bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Log-Likelihood Ratio Calculation for Iterative Decoding on Rayleigh Fading Channels Using Padé Approximation
Authors: Hosoya Gou , Yashima Hiroyuki
Published: August 2013

Approximate calculation of channel log-likelihood ratio (LLR) for wireless channels using Padé approximation is presented. LLR is used as an input of iterative decoding for powerful error-correcting codes such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes or turbo codes. Due to the lack of knowledge of the channel state information of a wireless fading channel, such as uncorrelated fiat Rayleigh fading channels, calculations of exact LLR for these channels are quite complicated for a practical implementation. The previous work, an LLR calculation using the Taylor approximation, quickly becomes inaccurate as the channel output leaves some derivative point. This becomes a big problem when higher order modulation scheme is employed. To overcome this problem, a new LLR approximation using Padé approximation, which expresses the original function by a rational form of two polynomials with the same total number of coefficients of the Taylor series and can accelerate the Taylor approximation, is devised. By applying the proposed approximation to the iterative decoding and the LDPC codes with some modulation schemes, we show the effectiveness of the proposed methods by simulation results and analysis based on the density evolution.
Clusterin Plays an Important Role in Clear Renal Cell Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Wang Xinsheng , Luo Lei , Dong Dahai , Yu Qinchao , Zhao Kai
Published: August 2013

Objective: Clusterin (CLU) is implicated in regulating clear renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) progression and metastasis, yet the mechanisms are not elucidated. In the present study, we explored the potential role of CLU in CRCC metastasis. Methods: Levels of CLU mRNA and CLU protein were measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis in 22 CRCC with metastasis and 22 without metastasis and 22 samples of normal kidney tissue. After CLU silencing and re-expression, the migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo of Caki-2 cells were determined by wound healing assay, transwell migration assay and pulmonary nodule assay, respectively. The expression of pERK1/2 and MMP-9 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assay. Results: We found a significant increase of CLU and CLU mRNA expression in CRCC, and the expression of CLU is strongly correlated in patients with metastatic disease. We discovered that CLU-rich Caki-2 cells displayed higher invasive ability which prompted us to investigate if CLU silencing could reduce the migration and invasion in Caki-2 cells. Compared with the vector-transfected cells, CLU knocked-down (CLUi) cells showed reduced migration and invasion in vitro, as well as decreased metastatic potential in experimental metastasis. Re-expression of CLU in CLUi cells restored the invasive phenotypes. We found that MMP-9 was downregulated in CLUi cells. We also discovered that levels of activated ERK1/2 correlated with the rich expression of CLU and MMP-9. Conclusion: Our data suggest that CLU may regulate aggressive behavior of human CRCC cells through modulating ERK1/2 signaling and MMP-9 expression.
An Update of Laparoscopy in Cervical Cancer Staging: Is It a Useful Procedure?
Authors: Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Perniola Giorgia , Tomao Federica , Fischetti Margherita , Savone Delia , Di Donato Violante , Angioli Roberto , Muzii Ludovico
Published: August 2013

Objective: It was the aim of this study to report on the role of laparoscopic staging in a large series of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients and its impact on prognosis. Methods: Consecutive patients with LACC were considered for surgical staging: gynecological examination, cystoscopy and laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsies and peritoneal fluid cytology. Results: Between February 2000 and September 2010, a total of 167 women were evaluated. In 5 patients, laparoscopy could not be performed. One hundred and sixty-two patients had correct laparoscopic staging: 49 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IIA (>4 cm), 67 IIB, 39 III, and 7 IVA. Abdominal spread was found in 33 cases (20%). There was a minor laparoscopy complication rate of 1%. We found a significant difference in the distribution of peritoneal spread for tumor grade and FIGO stage (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas no statistically significant difference for the histological type was found [p = not significant (NS)]. The median follow-up was 80 months (range 4-144). The median overall survival was 65 months. The patients without abdominal spread did not benefit from a significantly longer survival (median overall survival of 59 vs. 70 months; p = NS). Conclusions: Laparoscopic staging in cervical cancer is a safe and feasible technique but it does not modify the prognosis of LACC patients.
Research amongst Physical Therapists in the State of Kuwait: Participation, Perception, Attitude and Barriers
Authors: Aljadi Sameera H. , Alrowayeh Hesham N. , Alotaibi Naser M. , Taaqi Maqdad M. , Alquraini Habib , Alshatti Talal A.
Published: August 2013

Objectives: The objectives of this descriptive study were to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapists regarding research, the intention to engage in research and the barriers to participating in research amongst physical therapists in the State of Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: A previously validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 non-randomly selected physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information regarding research-related activities. Descriptive statistics, frequency and χ2 analyses were used in this study. Results: Of the 200 questionnaires distributed to physical therapists 122 (61%) were completed and returned. The physical therapists had a positive attitude towards reading these findings in order to update their knowledge. However, only 16 (17%) of the physical therapists participated in clinical research. The common reasons given were: minimal role and reduced ability, intention and level of engagement in initiating research, probably due to work overload, time constraints and limited access to resources. Conclusions: Physical therapists in Kuwait had a positive attitude towards the application of research findings to their practice. However, they were not confident in initiating research due to work overload and lack of time as well as limited access to library resources. Therefore, we recommend stimulation to engage in research activities to be a requirement and to develop a system to improve the skills and knowledge of doing research.
Permanent Distal Occlusion of Middle Cerebral Artery in Rat Causes Local Increased ETB, 5-HT1B and AT1 Receptor-Mediated Contractility Downstream of Occlusion
Authors: Rasmussen Marianne N.P. , Hornbak Malene , Larsen Stine S. , Sheykhzade Majid , Edvinsson Lars
Published: August 2013

Background/Aims: In response to experimental stroke, a characteristic functional and expressional upregulation of contractile G-protein-coupled receptors has been uncovered in the affected cerebral vasculature; however, the mechanism initiating this phenomenon remains unknown. Methods: Using a model of permanent distal occlusion of rat middle cerebral arteries, we investigated whether there was a regional difference in receptor-mediated contractility of segments located upstream and downstream of the occlusion site. The contractile response to endothelin, angiotensin and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor stimulation was studied by sensitive wire myograph. Results: Only downstream segments exhibited an augmented contractile response to stimulation with each of the three ligands, with the response towards sarafotoxin 6c being especially augmented compared to sham, upstream and contralateral controls. This functional increase did not seem to relate to ischemic tissue damage, inflammatory cell infiltration or the element of reperfusion. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry did not show any difference in the level of immunoreactivity towards endothelin B (ETB) receptors between groups. Conclusion: Single artery occlusion without significant visible infarct resulted in locally increased ETB, angiotensin type 1 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B receptor-mediated contractile responses only in segments located downstream of the occlusion site. This suggests lack of wall stress as an initiating trigger leading to regulation of contractile response after cerebral stroke.
Clinical Outcome of Coronary Stenting in Patients with Variant Angina Refractory to Medical Treatment: A Consecutive Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Chu Guang , Zhang Guobing , Zhang Zhi , Liu Shaowen , Wen Qinzhu , Sun Baogui
Published: August 2013

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of coronary stenting in patients with variant angina refractory to medical treatment. Subjects and Methods: Variant angina was diagnosed in 81 patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology between January 2003 and June 2011. However, coronary stenting was performed in 21 patients refractory to medical treatment, but coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound were performed in all patients, and acetylcholine provocative test was performed in 11 of the 21 patients refractory to medical treatment. Coronary angiography was repeated after 9-12 months in the 21 patients with coronary stents. Clinical follow-up time was 2.5 ± 3.1 years (range 1-8). Results: Of the 81 patients, coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound did not reveal significant stenosis in 13 (16.0%), but revealed 20-75% fixed stenosis in the remaining 68 (84.0%) patients. The acetylcholine provocative test was positive in the 11 patients. Of the 21 patients with coronary stents, the spasm site was located in the right coronary artery in 16 (76.2%) and in the left anterior descending artery in the remaining 5 (23.8%) patients. During the 1- to 8-year follow-up period, 1 of the 21 patients with stents developed recurrent episodes of variant angina, 5 patients had occasional chest pain, and the other 15 were asymptomatic. Coronary angiography at 9-12 months after initial evaluation demonstrated no stenosis in 3 patients, 20-40% in-stent mild intimal hyperplasia in 15 patients, and 50-80% in-stent restenosis in 3 patients. Coronary stenting was performed again in 2 patients. Conclusions: The present study showed that coronary stenting for severe refractory coronary vasospasm was effective and without serious complications. It can be an alternative and viable option for some patients who are refractory to medical therapy and at a high risk of acute coronary syndrome recurrence.
Influence of Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients on Monocyte Subsets: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Seibert Eric , Heine Gunnar H. , Ulrich Christof , Seiler Sarah , Köhler Hans , Girndt Matthias
Published: August 2013

Background/Aims: Although most hemodialysis patients share a significant 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency, supplementation is controversially discussed. A potential influence on monocyte and T lymphocyte dysfunction advocates blood level-adapted supplementation as recommended by K/DOQI guidelines. This was a prospective double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial examining immune effects of 12 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation. Methods: We initiated serum level-adapted de novo cholecalciferol supplementation in 38 hemodialysis patients. Outcome measures were: monocyte subset cell counts (CD14+CD16++ vs. CD14++CD16+ vs. CD14++CD16-), lymphocyte Th1/Th2 differentiation frequencies, serum inflammatory proteins CRP and TNFα, parathyroid hormone (PTH), FGF-23, and α-Klotho. Results: At baseline, the mean 25(OH)D serum level in the study population was 31.7 ± 14.3 nmol/l, and only 3% of patients had levels within the normal range. At 12 weeks, 25(OH)D levels were normalized in the verum group (87.8 ± 22.3 vs. placebo 24.6 ± 8.0 nmol/l, p < 0.0001). In parallel, 1,25(OH)2D levels increased in the verum group. Monocyte subset cell counts as well as Th1 and Th2 lymphocyte frequencies did not change significantly after 12 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation. There was also no significant difference in PTH, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate, TNFα, FGF-23, α-Klotho and CRP levels. Conclusions: Oral cholecalciferol supplementation according to the K/DOQI recommendations normalizes 25(OH)D levels without relevant side effects such as hyperphosphatemia or hypercalcemia. However, beneficial pleiotropic effects on monocyte subset cell counts, T cell differentiation, or cytokine production could not be confirmed at least at the used dosage. PTH and FGF23 levels were not affected during cholecalciferol administration.
Low-Sodium DASH Diet Improves Diastolic Function and Ventricular–Arterial Coupling in Hypertensive Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hummel Scott L. , Seymour E. Mitchell , Brook Robert D. , Sheth Samar S. , Ghosh Erina , Zhu Simeng , Weder Alan B. , Kovács Sándor J. , Kolias Theodore J.
Published: August 2013

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) involves failure of cardiovascular reserve in multiple domains. In HFPEF animal models, dietary sodium restriction improves ventricular and vascular stiffness and function. We hypothesized that the sodium-restricted dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet (DASH/SRD) would improve left ventricular diastolic function, arterial elastance, and ventricular–arterial coupling in hypertensive HFPEF.

Methods and Results—

Thirteen patients with treated hypertension and compensated HFPEF consumed the DASH/SRD (target sodium, 50 mmol/2100 kcal) for 21 days. We measured baseline and post-DASH/SRD brachial and central blood pressure (via radial arterial tonometry) and cardiovascular function with echocardiographic measures (all previously invasively validated). Diastolic function was quantified via the parametrized diastolic filling formalism that yields relaxation/viscoelastic (
c
) and passive/stiffness (
k
) constants through the analysis of Doppler mitral inflow velocity (E-wave) contours. Effective arterial elastance (
E
a
) end-systolic elastance (
E
es
) and ventricular–arterial coupling (defined as the ratio
E
es
:
E
a
) were determined using previously published techniques. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests were used for pre–post comparisons. The DASH/SRD reduced clinic and 24-hour brachial systolic pressure (155±35 to 138±30 and 130±16 to 123±18 mm Hg; both
P
=0.02), and central end-systolic pressure trended lower (116±18 to 111±16 mm Hg;
P
=0.12). In conjunction, diastolic function improved (
c
=24.3±5.3 to 22.7±8.1 g/s;
P
=0.03;
k
=252±115 to 170±37 g/s
2
;
P
=0.03),
E
a
decreased (2.0±0.4 to 1.7±0.4 mm Hg/mL;
P
=0.007), and ventricular–arterial coupling improved (
E
es
:
E
a
=1.5±0.3 to 1.7±0.4;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

In patients with hypertensive HFPEF, the sodium-restricted DASH diet was associated with favorable changes in ventricular diastolic function, arterial elastance, and ventricular–arterial coupling.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00939640.
Emerging Paradigms in Cardiomyopathies Associated With Cancer Therapies
Authors: Ky Bonnie , Vejpongsa Pimprapa , Yeh Edward T.H. , Force Thomas , Moslehi Javid J.
Published: August 2013

The cardiovascular care of cancer patients (cardio-oncology) has emerged as a new discipline in clinical medicine, given recent advances in cancer therapy, and is driven by the cardiovascular complications that occur as a direct result of cancer therapy. Traditional therapies such as anthracyclines and radiation have been recognized for years to have cardiovascular complications. Less expected were the cardiovascular effects of targeted cancer therapies, which were initially thought to be specific to cancer cells and would spare any adverse effects on the heart. Cancers are typically driven by mutations, translocations, or overexpression of protein kinases. The majority of these mutated kinases are tyrosine kinases, though serine/threonine kinases also play key roles in some malignancies. Several agents were developed to target these kinases, but many more are in development. Major successes have been largely restricted to agents targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (mutated or overexpressed in breast cancer), BCR-ABL (chronic myelogenous leukemia and some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia), and c-Kit (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). Other agents targeting more complex malignancies, such as advanced solid tumors, have had successes, but have not extended life to the degree seen with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Years before the first targeted therapy, Judah Folkman correctly proposed that to address solid tumors one had to target the inherent neoangiogenesis. Unfortunately, emerging evidence confirms that angiogenesis inhibitors cause cardiac complications, including hypertension, thrombosis, and heart failure. And therein lies the catch-22. Nevertheless, cardio-oncology has the potential to be transformative as the human cardiomyopathies that arise from targeted therapies can provide insights into the normal function of the heart.
Epidemiology of Heart Failure
Authors: Roger Véronique L.
Published: August 2013

Heart failure (HF) has been singled out as an epidemic and is a staggering clinical and public health problem, associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and healthcare expenditures, particularly among those aged ≥65 years. The case mix of HF is changing over time with a growing proportion of cases presenting with preserved ejection fraction for which there is no specific treatment. Despite progress in reducing HF-related mortality, hospitalizations for HF remain frequent and rates of readmissions continue to rise. To prevent hospitalizations, a comprehensive characterization of predictors of readmission in patients with HF is imperative and must integrate the impact of multimorbidity related to coexisting conditions. New models of patient-centered care that draw on community-based resources to support HF patients with complex coexisting conditions are needed to decrease hospitalizations.
Electromechanical Dyssynchrony and Resynchronization of the Failing Heart
Authors: Kirk Jonathan A. , Kass David A.
Published: August 2013

Patients with heart failure and decreased function frequently develop discoordinate contraction because of electric activation delay. Often termed dyssynchrony, this further decreases systolic function and chamber efficiency and worsens morbidity and mortality. In the mid- 1990s, a pacemaker-based treatment termed cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was developed to restore mechanical synchrony by electrically activating both right and left sides of the heart. It is a major therapeutic advance for the new millennium. Acute chamber effects of CRT include increased cardiac output and mechanical efficiency and reduced mitral regurgitation, whereas reduction in chamber volumes ensues more chronically. Patient candidates for CRT have a prolonged QRS duration and discoordinate wall motion, although other factors may also be important because ≈30% of such selected subjects do not respond to the treatment. In contrast to existing pharmacological inotropes, CRT both acutely and chronically increases cardiac systolic function and work, yet it also reduces long-term mortality. Recent studies reveal unique molecular and cellular changes from CRT that may also contribute to this success. Heart failure with dyssynchrony displays decreased myocyte and myofilament function, calcium handling, β-adrenergic responsiveness, mitochondrial ATP synthase activity, cell survival signaling, and other changes. CRT reverses many of these abnormalities often by triggering entirely new pathways. In this review, we discuss chamber, circulatory, and basic myocardial effects of dyssynchrony and CRT in the failing heart, and we highlight new research aiming to better target and implement CRT, as well as leverage its molecular effects.
Adrenergic Nervous System in Heart Failure
Authors: Lymperopoulos Anastasios , Rengo Giuseppe , Koch Walter J.
Published: August 2013

Heart failure (HF), the leading cause of death in the western world, develops when a cardiac injury or insult impairs the ability of the heart to pump blood and maintain tissue perfusion. It is characterized by a complex interplay of several neurohormonal mechanisms that become activated in the syndrome to try and sustain cardiac output in the face of decompensating function. Perhaps the most prominent among these neurohormonal mechanisms is the adrenergic (or sympathetic) nervous system (ANS), whose activity and outflow are enormously elevated in HF. Acutely, and if the heart works properly, this activation of the ANS will promptly restore cardiac function. However, if the cardiac insult persists over time, chances are the ANS will not be able to maintain cardiac function, the heart will progress into a state of chronic decompensated HF, and the hyperactive ANS will continue to push the heart to work at a level much higher than the cardiac muscle can handle. From that point on, ANS hyperactivity becomes a major problem in HF, conferring significant toxicity to the failing heart and markedly increasing its morbidity and mortality. The present review discusses the role of the ANS in cardiac physiology and in HF pathophysiology, the mechanisms of regulation of ANS activity and how they go awry in chronic HF, methods of measuring ANS activity in HF, the molecular alterations in heart physiology that occur in HF, along with their pharmacological and therapeutic implications, and, finally, drugs and other therapeutic modalities used in HF treatment that target or affect the ANS and its effects on the failing heart.
Molecular Changes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Support for Heart Failure
Authors: Birks Emma J.
Published: August 2013

Heart failure is associated with remodeling that consists of adverse cellular, structural, and functional changes in the myocardium. Until recently, this was thought to be unidirectional, progressive, and irreversible. However, irreversibility has been shown to be incorrect because complete or partial reversal can occur that can be marked after myocardial unloading with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Patients with chronic advanced heart failure can show near-normalization of nearly all structural abnormalities of the myocardium or reverse remodeling after LVAD support. However, reverse remodeling does not always equate with clinical recovery. The molecular changes occurring after LVAD support are reviewed, both those demonstrated with LVAD unloading alone in patients bridged to transplantation and those occurring in the myocardium of patients who have recovered enough myocardial function to have the device removed. Reverse remodeling may be attributable to a reversal of the pathological mechanisms that occur in remodeling or the generation of new pathways. A reduction in cell size occurs after LVAD unloading, which does not necessarily correlate with improved cardiac function. However, some of the changes in both the cardiac myocyte and the matrix after LVAD support are specific to myocardial recovery. In the myocyte, increases in the cytoskeletal proteins and improvements in the Ca
2+
handling pathway seem to be specifically associated with myocardial recovery. Changes in the matrix are complex, but excessive scarring appears to limit the ability for recovery, and the degree of fibrosis in the myocardium at the time of implantation may predict the ability to recover.
Mechanisms of Altered Ca
2+
Handling in Heart Failure
Authors: Luo Min , Anderson Mark E.
Published: August 2013

Ca
2+
plays a crucial role in connecting membrane excitability with contraction in myocardium. The hallmark features of heart failure are mechanical dysfunction and arrhythmias; defective intracellular Ca
2+
homeostasis is a central cause of contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias in failing myocardium. Defective Ca
2+
homeostasis in heart failure can result from pathological alteration in the expression and activity of an increasingly understood collection of Ca
2+
homeostatic and structural proteins, ion channels, and enzymes. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of defective Ca
2+
cycling in heart failure and considers how fundamental understanding of these pathways may translate into novel and innovative therapies.
Glycosaminoglycan Overproduction in the Aorta Increases Aortic Calcification in Murine Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Purnomo Eko , Emoto Noriaki , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Nakayama Kazuhiko , Yagi Keiko , Heiden Susi , Nadanaka Satomi , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2013

Background

Vascular calcification accompanying chronic kidney disease increases the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disorders, but no effective therapy is available. We hypothesized that glycosaminoglycans may contribute to osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells during vascular calcification.

Methods and Results

We used exostosin‐like glycosyltranferase 2–deficient (

EXTL
2

knockout) mice expressing high levels of glycosaminoglycans in several organs including the aorta. We performed 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy and fed the mice a high‐phosphate diet to induce chronic kidney disease. Overexpression of
glycosaminoglycans
in the aorta enhanced aortic calcification in chronic kidney disease in

EXTL
2

knockout mice. Ex vivo and in vitro, matrix mineralization in aortic rings and vascular smooth muscle cells of

EXTL
2

knockout mice was augmented. Furthermore, removal of
glycosaminoglycans
in

EXTL
2

knockout and
wild‐type
mice‐derived vascular smooth muscle cells effectively suppressed calcium deposition in a high‐phosphate environment.

Conclusions

These results illustrate an important role for
glycosaminoglycans
in the development of vascular calcification. Manipulation of
glycosaminoglycan
expression may have beneficial effects on the progression of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease patients.
Differential effects of predation risk and competition over vigilance variables and feeding success in Eurasian siskins (Carduelis spinus)
Authors: Pascual Jordi , Senar Juan Carlos
Published: August 2013

Many investigations have studied the effects of predation risk and competition over vigilance and feeding success, but they have proven to be difficult to discriminate. Moreover, none of the studies that have avoided the confusion has considered all the vigilance variables, food intake rate and time spent in the foraging patch. In this study, we designed an experiment with Eurasian siskinsCarduelis spinusforaging on three bird table feeders: one with low predation risk and competition, one with low predation risk and high competition and one with high predation risk and intermediate competition. Birds responded to increasing interference competition by increasing mean scan durations (probably due to the birds having to be vigilant for both other flock members and predators) and maintaining the length of mean inter-scan durations, while they responded to increasing predation risk by reducing mean inter-scan durations (probably in order to detect the predator sooner) while maintaining similar length of mean scan durations. Birds were often ejected from the feeder or departed because of disturbances, so time spent on feeders was reduced both because of competition and predation risk. Pecking rates were affected by competition but not by predation risk. Our results clearly show that birds vigilance strategy while foraging might be very different when they are mainly concerned with scanning for predators or when they primarily monitor competing flock companions. In addition, they stress the importance of recording all the vigilance and feeding variables when studying the effect of ecological factors over the foraging behaviour of birds.
Site fidelity and localised homing behaviour in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Ward A.J.W. , James R. , Wilson A.D.M. , Webster M.M.
Published: August 2013

The ability of animals to disperse towards their original home range following displacement has been demonstrated in a number of species. However, little is known about the homing ability of three-spine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), an important model species in behavioural ecology. In addition, few studies have examined the role of social facilitation in relation to homing behaviour in fishes. We examined homing behaviour of sticklebacks displaced over distances of between 80 m and 160 m in land-drains with directional water flow. Fish were translocated from their original capture site, tagged and then released either in groups or solitarily. We performed recapture transects either one or two days later. Data provided by recaptured sticklebacks show that the fish dispersed in the direction of their original capture site. Although fish translocated downstream typically moved further than those translocated upstream, both dispersed towards their original capture site. There was no difference between fish released solitarily or in groups in their homing ability and indeed there was little evidence that fish translocated in groups remained together following their release. The homing ability of the fish was demonstrated by the finding that up to 80% of fish returned to their home ranges within two days of release over a distance equivalent to approximately 5000 body lengths of these small fish.
Effectiveness of different Heterorhabditis isolates from Southern Benin for biocontrol of the subterranean termite, Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae), in laboratory trials
Authors: Zadji Lionel , Baimey Hugues , Afouda Leonard , Moens Maurice , Decraemer Wilfrida
Published: August 2013

The host-finding ability of 28 Heterorhabditis sonorensis isolates and one H. indica isolate from southern Benin and one H. indica isolate from India was examined in vertical migration sand bioassays against workers of a target citrus termite pest, Macrotermes bellicosus. Thereafter, nine selected isolates were subjected to further investigations on virulence. Our results revealed that both H. sonorensis and H. indica isolates exhibit a cruiser type of search strategy and were capable, to various degrees, of migrating, infecting and killing workers of M. bellicosus in sand columns up to 20 cm long over a period of 3 days. However, only three isolates of H. sonorensis caused 100% mortality to M. bellicosus at the greatest depth tested. The exotic H. indica isolate (LN2) did not show strong finding ability compared to the indigenous one. Concerning virulence, differences were observed among isolates for their ability to invade workers of M. bellicosus. After 12 h post exposure, H. sonorensis from Ze (Ze2) and H. sonorensis from Azohoue (Azohoue2) exhibited the lowest invasion time with IT50 = 3.35 and 3.67 h, respectively, and a higher penetration rate (11.4% and 10%, respectively) compared with the other isolates. In the concentration-mortality test, we found that, based on 95% confidence limits, all H. sonorensis and H. indica isolates appeared to be equal, with LC50 values ranging from nine to 16 infected juveniles (IJ) termite−1. Interestingly, 40 IJ termite−1 were enough to cause 80% mortality to M. bellicosus. Contrary to the LC50, the results of our studies clearly demonstrate that M. bellicosus exhibits a time-dependent susceptibility to the tested nematode isolates. So, the lowest LT50 was observed for H. sonorensis Ze2 (LT50 = 23.30 h), the highest for H. sonorensis Yokon (34.76 h). The LT50 of the indigenous H. indica isolate was estimated to 24.07 h. In addition, all selected isolates were able to reproduce in M. bellicosus workers. The highest reproduction potential in M. bellicosus was observed with H. sonorensis Yokon with 20 213 IJ/termite followed by H. sonorensis Ze2 with 19 368 IJ/termites. All tested Beninese EPN isolates were pathogenic to the citrus termite pest M. bellicosus, with H. sonorensis Ze2 being the most virulent.
Both SSU rDNA and RNA polymerase II data recognise that root-knot nematodes arose from migratory Pratylenchidae, but probably not from one of the economically high-impact lesion nematodes
Authors: Rybarczyk-Mydłowska Katarzyna , van Megen Hanny , van den Elsen Sven , Mooyman Paul , Karssen Gerrit , Bakker Jaap , Helder Johannes
Published: August 2013

In 2000 Siddiqi formulated a hypothesis stating that root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) constitute a branch arising from yet another important group of plant parasites, the migratory Pratylenchidae. This hypothesis was solely based on morphological characteristics. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis supports this hypothesis in its broad sense, but the more precise question about the identity of a migratory Pratylenchidae representative being closest to the most basal Meloidogyne species could not be addressed due to a lack of backbone resolution (Holterman et al., 2009). Here we present an extended small subunit rDNA sequence analysis and a data set of partial RNA polymerase II sequences from Pratylenchidae and basal Meloidogynidae. Our data point at members of the genus Pratylenchus as being closest to the common ancestor of the root-knot nematodes, but it was not possible unequivocally to identify a candidate lesion nematode species. Pratylenchus is a species-rich genus (ca 70 valid species), and we suggest that the species closest to the most basal root-knot nematode should be sought outside of the group of relatively well-characterised, agronomically relevant, species.
Secularism and Myth
Authors: Reed Randall
Published: August 2013

Abstract

The problem of secularism is amply raised by Burton Mack in his paper; it is clear that the term secular is problematic. However, in this response I would like to take a cultural turn. Using the social theory developed by Burton Mack in other writings, I will argue that the secular criticism of the Bible can be understood as a new mythology (as all criticism of the Bible are) that is a part of a growing secular wave within the United States found in a variety of cultural corners and particularly among the younger demographics. As such secular criticism—and secular movements like it—constitute one response to a particular set of social interests at this particular juncture in time.
The Necessity of Theory
Authors: Owen Suzanne
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Response to “Theses on Theory” by Jacqueline E. Gresham.
Morphology of some fossil lacustrine centric species from the western United States assigned to the genus Cyclotella (Bacillariophyta), including four described as new
Authors: KOCIOLEK J. P. , KHURSEVICH G. K.
Published: August 2013

During consideration of fossil centric diatoms from a variety of non-marine localities in the western USA, we encountered four new species and two previously known taxa that should be assigned to the genus Cyclotella (F.T. Kützing) A. de Brébisson. We detail the morphological features of these species, and discuss their relevance to other members of the Cyclotella. These fossil species are studied in light and scanning electron microscopes, and can be assigned to several morphological groups with respect mainly to the structure of alveolae as well as positon(s) of rimoportula(e) and marginal fultoportulae. Presence of loculate areolae with internal domed cribra and external foramina, or both areolae and valve face fultoportulae in the central area are characteristics found in all of these Cyclotella taxa.
MIDTAL (Microarrays for the Detection of Toxic Algae)
Authors: MEDLIN LINDA K. , MONTRESOR MARINA , GRANELI EDNA , REUGERA BEATRIX , RAINE ROBIN , EDVARDSEN BENTE , LEWIS JANE , ELLIOTT CHRIS , PAZOS YOLANDA , MARANDA LUCIE
Published: August 2013

Microalgae in marine and brackish waters of Europe regularly cause harmful effects, considered from the human perspective, in that they cause economic damage to fisheries and tourism. Cyanobacteria cause similar problems in freshwaters. These episodes encompass a broad range of phenomena collectively referred to as harmful algal blooms (HABs). For adequate management of these phenomena, monitoring of microalgae is required. However, present day monitoring is time consuming and based on morphology as determined by light microscopy, which may be insufficient to give definitive species and toxin attribution. In the European Union (EU) FP7 project MIDTAL (microarrays for the detection of toxic algae), we will first target rapid species identification using rRNA genes. The variable regions of the rRNA genes can be used for probe design to recognize species or even strains. Second, a toxin based microarray will be developed that includes antibody reactions to specific toxins produced by these microalgae because even when cell numbers are low, toxins can be present and can accumulate in the shellfish. Microarrays are the state of the art technology in molecular biology for the processing of bulk samples for detection of target RNA/DNA sequence. Existing rRNA probes and antibodies for toxic algal species/strains and their toxins will be adapted and optimized for microarray use. The purpose of MIDTAL is to support the common fisheries policy and to aid the national monitoring agencies by providing new rapid tools for the identification of toxic algae and their toxins so they can comply with EU directive 91/1491/CEE to monitor for toxic algae, and reduce the need for the mouse bioassay.
The 21st International Diatom Symposium
Authors: JULIUS MATTHEW L. , EDLUND MARK B.
Published: August 2013

The 21st International Diatom Symposium (IDS) convened from 29 August to 03 September 2010 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.  Over 135 delegates representing 23 countries attended the symposium and enjoyed keynote addresses by Drs John Smol and Ellinor Michel.  Delegates participated in special sessions on Genetic Barcoding, Life Cycles and Resting Stages, Marine Biostratigraphy and Paleoceanography, Diatoms and Inferring Water Quality, Ecology and Distribution of Cyclotella sensu lato, and a Diatoms of North America workshop.  Sixty-eight papers were presented in oral sessions and over 60 papers given in two poster sessions. A mid-week excursion gave delegates the opportunity to canoe on the Mississippi River or attend the Minnesota State Fair.  Other symposia events included the first IDS Auction to raise money for students attending the symposium, an evening gala at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and a closing banquet dinner and dance overlooking the Mississippi River valley.  At the 2010 biennial general meeting of the International Society for Diatom Research in St. Paul, a motion was passed for the 22nd International Diatom Symposium to be held in Ghent, Belgium in August 2012.
A brief history of the International Diatom Symposium
Authors: EDLUND MARK B. , ANDRESEN NORMAN A.
Published: August 2013

The International Diatom Symposium began as the "First Symposium on Recent and Fossil Marine Diatoms" in Bremerhaven, Germany in 1970 with 15 diatomists in attendance.  The informal group decided to meet on a biennial basis with meetings moving to different venues across Europe.  The group grew with each of the early meetings and came to recognize the need to include both marine and freshwater researchers at the symposium. At the fifth meeting of the group, the name was changed to reflect this; the "Fifth Symposium on Recent and Fossil Diatoms" was held in Antwerp, Belgium in 1978.  The meeting eventually adopted the name "International Diatom Symposium" at the 1982 seventh meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.  In 1986, at the Ninth International Diatom Symposium in Bristol, UK, the International Society for Diatom Research (ISDR) was formally established and has used the International Diatom Symposium to hold their biennial meetings of the Council and the Society. The IDS continues as a biennial gathering of international diatomists with symposia venues proposed by members, subjected to member vote, and given final council approval. The Society has encouraged meetings beyond European and American venues; notable venues have included the first Asian meeting (Fourteenth International Diatom Symposium, in Tokyo, Japan), the first Australian meeting (Fifteenth International Diatom Symposium, in Perth, Australia), and a symposium held in Russia (Nineteenth International Diatom Symposium in Irkutsk, Russia).
Redescription of the Oriental lace-bug Recaredus rex Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Tingidae: Tinginae), and its new tribal assignment, with a key to Ypsotingini
Authors: LIS BARBARA , PARVEEN SHAMA , RAMAMURTHY VILAYANOOR VENKATARAMAN
Published: August 2013

One of the most enigmatic lace bug genera, Recaredus, was described by Distant (1909) from West Bengal in India. In its description, the author suggested (p. 361) that “this genus apart from the structure of the head has a considerable resemblance to Acalypta Westw., a Palaearctic genus; in the Indian enumeration it may be placed after Phatnoma and probably requires a divisional separation.”
Unified Formulation of Single- and Multimoment Normalizations of the Raindrop Size Distribution Based on the Gamma Probability Density Function
Authors: Yu Nan , Delrieu Guy , Boudevillain Brice , Hazenberg Pieter , Uijlenhoet Remko
Published: August 2013

This study offers a unified formulation of single- and multimoment normalizations of the raindrop size distribution (DSD), which have been proposed in the framework of scaling analyses in the literature. The key point is to consider a well-defined “general distribution” g(x) as the probability density function (pdf) of the raindrop diameter scaled by a characteristic diameter Dc. The two-parameter gamma pdf is used to model the g(x) function. This theory is illustrated with a 3-yr DSD time series collected in the Cévennes region, France. It is shown that three DSD moments (M2, M3, and M4) make it possible to satisfactorily model the DSDs, both for individual spectra and for time series of spectra. The formulation is then extended to the one- and two-moment normalization by introducing single and dual power-law models. As compared with previous scaling formulations, this approach explicitly accounts for the prefactors of the power-law models to yield a unique and dimensionless g(x), whatever the scaling moment(s) considered. A parameter estimation procedure, based on the analysis of power-law regressions and the self-consistency relationships, is proposed for those normalizations. The implementation of this method with different scaling DSD moments (rain rate and/or radar reflectivity) yields g(x) functions similar to the one obtained with the three-moment normalization. For a particular rain event, highly consistent g(x) functions can be obtained during homogeneous rain phases, whatever the scaling moments used. However, the g(x) functions may present contrasting shapes from one phase to another. This supports the idea that the g(x) function is process dependent and not “unique” as hypothesized in the scaling theory.
A Numerical Study of Typhoon Megi (2010). Part I: Rapid Intensification
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Yuqing
Published: August 2013

Typhoon Megi (15W) was the most powerful and longest-lived tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific during 2010. While it shared many common features of TCs that crossed Luzon Island in the northern Philippines, Megi experienced unique intensity and structural changes, which were reproduced reasonably well in a simulation using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF) with both dynamical initialization and large-scale spectral nudging. In this paper processes responsible for the rapid intensification (RI) of the modeled Megi before it made landfall over Luzon Island were analyzed. The results show that Megi experienced RI over the warm ocean with high ocean heat content and decreasing environmental vertical shear. The onset of RI was triggered by convective bursts (CBs), which penetrate into the upper troposphere, leading to the upper-tropospheric warming and the formation of the upper-level warm core. In turn, CBs with their roots inside of the eyewall in the boundary layer were buoyantly triggered/supported by slantwise convective available potential energy (SCAPE) accumulated in the eye region. During RI, convective area coverage in the inner-core region was increasing while the updraft velocity in the upper troposphere and the number of CBs were both decreasing. Different from the majority of TCs that experience RI with a significant eyewall contraction, the simulated Megi, as the observed, rapidly intensified without an eyewall contraction. This is attributed to diabatic heating in active spiral rainbands, a process previously proposed to explain the inner-core size increase, enhanced by the interaction of the typhoon vortex with a low-level synoptic depression in which Megi was embedded.
Empirical Examination of the Factors Regulating Thunderstorm Initiation
Authors: Lock Noah A. , Houston Adam L.
Published: August 2013

Initiation is the part of the convective life cycle that is currently least understood and least well forecast. The inability to properly forecast the timing and/or location of deep convection initiation degrades forecast skill, especially during the warm season. To gain insight into what atmospheric parameters distinguish areas where storms initiate from areas where they do not initiate, over 55 000 thunderstorm initiation points over the central United States from 2005 to 2007 are found and a number of thermodynamic and kinematic parameters are computed from 20-km Rapid Update Cycle (RUC)-2 data. In addition to the initiation points, data are also collected at nearby locations where thunderstorms did not initiate (null points) for comparison. Thunderstorm identification and tracking are done using several tools within the Warning Decision Support Services–Integrated Information (WDSS-II) package and a thunderstorm tracking algorithm called Thunderstorm Observation by Radar (ThOR). The parameters being examined are intended to represent the four main factors governing the behavior of convection: buoyancy, dilution, lift, and inhibition. Statistical analysis of the data shows that there is no threshold of any single parameter that is consistently able to discriminate between initiation and noninitiation. However, case-by-case comparison of the values showed that lift is most often the factor that distinguishes the thunderstorm initiation environment from other areas.
Jurors’ views of suspended sentences
Authors: Warner Kate , Spiranovic Caroline
Published: August 2013

This article examines jurors’ views on sentencing from trials returning guilty verdicts where the offender has been sentenced to a wholly suspended sentence or where jurors have suggested a wholly suspended sentence as the most appropriate sentencing outcome. It challenges the poor public image of suspended sentences and provides further evidence that informed judgement on sentencing issues reveals a public that is not as punitive as is commonly portrayed. However, rather than claiming that the findings support the intrinsic worth of wholly suspended sentences, it is suggested that they indicate a desire to avoid immediate prison sentences in many cases. In other words it shows there is considerable support for non-custodial options in the kinds of cases that attract wholly suspended sentences, even in the case of some crimes of violence.