bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis of the Fiber–Matrix Interface in Monolithic Silicone Carbide‐Based Ceramic Composite Material for Use in a Fusion Reactor Application
Authors: Toplisek Tea , Drazic Goran , Novak Sasa , Kobe Spomenka 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA composite material made from continuous monolithic silicone carbide (SiC) fibers and a SiC‐based matrix (SiCf/SiC), was prepared using a novel technique, i.e. adapted dip coating and infiltration of SiC fibers with a water suspension containing SiC particles and a sintering additive. This kind of material could be used in the first‐wall blanket of a future fusion reactor. Using magnetron sputtering, the SiC fibers were coated with various thin layers (TiC, CrN, CrC, WC, DLC—diamond‐like carbon) of the interface material by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and microanalysis, detailed microstructural studies of the fiber‐matrix interface were performed. Both samples, with coated and uncoated fibers, were examined under a load. The microcracks introduced by the Vickers indenter continued their path through the fibers, and thus caused the failure of the composite material, in the case of the uncoated fibers or deviated from their primary direction at the fiber‐matrix interface in the case of the coated fibers. SCANNING 30: 35–40, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental citizenship and sustainable development: the case of waste facility siting in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Mei‐Fang 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper examines how issues of environmental citizenship play out in the context of an industrial waste facility siting controversy in Taipei, Taiwan, and the implications of this complex predicament for justice and sustainable development generally. It shows the ways in which local activists perceive the adverse effects of a development project that generates industrial waste and incinerator ash in their hometown. Local activists feel excluded from decision‐making and frustrated by the lack of recognition by authorities. They complain that their local, contextualized knowledge and experiences are ignored. Local activists are concerned about ecological devastation and feel responsible for future generations. Instead of a NIMBY protest of selfish residents, local activists imagine themselves as active citizens fighting for justice and sustainability on a scale beyond their neighborhood. The case highlights the needs for institutional transparency, the recognition of multiple ways of knowing and new conceptions of the good life. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Estimating the empirical Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient in the presence of error with nested data
Authors: Moskowitz Chaya S. , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Riedel Elyn R. , Begg Colin B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Lorenz curve is a graphical tool that is widely used to characterize the concentration of a measure in a population, such as wealth. It is frequently the case that the measure of interest used to rank experimental units when estimating the empirical Lorenz curve, and the corresponding Gini coefficient, is subject to random error. This error can result in an incorrect ranking of experimental units which inevitably leads to a curve that exaggerates the degree of concentration (variation) in the population. We consider a specific data configuration with a hierarchical structure where multiple observations are aggregated within experimental units to form the outcome whose distribution is of interest. Within this context, we explore this bias and discuss several widely available statistical methods that have the potential to reduce or remove the bias in the empirical Lorenz curve. The properties of these methods are examined and compared in a simulation study. This work is motivated by a health outcomes application that seeks to assess the concentration of black patient visits among primary care physicians. The methods are illustrated on data from this study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Midgut volvulus with hemorrhagic ascites: a rare cause of fetal anemia
Authors: Noreldeen S. A. , Hodgett S. G. , Venkat‐Raman N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFetal intestinal volvulus is a rare life‐threatening condition usually manifesting after birth. It appears on prenatal ultrasound imaging as a twisting of the bowel loops around the mesenteric artery, leading to mechanical obstruction and ischemic necrosis of the bowel. Vascular compromise can result in bowel infarction and eventual perforation of the necrotic bowel, with the development of hemorrhagic fetal ascites and fetal anemia. We report a case of intrauterine midgut volvulus, suspected when ultrasound imaging revealed dilated bowel loops at 31 weeks' gestation, with fetal anemia also suspected on measurement of increased middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity by Doppler ultrasound examination. Volvulus should be considered in the differential diagnosis when ultrasound imaging demonstrates dilated loops of bowel, especially in association with fetal ascites. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of CHD‐Specific primer sets for sex typing of birds from feathers
Authors: Ong Alan H.K. , Vellayan Subramaniam 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe amplification of the highly conserved chromo‐helicase‐DNA binding region found in both the Z and W chromosome was evaluated with three sets of primers (P8/P2, 1237L/1272H and 2550F/2718R). DNA extracted from feathers through a simple boiling method was used to address its reliability in generating the sex‐linked bands. All the bird samples, including the seven bird families that have not been reported previously, were successfully amplified with the primer set 2550F/2718R. The resulting polymerase chain reaction products showed clearly resolved fragments on a conventional agarose gel electrophoresis with size differences ranging from 80 to 540 bp between the two respective ZW gene copies. Although the P8/P2 primer was not as effective under the same conditions, it was able to produce well‐resolved Z and W bands from bird species under the Antidea family, whereas the 2250F/2718R primer set only produced a single amplified fragment of a different size between the male and the female. Zoo Biol 27:62–69, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of immunocontraception on behavior in fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Darhower Sarah E. , Maher Christine R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractImmunocontraceptives can control growth in wild and captive populations; however, in doing so, they should not disrupt species‐typical behavior patterns. The presence of treated females could disrupt social interactions in a population; yet, few studies have examined effects of immunocontraception on behavior. The goal of this project was to determine whether behavior in a fallow deer (Dama dama) population vaccinated with porcine anti‐zona pellucida (pZP)‐immunocontraceptives differed from behavior in a population of unvaccinated deer. We predicted that pZP‐treated females would spend a higher percentage of time exhibiting mating and dominance behavior than nontreated females, and that males interacting with pZP‐treated females would spend a higher percentage of time demonstrating mating and aggressive behavior than males interacting with nontreated females. We recorded activity budgets of males and females in two fallow deer populations, one pZP‐treated and the other untreated, before, during, and after rut. Females did not differ in time spent displaying mating or dominance behavior compared to nontreated females. Males coexisting with nontreated females spent more time exhibiting aggressive behavior during rut than males living with pZP‐treated females, but males did not differ in time spent in mating behavior. Thus, immunocontraception did not seem to affect behavior adversely. However, sample sizes, living conditions, and sex ratios may have affected the results. Given these limitations, future research is needed to confirm our findings. Zoo Biol 27:49–61, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation of the relationship between fecal and rumen bacterial concentrations in sheep
Authors: Neumann Laura M. , Dehority Burk A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWith no acceptable method for collecting fresh rumen fluid from zoo ruminants, it was proposed that fecal bacterial concentrations may be correlated with rumen bacteria. If so, fecal bacterial concentrations could be used to study both the effects of diet on rumen bacteria as well as rumen abnormalities. Total and cellulolytic bacterial concentrations were determined in whole rumen contents and feces of sheep using a most‐probable‐number (MPN) assay. In a Latin square design, four crossbred ewes were fed diets of 100% long or chopped orchardgrass hay (OH) and 60% ground or whole shelled corn plus 40% chopped OH. In a second trial, the sheep were fed a pelleted complete feed at varying levels of intake i.e., control at 2.0% of body weight and at 1.8, 1.6, and 1.2% of body weight. Higher total rumen bacterial concentrations (P<0.01) were found on the high concentrate diets as compared with the high forage diets. Grinding the corn also increased total bacterial concentrations (P<0.05). Fecal concentrations of total bacteria were higher (P<0.01) with the high concentrate diets. Chopping the forage decreased the concentration of fecal cellulolytic bacteria (P<0.05) but had no effect on their concentration in the rumen. An inverse linear relationship (P<0.01) was observed between total bacterial concentrations in the feces and diet intake. Although relationships were observed between the rumen and feces for total and cellulolytic bacterial concentrations, they were dependent on diet, particle size, and level of intake. Thus, fecal bacterial concentrations cannot be used to reliably predict rumen bacterial concentrations. Zoo Biol 27:100–108, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by the Breast Approach: A Single Institution’s 9‐year Experience
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Nakajima Jun , Ikeda Kenichiro , Otsuka Koki , Koeda Keisuke , Wakabayashi Go 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy by the breast approach for patients with thyroid diseases.MethodsFrom August 1998 to July 2007, 92 patients with benign thyroid diseases underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy at our institution. Of these patients, 54 underwent thyroid lobectomy for a thyroid nodule, and 38 selected subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease.ResultsNinety of the 92 procedures were successfully completed endoscopically. Mean operative time for thyroid lobectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy was 121.1 min and 231.9 min, repectively. Postoperative complications included one wound infection, one transient and one permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, one transient hypocalcemia, and five hypertrophic scars in the right breast medial margin. At 84 months of follow‐up, one patient reported paresthesia in the anterior chest and one had experienced swallowing discomfort. Patient satisfaction was recorded as “satisfied,” “equivocal,” and “unsatisfied” in 54, 2, and 0 patients. Mean satisfaction score was 9.7, 9.5, 9.5, and 8.9 points in patients in their teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s, respectively, with an overall mean score of 9.3 points, showing more satisfaction in the young.ConclusionsEndoscopic thyroidectomy by the breast approach for patients with thyroid diseases is an effective procedure that allows an excellent cosmetic result.
Adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn‐like colitis and enteritis in glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Davis M. K. , Rufo P. A. , Polyak S. F. , Weinstein D. A. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryGlycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ib is a congenital disorder of glycogen metabolism that is associated with neutropenia, neutrophil dysfunction, and an inflammatory bowel disease that mimics a Crohn phenotype. Gastrointestinal inflammation in GSD Ib has been successfully treated with 5‐aminosalicylic acid and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). However, therapeutic options for patients not responding to traditional therapies have been limited owing to untoward effects of glucocorticoids and immunomodulators in this metabolic disorder. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting tumour necrosis factor‐α that has shown promise for the treatment of patients with Crohn disease. Due to the limited options for treating GSD‐associated inflammatory bowel disease, use of adalimumab was attempted in a case unresponsive to aminosalicylate, G‐CSF, and antibiotic therapy. Significant clinical and histological improvement was observed in our patient, and the medication was well tolerated.
Taste sensitivity for monosodium glutamate and an increased liking of dietary protein
Authors: Luscombe-Marsh Natalie D. , Smeets Astrid J. P. G. , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S. 
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine individuals' taste threshold for monosodium glutamate (MSG) alone and in combination with inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP-5) and to examine if this threshold was related to an increase in sensory properties (including pleasantness of taste) and/or to one's preference for dietary protein over carbohydrate and fat. Using the triangle tasting method, the taste threshold was determined for thirty-six women and twenty-four men. Thresholds varied from zero to infinite as determined using a clear soup with added MSG in the concentration range of 0·1 to 0·8 % (w/w) MSG. Subjects rated fourteen sensory properties of the soup and also their ‘liking’, ‘eating frequency’ and ‘preference’ of twenty-two common high-protein, high-carbohydrate and high-fat food items. The taste threshold (and therefore sensitivity) of MSG was lowered from 0·33 (sem 0·24) to 0·26 (sem 0·22) % MSG when 0·25 % (w/w) IMP-5 was added. None of the sensory properties assessed was associated with the taste threshold of MSG ± 0·25 % IMP-5 in the overall study population. However, the taste descriptor ‘meatiness’ was associated with the threshold data for individuals who could taste concentrations of ≤ 0·4 % MSG. ‘Liking’ and ‘preference’ scores for protein were found to be related to the threshold of MSG ± 0·25 % IMP-5. From this study population we conclude that the taste threshold of MSG in combination with IMP-5 does appear to predict one's ‘liking’ of as well as ‘preference’ for high-protein foods.
Recent theoretical progress in understanding coherent structures in edge and SOL turbulence
Authors: KRASHENINNIKOV S. I. , D'IPPOLITO D. A. , MYRA J. R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this paper we review some theoretical aspects of the dynamics of the mesoscale filaments extending along the magnetic field lines in the edge plasma, which are often called ‘blobs’. We start with a brief historical survey of experimental data and the main ideas on edge and SOL plasma transport, which finally evolved into the modern paradigm of convective very-intermittent cross-field edge plasma transport. We show that both extensive analytic treatments and numerical simulations demonstrate that plasma blobs with enhanced pressure can be convected coherently towards the wall. The mechanism of convection is related to an effective gravity force (e.g. owing to magnetic curvature effects), which causes plasma polarization and a corresponding E× B convection. The impacts of different effects (e.g. X-point magnetic geometry, plasma collisionality, plasma beta, etc.) on blob dynamics are considered. Theory and simulation predict, both for current tokamaks and for ITER, blob propagation speeds and cross-field sizes to be of the order of a few hundred meters per second and a centimeter, respectively, which are in reasonable agreement with available experimental data. Moreover, the concept of blobs as a fundamental entity of convective transport in the scrape-off layer provides explanations for observed outwards convective transport, intermittency and non-Gaussian statistics in edge plasmas, and enhanced wall recycling in both toroidal and linear machines.
Fish consumption is a safe solution to increase the intake of long-chainn-3 fatty acids
Authors: Sioen Isabelle , De Henauw Stefaan , Verbeke Wim , Verdonck Frederik , Willems Jan L , Van Camp John 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectivesDietary intake of long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA in developed countries is low compared with recommendations. Fish is naturally rich in LCn-3 PUFA, but is also a dietary source of heavy metals and organic pollutants. We investigated whether the recommendation for LCn-3 PUFA could be reached through fish consumption, without exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury (MeHg) and the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of dioxin-like compounds. Also, the contribution of margarines enriched with LCn-3 PUFA was assessed.DesignPublished nutrient and contaminant data were used in a probabilistic model to calculate the simultaneous nutrient and contaminant intake for different fish consumption scenarios.ResultsThe Belgian recommendation for EPA + DHA (0·3 % of total energy intake) can be reached by consuming fatty fish a minimum of twice a week, or by varying between lean and fatty fish a minimum of three times a week. At this fish consumption level, MeHg intake is not an issue of toxicological concern. The intake of dioxin-like compounds approximates the TWI when consuming fatty fish more than twice a week, this being a potential toxicological risk because other food items also contribute to the weekly intake of dioxin-like compounds. Use of margarine enriched with LCn-3 PUFA can help to increase LCn-3 intake, on average by 159 mg/d.ConclusionsCombination of regular fish consumption (twice a week) with important contribution of fatty fish species, in combination with regular consumption of margarine enriched with EPA + DHA, can be advised to achieve the recommendation for LCn-3 intake.
Abiotic formation of RNA-like oligomers by montmorillonite catalysis: part II
Authors: Ertem Gözen , Snellinger-O'Brien Ann M. , Ertem M. C. , Rogoff D. A. , Dworkin Jason P. , Johnston Murray V. , Hazen Robert M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis work is an extension of our previous studies carried out to investigate the possible catalytic role of minerals in the abiotic synthesis of biologically important molecules. In the presence of montmorillonite, a member of the phyllosilicate group minerals that are abundant on Earth and identified on Mars, activated RNA monomers, namely 5′-phosphorimidazolides of nucleosides (ImpNs), undergo condensation reactions in aqueous electrolyte solution producing oligomers with similar structures to short RNA fragments. Analysis of the linear trimer isomers formed in the reaction of a mixture of activated adenosine and cytidine monomers (ImpA and ImpC, respectively) employing high-performance liquid chromatography, selective enzymatic hydrolysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy molecular weight measurements demonstrate that montmorillonite catalysis facilitates the formation of hetero-isomers containing 56% A- and 44% C-monomer incorporated in their structure. The results also show that 56% of the monomer units are linked together by RNA-like 3′, 5′-phosphodiester bonds. These results follow the same trend observed in our most recent work studying the reaction of activated adenosine and uridine monomers, and support Bernal's hypothesis proposing the possible catalytic role of minerals in the abiotic processes in the course of chemical evolution.
Infrared-Guided Laser Stimulation of Neurons in Brain Slices: Figure 1.
Authors: Dodt Hans-Ulrich , Eder Matthias , Schierloh Anja , Zieglgänsberger Walter 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes an approach for easy and precise stimulation of single neurons in brain slices using caged neurotransmitters. The technique can be applied to neurobiological problems for which precise and rapid stimulation of neurons in brain slices is required. When a caged neurotransmitter is added to the superfusion medium, neurons in brain slices can be excited by shining light on them. This very localized application allows dendrites to be scanned for the distribution of neurotransmitter receptors. Furthermore, by the stimulation of neighboring neurons, the connectivity of neuronal networks can be investigated. As laser stimulation can be performed quickly, this technique can also be used to search for synaptic connections between distant neurons with a low probability of connectivity.
Intracellular Trafficking Studies Using Gold-Encapsulated Gelatin Nanoparticles: Figure 1.
Authors: Kommareddy Sushma , Amiji Mansoor M. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONTrafficking of nanoparticles in cells is best carried out by encapsulation of electron-dense material (e.g., gold) in the nanoparticles and by visualizing them in the cell by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This protocol describes the preparation of gold particles, their encapsulation in protein nanoparticles, culture conditions, and sample preparation for TEM.
Cell Transfection and Analysis Using DNA-Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles
Authors: Kommareddy Sushma , Amiji Mansoor M. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes cell-culture techniques for transfection using DNA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles. Also included are methods for qualitative analysis of transfection with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative analysis using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS).
Long-Term, High-Resolution Imaging in the Neocortex In Vivo
Authors: Chen Brian E. , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Holtmaat Anthony J.G.D. , Svoboda Karel 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONIn the neocortex, elucidating the mechanisms of structural plasticity is essential to an understanding of the emergent network properties and fundamental cognitive phenomena, such as memory formation. Time-lapse imaging microscopy has revealed a remarkable array of dynamic activities in dendritic structures in developing cortical tissue in vitro, the developing cortex in vivo, and even the adult neocortex. Chronic high-resolution in vivo imaging of the structure of neurons in the cortex became possible with the invention of two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM). This technique has key advantages over conventional, single-photon excitation techniques, such as confocal microscopy. Two-photon excitation is the near-simultaneous (within femtoseconds) absorption of two photons coinciding on a fluorophore. The absorption rate depends quadratically on the illumination intensity and is therefore confined to a small volume around the focal point. Scattered excitation light is too weak to generate fluorescence. Thus, the signal is generated exclusively in a tiny focal volume, and all emitted fluorescence photons constitute useful signals. A related advantage is that the longer wavelengths used to generate two-photon excitation penetrate scattering tissue more efficiently than the shorter wavelengths used to generate single-photon excitation of the same fluorophores. The upper layers (1-4) of neocortex are ideal for high-resolution 2PLSM imaging. This protocol describes experimental procedures for in vivo imaging in the neocortex.