bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanodomain growth in amorphous Si–C–N
Authors: Gruber W. , Starykov O. , Schmidt H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPolymer‐derived amorphous Si–C–N ceramics are phase separated into amorphous nanodomains after thermolysis. These nanodomains are expected to have a crucial importance for the extraordinary high temperature stability of these materials. We investigated nanodomain growth during isothermal annealing at 1400 °C using small angle X‐ray scattering. The as‐thermolyzed sample shows a domain radius of about 5 Å as determined from Guinier plots. During annealing, fast nanodomain growth up to 9 Å is observed for times up to 30 h while for longer annealing times up to 165 h the growth considerably slows down, resulting in a domain size of 11 Å. The experimental data can be fitted by a model based on diffusion controlled domain growth and simultaneous slow‐down of diffusion due to structural relaxation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase-Mediated Drug Resistance-Based Selective Enrichment and Engraftment of Transplanted Stem Cells in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Lee Antonio S. J. , Kahatapitiya Prathibha , Kramer Belinda , Joya Josephine E. , Hook Jeff , Liu Renjing , Schevzov Galina , Alexander Ian E. , McCowage Geoff , Montarras Didier , Gunning Peter W. , Hardeman Edna C. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Cell replacement therapy using stem cell transplantation holds much promise in the field of regenerative medicine. In the area of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase MGMT (P140K) gene-mediated drug resistance-based in vivo enrichment strategy of donor stem cells has been shown to achieve up to 75%–100% donor cell engraftment in the host's hematopoietic stem cell compartment following repeated rounds of selection. This strategy, however, has not been applied in any other organ system. We tested the feasibility of using this MGMT (P140K)-mediated enrichment strategy for cell transplantation in skeletal muscles of mice. We demonstrate that muscle cells expressing an MGMT (P140K) drug resistance gene can be protected and selectively enriched in response to alkylating chemotherapy both in vitro and in vivo. Upon transplantation of MGMT (P140K)-expressing male CD34+ve donor stem cells isolated from regenerating skeletal muscle into injured female muscle treated with alkylating chemotherapy, donor cells showed enhanced engraftment in the recipient muscle 7 days following transplantation as examined by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction using Y-chromosome specific primers. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis using a Y-chromosome paint probe revealed donor-derived de novo muscle fiber formation in the recipient muscle 14 days following transplantation, with approximately 12.5% of total nuclei within the regenerated recipient muscle being of donor origin. Following engraftment, the chemo-protected donor CD34+ve cells induced substantial endogenous regeneration of the chemo-ablated host muscle that is otherwise unable to self-regenerate. We conclude that the MGMT (P140K)-mediated enrichment strategy can be successfully implemented in muscle.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Evaluation of two different methods for vascular sampling by three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography in solid and cystic‐solid adnexal masses
Authors: Alcázar J. L. , Prka M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze two different methods for performing three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography (3D‐PDA) vascular sampling in solid and cystic‐solid adnexal masses.MethodsTwenty‐one 3D‐PDA volumes from 18 consecutive and unselected solid or cystic‐solid adnexal masses (13 malignant and five benign) were analyzed. A single examiner (J. L. A.) acquired all the volumes according to a predetermined scanning protocol. Two different observers (one inexperienced and the other experienced) calculated 3D‐PDA vascular indices (vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI)) from solid tumor areas. First, manual sampling (Plane A, 15° rotation‐step) was performed, and 1 week later 5‐cm3 sphere sampling from the most vascularized area was carried out. The observers made a record of any difficulty that they encountered in delineating the solid areas of tumors or in distinguishing true tumor vessels from pre‐existing vessels, the time spent performing each analysis was recorded and inter‐ and intraobserver reproducibility was evaluated for each method using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).ResultsIn four (19.0%) of the 21 volumes sphere sampling could not be performed because it was not possible to obtain a sphere smaller than 5.5 cm3. This happened in cases in which image zooming was used when acquiring the 3D volume. The inexperienced observer encountered more difficulty, but not significantly more, than the experienced observer when analyzing 3D‐PDA volumes both by manual sampling (29% vs. 14% of cases) and 5‐cm3 sphere sampling (35% vs. 18% of cases). The mean time spent by the inexperienced observer was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that spent by the experienced observer both for manual sampling (6.11 min vs. 1.85 min) and 5‐cm3 sphere sampling (2.93 min vs. 2.15 min). Contrary to the findings for the experienced observer, the inexperienced observer required less time to perform sphere sampling than they did manual sampling. Interobserver agreement was high for both methods: ICC for manual volume, 0.993; manual VI, 0.908; manual FI, 0.913; manual VFI, 0.914; sphere volume, 0.949; sphere VI, 0.954; sphere FI 0.850; and sphere VFI, 0.953. Intraobserver reproducibility was also high, with all ICCs above 0.99.ConclusionsManual and 5‐cm3 sphere sampling are reproducible methods for 3D‐PDA vascular sampling. Caution is required when image zoom is used at the time of acquiring the volume because this may prevent sphere sampling. Difficulties found in performing both manual and sphere sampling do not seem to significantly affect the reproducibility of Doppler index calculations. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agent‐based task representation and processing in pervasive computing environment
Authors: Liu Bo , Luo Junzhou , Cao Jiuxin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is an effective approach to adopt software agent in pervasive computing (Per‐Com) environment. Meanwhile, task execution is the key problem which is affected directly by task representation method in Per‐Com environment. The task of agent in Per‐Com environment is dynamic and changeful, so the task representation should be flexible and agent‐oriented. However, most of the existing task representation methods cannot present task relationship clearly and lack unified format, which leads to a drawback that the corresponding task processing efficiency is not satisfying. In this paper, firstly, an agent‐based Per‐Com architecture is presented in which the agent is endowed with certain role. Secondly, through analyzing task relationship, an agent role based task relationship tree (TRT) model and an XML‐based agent task representation method are proposed. Thirdly, based on TRT, an agent task decomposing and online multi‐agent scheduling algorithm are presented to solve time‐optimal problems. Meanwhile, a load balancing strategy based on probability is proposed to increase agent utilization. Finally, a prototype of an application on traffic monitoring is presented. The results of evaluation indicate that the architecture is feasible and the simulation tests of time performance indicate that the proposed TRT‐based task processing methods have a better performance than others. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical and physiological observations in meerkats (Suricata suricatta) at two zoos during a dietary transition to a diet designed for insectivores
Authors: Gutzmann Lori D. , Hill H. Karl , Koutsos Elizabeth A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis research (involving two separate institutions) assessed the serum chemistries and body weights of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) over a 6–10‐week feeding trial to determine the acceptability of a commercially available manufactured diet intended for the feeding of insectivorous animals. Five animals at two zoos were heavier than desired and otherwise healthy at the start of the studies. Measurements of blood chemistries including cholesterol and cell blood count remained within physiologic expected ranges throughout the short‐term study. Plasma and serum amino acid levels also remained within normal expected ranges, except taurine, which was much higher than predicted, although there were no significant changes in taurine over time. After initiation of the 6‐week trial, these trials were extended for longer‐term evaluation of animals in regards to body weight maintenance. In the long‐term study, some individuals were restricted in their access to diet, and achieved a beneficial weight loss while maintaining good health. Approximate dietary consumption for captive meerkats in our study averaged 32–44 g, or calculated 92–127 kcal GE/meerkat*day (83–114 kcal ME/meerkat*day), and weight loss of animals at one institution of 10.4% was accomplished over 151 days from day 0, at approximately 30 g, or calculated 86 kcal GE/meerkat*day (78 kcal ME/meerkat*day). Zoo Biol 28:307–318, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First-Principles Study of the Band Gap Structure of Oxygen-Passivated Silicon Nanonets
Authors: Lin Linhan , Li DeXing , Feng Jiayou 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A net-like nanostructure of silicon named silicon nanonet was designed and oxygen atoms were used to passivate the dangling bonds. First-principles calculation based on density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were carried out to investigate the energy band gap structure of this special structure. The calculation results show that the indirect–direct band gap transition occurs when the nanonets are properly designed. This band gap transition is dominated by the passivation bonds, porosities as well as pore array distributions. It is also proved that Si–O–Si is an effective passivation bond which can change the band gap structure of the nanonets. These results provide another way to achieve a practical silicon-based light source.
Performance of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) according to bipolar subtype and symptom severity
Authors: Gervasoni Nicola , Weber Rouget Béatrice , Miguez Mélissa , Dubuis Vesselin , Bizzini Vera , Gex-Fabry Marianne , Bondolfi Guido , Aubry Jean-Michel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the French version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in patients attending a general psychiatric outpatient service as well as whether MDQ scores are independent of patient mood state at time of completion.Method183 patients completed the MDQ and were assessed with the MADRS and YMRS scales, before being interviewed with the SCID (time 1). MDQ, MADRS and YMRS assessment was repeated four to six weeks later (time 2).ResultsAccording to the SCID, 44 patients were suffering from bipolar spectrum disorder and 102 from unipolar disorder (37 patients dropped out). The MDQ provided high specificity (83.3%). Sensitivity was 63.6%, with better identification of bipolar I (85.0%) than bipolar II patients (45.8%). In the whole sample, test-retest reliability was satisfactory (kappa = 0.64). Modest correlations were observed between the number of endorsed MDQ items and YMRS scores at time 1 (Spearman r = 0.19; p = 0.021) and time 2 (r = 0.26; p = 0.002).ConclusionsDespite some fluctuations over time and a discrete influence of symptom severity, the screening algorithm can be used reliably, whether in the acute or remission phase of a depressive episode.
Effects of Concurrent Use of an Ankle Support with a Laterally Wedged Insole for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Segal Neil A. , Foster Norah A. , Dhamani Shweta , Ohashi Kenjirou , Yack H. John 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the biomechanical and symptomatic effects of concurrent use of an ankle support and a laterally wedged insole on adults with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.DesignRandomized, crossover clinical trial.SettingOutpatient gait analysis laboratory.ParticipantsFourteen adults, mean age 51.9 ± 8.3 years, with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and no previous lower‐limb surgeries or history of wedged insole use were recruited through a radiology database and phone screen.InterventionsSubjects were randomized to use a laterally wedged insole before (n = 8) or after (n = 6) use of the insole with an ankle support for 2 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresLower‐limb alignment by radiographic hip–knee–ankle angle, talocalcaneal, and talar tilt angles; medial compartment loading by the external knee adduction moment; and pain by visual analog scale and the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale.ResultsThere were no differences between groups for age, gender, body mass index, baseline knee pain, or alignment. Augmentation of the wedged insole with the ankle supporter did not result in any significant changes in lower‐limb alignment or external knee adduction moment. Intergroup crossover comparisons demonstrated a 10.5‐point greater average improvement in Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale (P < .011) and a trend towards a 10.2‐point improvement in the Activities of Daily Living subscale (P < .055) with the wedged insole alone in comparison with concurrent use of the ankle support with the wedged insole.ConclusionConcurrent use of an ankle support did not appear to improve the effects of a laterally wedged insole on lower‐limb mechanical alignment or medial compartment loading. Improved pain and activities of daily living with use of the wedged insole alone suggests that use of an ankle support may attenuate clinical benefit.
Deltaic plain development and environmental changes in the Petite Camargue, Rhone Delta, France, in the past 2000 years
Authors: Rey Tony , Lefevre David , Vella Claude 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe deltaic plain of the Petite Camargue which constitutes the western part of the Rhone Delta, began its main progradation around 2000 yr ago. Several delta lobes follow each other and have participated in the deltaic evolution. The deltaic lobes have distinct morphologies which reflect the dynamic fluvial and marine processes under the influence of climatic and human controls. Two delta lobe systems were built by the Daladel and Peccaïs channels, after which a deflected wave-influenced delta lobe was formed by the La Ville and Saint-Roman channels. The latest channel, the Rhone Vif channel, is skewed because this channel was completely canalized and engineered up to its mouth in the beginning of the 16th century. Since the avulsion of this channel about 1550 A.D., the coastline of the Petite Camargue has been especially affected by the influence of waves and currents. The spits replaced the beach ridges which juxtaposed themselves and have migrated westward since the 16th century. The formation of the western part of the delta in the last 2000 yr is affected by not only the fluvial sedimentary fluxes and the coastal dynamics to the mouth but also climatic change and human influence.
Introduction: in defense of some optimism
Authors: Quester George H. 
Published: February 2009

The spread of nuclear weapons would make the world a much less stable place, and such a spread may be difficult to stop. Yet proliferation is not as yet inevitable.Several viewpoints are implicitly rejected in this collection. One is that nuclear proliferation would actually be desirable for the world. Another is that such weapons spread is inevitable. Other rejected viewpoints are that such spread can be halted only by a crash program, by a brutal exercise of American national power, or by a substantial surrender of such power.The international system may indeed hamper a nonproliferation effort in various ways—for example, in a drastic worsening of Soviet-American relations or a major disruption of world oil production.Yet the most important counter to pessimism about containing proliferation comes from the world's awareness of how bad actual proliferation would be. States which pretend to be indifferent or resigned to such nuclear weapons spread will quietly be making contributions to halting it.
Multinational alternatives and nuclear nonproliferation
Authors: Scheinman Lawrence 
Published: February 2009

The use of multinational institutional arrangements to control sensitive nuclear fuel cycle activities has interested policymakers since the dawn of the nuclear age. Several such ventures have been tried during the past several decades, largely for economic, commercial, or technical reasons, and they have enjoyed varying degrees of success. More recently, with the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies, multinational arrangements have received increasing attention as a means of reinforcing international safeguards which, together with political commitments on peaceful use, have been the principal components of the nonproliferation regime.The political acceptability and efficacy of multinational arrangements is related to the historic experience with multinational ventures, the changed political circumstances of the 1970s, and the probable requirements for constructive future cooperation. As part of a comprehensive regime covering the development of sensitive nuclear activities, multinational arrangements can reinforce the regime in a manner that is widely acceptable. A political effort to win support for such arrangements is thus worthwhile.
Counter-Reformation Sanctity: The Bollandists' Vita of Blessed Hemma of Gurk
Authors: Kern Edmund 
Published: February 2009

It is now commonplace for historians of religion to treat the creation of saints as a political process that included such issues as doctrinal orthodoxy, church authority and popular practices and beliefs. The early twentieth-century Bollandist scholar of sanctity, Hippolyte Delehaye sj, touched on these when he considered the problems facing the critical, but devout, hagiographer in his history, The work of the Bollandists:To question the lawfulness of the cult of a saint, or to raise doubts as to the authenticity of his relics, were issues which could not in most cases remain theoretical, but which demanded practical measures, and in the application of these more than usual tact was required. How was it to be made clear to the faithful that the authority of the Church was not responsible for certain vagaries? How were devotions which had taken root in the heart of the people to be suppressed without causing serious disturbances? On the other hand how were they to be upheld, in the face of the conviction that they were without foundation?… Of course the faithful have never been taught that the lives of the saints are to be believed in the same measure as the Gospel, but it is a fact that they incline to this belief. Hence was it not dangerous, from the standpoint of faith, to destroy certain pious illusions?
Juscelino Kubitschek and the 1960 Presidential Election
Authors: Maram Sheldon 
Published: February 2009

Brazilian specialists have long recognised the importance of the 1960 presidential elections, which set in motion a process that culminated in a 21—year military dictatorship. Only in 1989 did Brazilians witness once again the direct election of a president. Nonetheless, scholarly literature on this event is sparse and often tends toward the ahistorical view that the election of Jânio Quadros in 1960 was part of an inexorable process. Almost entirely ignored are the reasons why Brazil's largest political party, the Partido Social Democrático or PSD, nominated for president a weak candidate, Marshal of the Brazilian Army Henrique Teixeira Lott.1Clearly, Lott himself was not part of a praetorian guard that imposed his candidacy. Indeed, the Marshal was a reluctant candidate, who offered to withdraw in October 1959 in favour of a ‘national unity candidate’.2In my view Lott's nomination had much more to do with a complex series of manoeuvres carried out by Brazil's president Juscelino Kubitschek (1956–61) than with his own actions. For Kubitschek, the political parties and presidential aspirants in 1960 were merely pawns in his highly personalistic vision of the political process. Constitutionally barred from seeking immediate re—election, Kubitschek initially manoeuvred to induce his party, the PSD, not to run its own presidential candidate. When this effort failed, he displayed, at the very least, ambivalence regarding the fate of the party's candidate.An analysis of Kubitschek's actions and motivations presents methodological challenges to the historian. Historians traditionally rely heavily on written documentation to support their analysis of actions and motivations.
Inflation and Social Pacts in Brazil and Mexico
Authors: Roxborough Ian 
Published: February 2009

The politics of inflation in Latin AmericaIn recent years inflation has accelerated in Latin America to become a seemingly intractable problem. In many countries, even when high inflation or hyperinflation has been brought down, the inflationary ‘floor’ has remained high, with all the appearance of a series of upward and irreversible steps. The underlying average annual rate of inflation has tended to rise steadily, as can be seen in the table overleaf.The reasons for persisting high inflation and for the seeming inability of government policy to bring inflation down in a lasting manner are complex and controversial. Moreover, as a number of authors have noted,1 the reasons for the failure of anti-inflationary policy are often, in some measure, political as well as purely economic. For one thing, inflation, and efforts to control inflation, involve a redistributive struggle the political costs of which the government may be unable or unwilling to bear. In addition, the government simply may not have the administrative capacity to implement certain measures effectively. For example, one way of restoring fiscal balance may be to increase taxes on wealth-holders, but this may not be a politically feasible option for many governments. Central governments may have limited control over the spending of regional and local governments, or over state-owned corporations, and may therefore have difficulty in controlling expenditure. Moreover, effective anti-inflationary policy may require political conditions that may simply not be present in many Latin American political systems. For example, in September 1989, towards the end of the Sarney government in Brazil, inflation was running at 38% per month.
Jesus and Peter at the High Pries's House: A Test Case for the Question of the Relation Between Mark's and John's Gospels
Authors: Fortna Robert T. 
Published: February 2009

Some recent redaction-critical work on Mark's passion narrative has questioned the existence of a pre-Markan passion account. This in turn has suggested another look at the relation between the gospels of Mark and John. Norman Perrin has put it plainly:For a long time the general opinion of New Testament scholars was that the passion narrative existed as a connected unit before the gospel of Mark was written, and it was easy and natural to think that John had known and used a version of that pre-Markan narrative rather than the gospel of Mark. But today the tendency is to ascribe more and more of the composition of the passion narrative to the evangelist Mark himself and to doubt the very existence of a pre-Markan and non-Markan passion narrative extensive enough to have been the basis for the gospel of John. A particular consideration is the fact that the trial before the High Priest (John 18: 19–24) is set in the context of the denial by Peter (18: 15–18, 25–7), as it is also in the gospel of Mark. But there is a strong case that Mark himself originally composed this account of the trial at night before the Jewish authorities and then set it in the context of the story of Peter's denial. If this is so, the evangelist John must necessarily have known the gospel of Mark.