordination frameworks, there are few studies on dynamic porous frameworks, which could open up a new dimension in materials chemistry.