bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Damage mechanisms in natural (NR) and synthetic rubber (SBR): nucleation, growth and instability of the cavitation*
Authors: BAYRAKTAR E. , ISAC N. , BESSRI K. , BATHIAS C. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTElastomeric matrix composites (EMCs) subjected to static and fluctuating loads basically fail due to the nucleation and growth of defects. Also, high hydrostatic pressure can influence the mechanical behaviour of EMCs. The change in behaviour of EMCs due to the nucleation of cavitations under hydrostatic pressure is studied here to understand the mechanics underlying the damage mechanism. Two types of materials for pancake specimens are used in this study; natural rubber (NR) vulcanized and reinforced by carbon black and synthetic rubber (styrene‐butadiene‐rubber, SBR). In situ observations of uniaxial tension and torsion tests are also presented by using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) (medical scanner) and the results are compared with those from scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Addition of fornix transection to frontal‐temporal disconnection increases the impairment in object‐in‐place memory in macaque monkeys
Authors: Wilson C. R. E. , Baxter M. G. , Easton A. , Gaffan D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBoth frontal‐inferotemporal disconnection and fornix transection (Fx) in the monkey impair object‐in‐place scene learning, a model of human episodic memory. If the contribution of the fornix to scene learning is via interaction with or modulation of frontal‐temporal interaction − that is, if they form a unitary system − then Fx should have no further effect when added to frontal‐temporal disconnection. However, if the contribution of the fornix is to some extent distinct, then fornix lesions may produce an additional deficit in scene learning beyond that caused by frontal‐temporal disconnection. To distinguish between these possibilities, we trained three male rhesus monkeys on the object‐in‐place scene‐learning task. We tested their learning on the task following frontal‐temporal disconnection, achieved by crossed unilateral aspiration of the frontal cortex in one hemisphere and the inferotemporal cortex in the other, and again following the addition of Fx. The monkeys were significantly impaired in scene learning following frontal‐temporal disconnection, and furthermore showed a significant increase in this impairment following the addition of Fx, from 32.8% error to 40.5% error (chance = 50%). The increased impairment following the addition of Fx provides evidence that the fornix and frontal‐inferotemporal interaction make distinct contributions to episodic memory.
Evidence for a novel functional role of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the thalamus of neuropathic rats
Authors: Jhaveri M. D. , Elmes S. J. R. , Richardson D. , Barrett D. A. , Kendall D. A. , Mason R. , Chapman V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCannabinoid CB1 receptors have analgesic effects in models of neuropathic pain, but can also produce psychoactive side‐effects. A supraspinal location of CB2 receptors has recently been described. CB2 agonists are also antinociceptive, although the functional role of supraspinal CB2 receptors in the control of nociception is unknown. Herein, we provide evidence that CB2 receptors in the thalamus play a functional role in the modulation of responses of neurons in the ventral posterior nucleus (VPL) of the thalamus in neuropathic, but not sham‐operated, rats. Spontaneous and mechanically evoked activity of VPL neurons was recorded with a multichannel electrode array in anaesthetized spinal nerve‐ligated (SNL) rats and compared to sham‐operated rats. Intra‐VPL administration of the CB2 agonist JWH‐133 (30 ng in 500 nL) significantly reduced spontaneous (P < 0.05), non‐noxious (P < 0.001) and noxious (P < 0.01) mechanically evoked responses of VPL neurons in SNL rats, but not in sham‐operated rats. Inhibitory effects of JWH‐133 on spontaneous (P < 0.01) and noxious‐evoked (P < 0.001) responses of neurons were blocked by the CB2 antagonist SR144528. Local administration of SR144528 alone did not alter spontaneous or evoked responses of VPL neurons, but increased burst activity of VPL neurons in SNL rats. There were, however, no differences in levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2AG in the thalamus of SNL and sham‐operated rats. These data suggest that supraspinal CB2 receptors in the thalamus may contribute to the modulation of neuropathic pain responses.
Architecture of Deinococcus geothermalis biofilms on glass and steel: a lectin study
Authors: Peltola Minna , Neu Thomas R. , Raulio Mari , Kolari Marko , Salkinoja‐Salonen Mirja S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary Deinococcus geothermalis is resistant to chemical and physical stressors and forms tenuous biofilms in paper industry. The architecture of its biofilms growing on glass and on stainless acid proof steel was studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent lectins and nanobeads as in situ probes. Hydrophobic nanobeads adhered to the biofilms but did not penetrate to biofilm interior. In contrast, the biofilms were readily permeable towards many different lectins. A skeletal network of glycoconjugates, reactive with Dolichos biflorus and Maclura pomifera lectins, was prominent in the space inside the biofilm colony core but absent on the exterior. Cells in the core space of the biofilm were interconnected by a network of adhesion structures, reactive with Amaranthus caudatus lectin but with none of the 65 other tested lectins. The glycoconjugates connecting the individual cells to steel reacted with Phaseolus vulgaris lectin whereas those connecting to glass mainly reacted with A. caudatus lectin. Envelopes of all cells in the D. geothermalis biofilm reacted with several other lectins, with many different specificities. We conclude that numerous different glycoconjugates are involved in the adhesion and biofilm formation of D. geothermalis, possibly contributing its unique survival capacity when exposed to dehydration, biocidal chemicals and other extreme conditions.
The Azotobacter vinelandii AlgE mannuronan C‐5‐epimerase family is essential for the in vivo control of alginate monomer composition and for functional cyst formation
Authors: Steigedal Magnus , Sletta Håvard , Moreno Soledad , Mærk Mali , Christensen Bjørn E. , Bjerkan Tonje , Ellingsen Trond Erling , Espìn Guadalupe , Ertesvåg Helga , Valla Svein 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe industrially widely used polysaccharide alginate is a co‐polymer of β‐d‐mannuronic acid and α‐l‐guluronic acid (G), and the G residues originate from a polymer‐level epimerization process catalysed by mannuronan C‐5‐epimerases. In the genome of the alginate‐producing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii genes encoding one periplasmic (AlgG) and seven secreted such epimerases (AlgE1–7) have been identified. Here we report the generation of a strain (MS163171) in which all the algE genes were inactivated by deletion (algE1–4 and algE6–7) or interruption (algE5). Shake flask‐grown MS163171 produced a polymer containing less than 2% G (algG still active), while wild‐type alginates contained 25% G. Interestingly, addition of proteases to the MS163171 growth medium resulted in a strong increase in the chain lengths of the alginates produced. MS163171 was found to be unable to form functional cysts, which is a desiccation‐resistant differentiated form developed by A. vinelandii under certain environmental conditions. We also generated mutants carrying interruptions in each separate algE gene, and a strain containing algE5 only. Studies of these mutants indicated that single algE gene inactivations, with the exception of algE3, did not affect the fractional G content much. However, for all strains tested the alginate composition varied somewhat as a response to the growth conditions.
Methanogen community in Zoige wetland of Tibetan plateau and phenotypic characterization of a dominant uncultured methanogen cluster ZC‐I
Authors: Zhang Guishan , Tian Jianqing , Jiang Na , Guo Xiaopeng , Wang Yanfen , Dong Xiuzhu 
Published: March 2008

SummaryZoige wetland of Tibetan plateau is characterized by being located at a low latitude (33°56′N, 102°52′E) region and under the annual temperature around 1°C. Previous studies indicated that Zoige wetland was one of the CH4 emission centres in Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau; in this study, the methanogen community in this low‐latitude wetland was analysed based on the homology of 16S rRNA and mcrA genes retrieved from the soil. The results indicated that members of Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales constituted the majority of methanogens, and a novel uncultured methanogen cluster, Zoige cluster I (ZC‐I) affiliated to Methanosarcinales, could be dominant. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, ZC‐I methanogens were estimated to be 107 cells per gram of soil, accounting for about 30% of the total Archeae. By combining culturable enrichment with qPCR assay, the quantity of ZC‐I methanogens in the methanogenic enrichment with acetate, H2/CO2, methanol or trimethylamine was determined to increase to 108 cells ml−1, but not with formate, which indicated that ZC‐I methanogens could use the four methanogenic substrates. The growth rates at 30°C and 15°C were not pronounced different, implying ZC‐I to be the cold‐adaptive methanogens. The broad substrate spectrum identified the ZC‐I methanogens to be a member of Methanosarcinaceae, and could represent a novel sub‐branch specifically inhabited in cold ecosystems. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) images also visualized ZC‐I methanogens the sarcina‐like aggregate of the spherical cells. The prevalence and flexibility in substrate utilization and growth temperature suggested ZC‐I methanogens to be an important player in the methanogenesis of Zoige wetland.
National UK audit of procedure for prolapsing haemorrhoids on behalf of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Knight J. S. , Senapati A. , Lamparelli M. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective  To assess the safety and short term outcomes of the procedure for prolapsing haemorrhoids (PPH), a relatively new procedure for the treatment of symptomatic haemorrhoids.Method  In 2005, the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland set up an online electronic database to audit the indications and outcomes for patients undergoing a PPH procedure.Results  During the audit period, 695 patients were entered onto the database by 61 surgeons (range 1–50 patients per surgeon). The main indications for surgery were bleeding (90.5%) and prolapse (83.9%). Three hundred and ninety‐seven (57.1%) patients had grade III or IV haemorrhoids. PPH was performed under general anaesthetic in 602 (86.6%) cases and a consultant surgeon performed the procedure in 572 (82.3%) cases. The median length of stay was 1 day (range 0–6 days). Two hundred and eighty‐nine (41.6%) procedures were performed as a day case. Immediate complications were recorded in 75 (10.8%) patients, the commonest being bleeding (21) and urinary retention (24). At 6‐week follow‐up, 626 (90.1%) patients were pain free. Five patients required hospital re‐admission for secondary haemorrhage (3), peri‐anal abscess (1) and pain (1). The commonest problems were minor bleeding (48), urgency (22), pain (14), continued prolapse (12) and pruritus (11). Four patients required an open haemorrhoidectomy for persistent symptomatic haemorrhoids.Conclusion  Procedure for PPH is a safe and effective procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids with good short‐term outcomes. Long‐term follow‐up is required perhaps through a compulsory national register.
Laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark 2004–2007
Authors: Schulze S. , Iversen M. G. , Bendixen A. , Larsen T. S. , Kehlet H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective  Laparoscopic colonic surgery was introduced about 15 years ago and has together with the evidence‐based ‘fast‐track’ methodology improved early postoperative outcome. The purpose of this study was to asses the organization and early outcome after laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark from 2004 to 2007.Method  Based upon the National Patient Register, all laparoscopic colonic operations performed in Denmark between January 2004 and December 2006 were analysed regarding number of hospital departments and procedures, hospital stay, readmissions and mortality.Results  One thousand one hundred and forty‐nine laparoscopic colonic resections without simultaneous stoma formation were performed in the study period. Twenty‐five departments performed the procedures but only four departments performed more than 100 procedures. The median length of primary stay was 4 days (mean 7.7 days). One hundred and twenty‐five (10.9%) patients were re‐admitted within 30 days and total length of stay (primary plus readmissions) was a median of 5 days (mean 8.5 days). Thirty‐day mortality was 2.6% and hospital mortality 3.5%.Conclusion  This nationwide study has shown an increased implementation of laparoscopic colonic surgery but probably performed in too many low volume departments. Laparoscopic colonic surgery should be monitored and further advances secured by adjustment of perioperative care to fast‐track care.
Natural variability of fisheries and lunar illumination: a hypothesis
Authors: Hernández‐León Santiago 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLong‐term synchronous trends in small pelagic fisheries catches around the world suggest that fish populations are governed by the same global climate forcings. Recent findings regarding the population dynamics of zooplankton during the lunar cycle in sub‐tropical waters may shed light on the influence of the lunar cycle on fish spawning and mortality. Here I hypothesize that, in the short‐term, observed changes in zooplankton abundance during the lunar cycle promote periods of enhanced feeding by adult fish and lower mortality (and increased growth) in their early planktonic stages. Furthermore, a striking 9‐year periodicity in sardine and anchovy mortality was inferred in four major upwelling areas, coinciding with the long‐term variability in lunar illumination. It is suggested that both short‐ and long‐term changes in lunar illumination should be considered when modelling the effect of climate on the natural variability of fisheries.
‘We the peoples…’: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Oldham Paul , Frank Miriam Anne 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:This article reports on the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples on the 13th of September 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly. The article examines the final stages of the negotiation of the Declaration and briefly considers the role that anthropology might play in promoting this new human rights instrument.
A filmmaker's journal: An appreciation of Robert Gardner's The impulse to preserve: Reflections of a filmmaker
Authors: LOIZOS PETER 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Gardner's films have been required viewing for introductory anthropology students, but have been carped at or worse by visual anthropology's thought police. He now offers us a richly illustrated, frank and unapologetic account of his major filming expeditions. The 500 photos are often arresting, the text always writerly. The book is not about how the films were made technically, except to mention frequent camera breakdowns, and ruined film batches. Nor does he start us with the germ of the idea, the background reading, expedition preparations, and there is little about editing. Mostly, the diary entries are about where he was, how it was, how he felt. It's a journal which conveys the emotional difficulty of trying to make memorable films, far from capital cities.
Why isn't Panesar a Pommie bastard?: Multiculturalism and the implications of Cricket Australia's racial abuse policy
Authors: LEE JULIAN C.H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Prior to the start of The Ashes in 2006 in which England and Australia played five five‐day long games of cricket, Cricket Australia, the country's governing body for the sport, announced that it would be cracking down on racism. The words ‘Pom’ and ‘Pommie’, however, were deemed by Cricket Australia to be inoffensive. Unacceptable, nevertheless, was racial abuse directed at Monty Panesar, a Sikh member of the English cricket team. The author analyzes why abuse hurled at white English players is acceptable and abuse hurled at non‐white players unacceptable. He does this by using the work of Ghassan Hage and an episode of the cartoon South Park and briefly examines the implications for multiculturalism as a policy.
Trade and Wages: a Deeper Investigation
Authors: Jones Ronald W. , Ruffin Roy J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA new presentation of the specific factors model shows how labor fares under international trade by considering how the price elasticity of the nominal wage rate responds to the terms of trade as well as factor endowments. The key empirical implication is that under a standard assumption about tastes it is straightforward to decompose the gains to labor into measurable terms of trade effects and production bias effects. This provides the basis for suggested time series studies contrasting the specific factors model with the Heckscher–Ohlin model. We then perform a new theoretical analysis of the specific factors model to compare how labor fares under autarky and free trade.
Immigrant Wage Differentials, Ethnicity and Occupational Segregation
Authors: Elliott Robert J. R. , Lindley Joanne K. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryWe investigate occupational attainment as well as estimating earnings differentials for non-white migrants and non-white natives, including occupational effects. We control for the occupational selection of immigrants and compare across native and immigrant groups. Relative to white natives, we find no evidence of an ethnic pay disadvantage for white and South Asian professional workers. Although occupational segregation and other human capital and socio-economic factors provide a partial explanation for the raw earnings differential, evidence of ethnic-based disadvantage in most occupations persists.
Qualitative Longitudinal Analysis of Symptoms in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumours
Authors: Rijmen Frank , Ip Edward H. , Rapp Stephen , Shaw Edward G. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryPrimary and metastatic brain tumour patients are treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Such treatments often result in short- and long-term symptoms that impact cognitive, emotional and physical function. Therefore, understanding the transition of symptom burden over time is important for guiding treatment and follow-up of brain tumour patients with symptom-specific interventions. We describe the use of a hidden Markov model with person-specific random effects for the temporal pattern of symptom burden. Clinically relevant covariates are also incorporated in the analysis through the use of generalized linear models.
Exploration of Associations Between Governance and Economics and Country Level Foot-and-Mouth Disease Status by using Bayesian Model Averaging
Authors: Garabed R. B. , Johnson W. O. , Gill J. , Perez A. M. , Thurmond M. C. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryUsing Bayesian model averaging, we quantify associations of governance and economic health with country level presence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and estimate the probability of the presence of FMD in each country from 1997 to 2005. The Bayesian model averaging accounted for countries’ previous FMD status and other possible confounders, as well as uncertainty about the ‘true’ model, and provided accurate predictions (90% specificity and 80% sensitivity). This model represents a novel approach to predicting FMD, and other conditions, on a global scale and in identifying important risk factors that can be applied to global policy and allocation of resources for disease control.
Family‐Based Association Study of Polymorphisms in the RUNX2 Locus with Hand Bone Length and Hand BMD
Authors: Ermakov S. , Malkin I. , Keter M. , Kobyliansky E. , Livshits G. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOsteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone strength. Bone size and bone mineral density (BMD) are major bone strength determinants. Identification of genes affecting the variability of these traits should improve prognosis and management of osteoporosis. This research was aimed to test the hypothesis of association of radiographic hand bone length (BL) and BMD with polymorphisms in the RUNX2 locus.Four SNPs linked to the two RUNX2 promoters were genotyped in 212 nuclear Caucasian families. These SNPs and four pairwise haplotypes were tested for association with eight BL and BMD traits, adjusted for covariates. We observed significant associations between polymorphisms linked to the RUNX2 P1 promoter and BL mean values for three studied bone groups: all 18 bones, proximal and medial bones (p = 0.0118, 0.0085, and 0.0056, respectively). Mean BMD values for all 18 bones, proximal and medial bones were associated with polymorphisms linked to the RUNX2 P2 promoter (p = 0.0032, 0.0077, 0.0007, respectively). Associations with BL and BMD mean values for medial and proximal bones remained significant even after correction for multiple testing.This study provides evidence of the association between polymorphisms linked to the two RUNX2 promoters and variability of hand BL and BMD. The results suggest independent roles for the two RUNX2 promoters in the determination of the traits studied.
Implications of Transaction Costs for the Post–Earnings Announcement Drift
Authors: NG JEFFREY , RUSTICUS TJOMME O. , VERDI RODRIGO S. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the effect of transaction costs on the post–earnings announcement drift (PEAD). Using standard market microstructure features we show that transaction costs constrain the informed trades that are necessary to incorporate earnings information into price. This implies weaker return responses at the time of the earnings announcement and higher subsequent returns drift for firms with higher transaction costs. Consistent with this prediction, we find that earnings response coefficients are lower for firms with higher transaction costs. Using portfolio analyses, we find that the profits of implementing the PEAD trading strategy are significantly reduced by transaction costs. In addition, we show, using a combination of portfolio and regression analyses, that firms with higher transaction costs are the ones that provide the higher abnormal returns for the PEAD strategy. Our results indicate that transaction costs can provide an explanation not only for the persistence but also for the existence of PEAD.
Myasthenia gravis associated with thymic neoplasia in a cat
Authors: Meeking Susan A. , Prittie Jennifer , Barton Linda 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:To describe acute myasthenia gravis (MG) in the postoperative period following removal of a thymoma in an adult cat.Case summary:A 6‐year‐old spayed female domestic short haired cat weighing 6.4 kg was referred for workup and treatment of a cranial mediastinal mass. Thoracoscopic biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of thymoma. Median sternotomy was performed and approximately 95% of the mass was surgically excised. Postoperatively the cat became remarkably weak and hypercapneic. A presumptive diagnosis of MG was made following a positive response to edrophonium injection (Tensilon test). An elevated serum acetylcholine receptor antibody level was consistent with a diagnosis of MG. Initial treatment consisted of neostigmine, followed by corticosteroids and pyridostigmine. The cat responded well to therapy.New or unique information provided:This report describes a rare syndrome of postoperative weakness due to development of MG following incomplete removal of a thymoma. Post‐thymectomy weakness associated with MG has been reported in dogs and is not well described in cats.