bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of mobile phase for the determination of Esomeprazole and related compounds and investigation of stress degradation by LC–MS
Authors: Dong Qixin , Zhu Jiajun , Sui Qiang , Tang Chao , Wang Xiaomei , Yu Yunqiu
Published: January 2013

In this study, the objective was to investigate the degradation behavior of Esomeprazole under different recommended stress conditions according to International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use [1] by HPLC. Our research showed that the effect of mobile phase species on separation was significant for the determination of Esomeprazole and its related compounds. Successful separation of the drug from its related impurities and degradation products formed under different stress conditions was achieved using ammonium acetate buffer/ACN by a gradient elution. Compared with phosphate buffer/ACN, ammonium acetate buffer/ACN under same pH and gradient showed a great improvement in resolution due to the change of elution order. The drug was subjected to stress conditions including acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal conditions. Extensive degradation occurred in acidic and oxidative conditions, while mild degradation was observed in alkaline and photolytic conditions. Besides, it turned out the drug was extremely stable under thermal condition. The stability‐indicating LC–UV method was validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness. The LC–MS method was also adopted for the characterization of degradation products. Based on the m/z values and fragmentation patterns, the degradation pathway of the drug has been proposed.
Quantum computational logic with mixed states
Authors: Freytes Hector , Domenech Graciela
Published: January 2013

In this paper we solve the problem how to axiomatize a system of quantum computational gates known as the Poincaré irreversible quantum computational system. A Hilbert‐style calculus is introduced obtaining a strong completeness theorem.
Enhancement of Streptomyces transglutaminase activity and pro-peptide cleavage efficiency by introducing linker peptide in the C-terminus of the pro-peptide
Authors: Chen Kangkang , Liu Song , Wang Guangsheng , Zhang Dongxu , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian , Shi Zhongping
Published: January 2013

Streptomyces transglutaminase (TGase) has been widely used in food, pharmaceutical and textile industries. Streptomyces TGase is naturally synthesized as zymogen (pro-TGase), which is then processed to produce active enzyme by removing its N-terminal pro-peptide. Although the pro-peptide is essential for TGase folding and secretion, few studies have been reported on improving the properties of TGase by pro-peptide engineering. In this study, we developed a new approach to improve the properties of TGase based on pro-peptide engineering. When the α-helix37G−42S in pro-peptide was substituted with three glycines and three alanines respectively, the mutants exhibited higher specific activity and the efficiency of pro-peptide cleavage was enhanced. To further improve the properties of TGase, relevant mutations were constructed by introducing linker peptides in the C-terminus of the pro-peptide. Mutants with GS (GGGGS) and PT (PTPPTTPT) linker peptide exhibited 1.28 fold and 1.5 fold higher specific activity than the wild-type enzyme, respectively. This new method could be used to improve the properties of TGase by pro-peptide modification, which is a promising technology for creating unique TGase with various beneficial properties.
Global Change and Local Places
Authors: Association of American Geographers GCLP Research Team
Published: January 2013

This comprehensive book explores the ways people and biota contribute to climate change in four localities of the United States. This 2003 volume summarizes the findings of the Global Change in Local Places (GCLP) project initiated by the Association of American Geographers to investigate the contribution of local factors to global change, how and why these factors change over time, and how the effects might be controlled and mitigated locally. The sources and driving forces for greenhouse gas emissions vary widely among the four research sites, as do the possibilities and propensities to mitigate emissions and adapt to the local changes global warming could bring. Policy makers and legislators will be unable to address human-induced climate change effectively without the insights revealed by examining and understanding the daily routines that are simultaneously the sources of climate change and the keys to reducing its severity and coping with its effects.
Returning to Work After Breast Cancer: A Critical Review
Authors: Park Joanne , Shubair Mamdouh
Published: January 2013

Breast cancer and return to work (RTW) is a global issue affected by many factors. The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used to address disease/treatment, person and work related factors that can impact the RTW process for breast cancer survivors. The work environment, treatment and sociodemographic factors can affect the timeliness of RTW. While conventional treatment methods are critical for survival, there are other strategies that may provide comfort and relief that can improve functioning in the workplace. Although the number of studies addressing this is increasing, certain issues such as differences in RTW rates, RTW needs and accountability need further investigation. A thorough understanding of the independent and combined effects of disease/treatment, work and person related factors can assist in the appropriate implementation of RTW strategies for breast cancer survivors. For many breast cancer survivors, returning to work is used as a gauge of healing and control over breast cancer, providing encouragement for the future.
Prediction of scaled feed intake in weaner pigs using physico-chemical properties of fibrous feeds
Authors: Ndou S. P. , Gous R. M. , Chimonyo M.
Published: January 2013

The objective of the present study was to predict scaled feed intake (SFI) using the physico-chemical measurements of feed bulk, such that gut capacity can be estimated in weaner pigs. A basal feed with 13·7 MJ digestible energy and 180 g crude protein per kg DM was diluted to six inclusion levels (0, 80, 160, 240, 320 and 400 g/kg DM) using lucerne hay, maize cob, maize stover, sawdust, sunflower husks or grass hay (veld grass). A total of 124 pigs weighing 18·1 (sd1·37) kg body weight were used. Water-holding capacity (WHC; g water/g DM), bulk density (g DM/ml), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) and acid-detergent fibre (ADF) influenced the SFI. The quadratic relationship between SFI and WHC was SFI = 19·1 (sem3·49)+10·04 (sem1·61) WHC–1·11 (sem0·17) WHC2(P< 0·01). SFI was also related (P< 0·01) to NDF and ADF by quadratic functions SFI = 24·3 (sem3·55)+0·12 (sem0·229) NDF − 0·00 012 (sem0·000036) NDF2and SFI = 30·2 (sem1·95)+0·112 (sem0·0232) ADF–0·000343 (sem0·0000612) ADF2, respectively. Using broken-stick analyses, the gut capacity was attained when WHC = 4·53 (sem1·25) g water/g DM, NDF = 367 (sem29) g/kg DM and ADF = 138 (sem77) g/kg DM. In conclusion, although threshold values for each were different, WHC, NDF and ADF contents of bulk feeds provide relationships with SFI that can be used to predict gut capacity in weaner pigs.
Wheat bulb fly (Delia coarctata, Fallén, Diptera: Anthomyiidae) larval response to hydroxamic acid constituents of host-plant root exudates
Authors: Rogers C.D. , Evans K.A.
Published: January 2013

Wheat bulb fly (WBF, Delia coarctata, Fallén, Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a pest of commercial importance in wheat, barley and rye, with attacked crops failing to produce full potential yields. Females do not oviposit in association with a host-plant; therefore, prompt location of a suitable host is critical to the survival of the newly hatched larvae. The objective of this study was to conduct choice test bioassays to assess the attraction of WBF larvae to specific chemical constituents of WBF host-plant root exudates, the hydroxamic acids DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) and MBOA (6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2-one). The larval response to four concentrations of each test compound was assessed in arena bioassays. Analysis using a Rayleigh test of uniformity of the final resting positions of larvae in response to these chemicals indicated attraction. These results go some way to explaining the mechanisms by which WBF larvae locate host plants, giving the potential to develop semiochemical based control strategies.
The epidemiology and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococci sampled from a healthy Jordanian population
Authors: AL-BAKRI A. G. , AL-HADITHI H. , KASABRI V. , OTHMAN G. , KRIEGESKORTE A. , BECKER K.
Published: January 2013

The prevalence of natural carriage and molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) isolates in a Jordanian community were investigated. The MRSA nasal carriage rate in 227 healthy volunteers was 7·5% and the majority (81%) of MRSA harboured the resistance element SCCmectype IVe and were of a novelspatype t9519 (76%); other significantspagene types were t223 (14·7%) and t044 (5·9%). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to other classes of antibiotics, and tested positive for at least three virulence factor encoding genes, but only two harboured thepvlgene. MR-CoNS carriage was 54·2% and these isolates were characterized by single, double and untypable SCCmecelements, withStaphylococcus epidermidisSCCmectype IVa predominating. Of eight subjects with nasal co-colonization of MR-CoNS + MRSA, three shared SCCmectype IV in both groups of organisms. This is the first report of methicillin-resistant staphylococci carriage in a Jordanian community and its findings are important for epidemiological study and infection control measures of these organisms.
Revisiting the Convention on Nuclear Safety: Lessons Learned from the Fukushima Accident
Authors: ČAVOŠKI Aleksandra
Published: January 2013

The Fukushima nuclear accident raised questions about the implementation of the Convention on Nuclear Safety by the Japanese government and identified the need to reassess the obligation of each contracting party deriving from the Convention and IAEA safety standards. The author analyzes several major deficiencies such as the lack of independence and effectiveness of the regulatory body, the failure to evaluate all relevant site- and design-related factors, and design and construction of the installation, as well as the emergency response, in order to determine the failure of the Japanese government to comply with the Convention and exercise the obligation of due diligence. As a result, the author demonstrates the fulfilment of two elements of state responsibility for nuclear damage. The author also establishes the ineffectiveness of the Convention's preventive monitoring mechanisms and recommends the introduction of a stronger monitoring regime and highlights the need to amend the Convention safety rules.
Psychische Auffälligkeiten bei Umschriebenen Entwicklungsstörungen: Gibt es Unterschiede zwischen Lese-Rechtschreib- und Rechenstörungen?
Authors: Kohn Juliane , Wyschkon Anne , Esser Günter
Published: January 2013

Diese Studie zielte auf die Untersuchung psychischer Begleitsymptome bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Umschriebenen Entwicklungsstörungen (UES) schulischer Fertigkeiten ab. Ausgehend von einer großen, nicht-klinischen Stichprobe von 6- bis 16-Jährigen wurden Schüler mit Lese-Rechtschreibstörungen (n = 136), mit Rechenstörungen (n = 39) und eine Kontrollgruppe ohne Leistungsprobleme (n = 1798) verglichen. Zur Erfassung psychopathologischer Symptome wurden die Eltern befragt sowie die Schüler selbst um eine Einschätzung ihrer Lebensqualität, ihres Selbstwertgefühls und ihrer emotionalen und sozialen Schulerfahrungen gebeten. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass Eltern bei Kindern mit Lese-Rechtschreibstörungen und jenen mit Rechenstörungen mehr psychisch auffällige Symptome angeben. Insbesondere hyperkinetische Symptome sind häufiger als in der Kontrollgruppe. Eine Differenzierung der Leitsymptome der Hyperkinetischen Störung in beeinträchtigte Aufmerksamkeit, motorische Überaktivität und Impulsivität unterstreicht, dass insbesondere Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme unabhängig vom Geschlecht mit beiden Störungsbildern verknüpft sind. Anders als erwartet werden keine erhöhten Verhaltens- oder emotionalen Probleme bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit UES berichtet. Zudem gab es keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den Störungsgruppen, mit Ausnahme eines tendenziellen Effekts bei somatischen Symptomen. Demnach scheinen LRS und Rechenstörung nicht mit unterschiedlichen Profilen psychischer Komorbidität einherzugehen. Kinder und Jugendliche mit UES gaben, unabhängig vom Störungstyp, im Bereich der Schule erwartungsgemäß höhere Problemwerte an. Des Weiteren gehen Rechenstörungen mit höheren Problemwerten in der Gesamteinschätzung der Lebensqualität einher. Während das Selbstwertgefühl insgesamt sowie die generelle Einstellung zur Schule nicht geringer ausgeprägt sind, lässt sich unabhängig vom Störungsbereich eine geringe Anstrengungsbereitschaft bei Kindern mit UES aufdecken. Diese Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung psychosozialer Komponenten, die in Diagnostik und Förderung der UES schulischer Fertigkeiten Berücksichtigung finden sollten.
Casimir probe based upon metallized high Q SiN nanomembrane resonator
Authors: Garcia-Sanchez Daniel , Fong King Yan , Bhaskaran Harish , Lamoreaux Steve , Tang Hong X.
Published: January 2013

We present the instrumentation and measurement scheme of a new Casimir force probe that bridges Casimir force measurements at microscale and macroscale. A metallized high Q silicon nitride nanomembrane resonator is employed as a sensitive force probe. The high tensile stress present in the nanomembrane not only enhances the quality factor but also maintains high flatness over large area serving as the bottom electrode in a sphere-plane configuration. A fiber interferometer is used to readout the oscillation of the nanomembrane and a phase-locked loop scheme is applied to track the change of the resonance frequency. Because of the high quality factor of the nanomembrane and the high stability of the setup, a frequency resolution down to 2 × 10−9 and a corresponding force gradient resolution of 3 μN/m is achieved. Besides sensitive measurement of Casimir force, our measurement technique simultaneously offers Kelvin probe measurement capability that allows in situ imaging of the surface potentials.
Simulation benchmarks for low-pressure plasmas: Capacitive discharges
Authors: Turner M. M. , Derzsi A. , Donkó Z. , Eremin D. , Kelly S. J. , Lafleur T. , Mussenbrock T.
Published: January 2013

Benchmarking is generally accepted as an important element in demonstrating the correctness of computer simulations. In the modern sense, a benchmark is a computer simulation result that has evidence of correctness, is accompanied by estimates of relevant errors, and which can thus be used as a basis for judging the accuracy and efficiency of other codes. In this paper, we present four benchmark cases related to capacitively coupled discharges. These benchmarks prescribe all relevant physical and numerical parameters. We have simulated the benchmark conditions using five independently developed particle-in-cell codes. We show that the results of these simulations are statistically indistinguishable, within bounds of uncertainty that we define. We, therefore, claim that the results of these simulations represent strong benchmarks, which can be used as a basis for evaluating the accuracy of other codes. These other codes could include other approaches than particle-in-cell simulations, where benchmarking could examine not just implementation accuracy and efficiency, but also the fidelity of different physical models, such as moment or hybrid models. We discuss an example of this kind in the Appendix. Of course, the methodology that we have developed can also be readily extended to a suite of benchmarks with coverage of a wider range of physical and chemical phenomena.
RTSPM: Real-time Linux control software for scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Chandrasekhar V. , Mehta M. M.
Published: January 2013

Real time computer control is an essential feature of scanning probe microscopes, which have become important tools for the characterization and investigation of nanometer scale samples. Most commercial (and some open-source) scanning probe data acquisition software uses digital signal processors to handle the real time data processing and control, which adds to the expense and complexity of the control software. We describe here scan control software that uses a single computer and a data acquisition card to acquire scan data. The computer runs an open-source real time Linux kernel, which permits fast acquisition and control while maintaining a responsive graphical user interface. Images from a simulated tuning-fork based microscope as well as a standard topographical sample are also presented, showing some of the capabilities of the software.
Silicon vacancy color center photoluminescence enhancement in nanodiamond particles by isolated substitutional nitrogen on {100} surfaces
Authors: Singh Sonal , Catledge Shane A.
Published: January 2013

Fluorescent nanodiamonds were produced by incorporation of silicon-vacancy (Si-V) defect centers in as-received diamonds of averaged size ∼255 nm using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. The potential for further enhancement of Si-V emission in nanodiamonds (NDs) is demonstrated through controlled nitrogen doping by adding varying amounts of N2 in a H2 + CH4 feedgas mixture. Nitrogen doping promoted strong narrow-band (FWHM ∼ 10 nm) emission from the Si-V defects in NDs, as confirmed by room temperature photoluminescence. At low levels, isolated substitutional nitrogen in {100} growth sectors is believed to act as a donor to increase the population of optically active (Si-V)− at the expense of optically inactive Si-V defects, thus increasing the observed luminescence from this center. At higher levels, clustered nitrogen leads to deterioration of diamond quality with twinning and increased surface roughness primarily on {111} faces, leading to a quenching of the Si-V luminescence. Enhancement of the Si-V defect through controlled nitrogen doping offers a viable alternative to nitrogen-vacancy defects in biolabeling/sensing applications involving sub-10 nm diamonds for which luminescent activity and stability are reportedly poor.
Electronic transport and shot noise in Thue-Morse sequence graphene superlattice
Authors: Huang Huaping , Liu De , Zhang Hongmei , Kong Xiaojun
Published: January 2013

The transport properties and shot noise in Thue-Morse (TM) sequence graphene superlattice are investigated using transfer matrix methods. The results indicate perfect transport with T = 1 is always obtained at normal incidence when incident electrons tunnel through different barrier widths and heights. The zero-k¯-gap and other Bragg gap exhibit different behavior as the barrier width or incident angle increases. Furthermore, the changing of the structure parameters and generation of the TM sequence has a great effect on transmission coefficient, conductance, and Fano factor. It is shown that the Fano factor has a maximum close to 1/3 in the vicinity of Dirac point, which result in robust electronic transport properties.
Misorientation dependence of Al2O3 grain boundary thermal resistance
Authors: Tai Kaiping , Lawrence Abigail , Harmer Martin P. , Dillon Shen J.
Published: January 2013

The room-temperature thermal resistance of model low-angle (0001) twist bicrystal Al2O3 grain boundaries was measured as a function of misorientation angle using the 3ω thermal conductivity testing technique. The work yields interfacial thermal resistances of 0.44 × 10−8, 1.2 × 10−8, and 1.54 × 10−8 Km2 W−1 for the ∼1.3°, ∼8.0°, and ∼13° twist grain boundaries, respectively. The interfacial thermal resistance correlates with the grain boundary energy calculated from the Read-Shockley model. The results indicate significant anisotropy in the Kapitza resistance whose magnitude is dominated by local structural defects at the grain boundary rather than spectral mismatch between grains.
Effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast in hairy lambs fed a corn-based diet: effects on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass
Authors: Estrada-Angulo A. , Valdés Y. S. , Carrillo-Muro O. , Castro-Perez B. I. , Barreras A. , López-Soto M. A. , Plascencia A. , Dávila-Ramos H. , Rios F. G. , Zinn R. A.
Published: January 2013

Forty Pelibuey × Kathdin lambs (35.5 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 56-day feeding experiment to assess the effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast (Cr-YC) on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass. The Cr-YC source contained 5.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) and 0.40 mg of Cr per gram. Treatments consisted of a dry rolled corn-based finishing diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day. Total daily dosages were: 5.5 × 109 CFU and 0.4 mg; 1.1 × 1010 CFU and 0.8 mg Cr, and 1.65 × 1010 CFU and 1.2 mg Cr for supplementation levels of 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day, respectively. There were no treatments effects on dry matter intake. As the level of Cr-YC supplementation increased, average daily gain, gain to feed and dietary net energy were linearly increased, and observed/expected dry matter intake was linearly decreased. Chromium-enriched live yeast supplementation increased empty bodyweight (EBW), gastrointestinal fill and full viscera weight, but did not influence organ weights as a proportion of EBW (g/kg EBW). Cr-YC level did not affect carcass length, backfat thickness, kidney, pelvic and heart fat or body wall thickness, but increased hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. In general, treatment effects on percentage yield of wholesale cuts (tissue weight as a percentage of cold carcass weight) were small. However, Cr-YC decreased percentage flank. Chromium-enriched yeast supplementation enhances growth rate, longissimus muscle area, and dietary energetic efficiency in finishing feedlot lambs.
Health Inequality across Populations of Individuals
Authors: Sahn David E.
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  This paper discusses the many dimensions of health inequality, a multi‐faceted concept, which examines the dispersion in the distribution of health spending, the provision of health services, health capabilities and health outcomes. The underlying concern is motivated by issues of both social justice and economic efficiency, recognizing health's central role as a condition of human existence. While the paper includes a wide‐ranging discussion of conceptual issues, most of it is devoted to introducing approaches to empirical analysis of health inequality, ranging from fiscal incidence to decomposition analysis. It also focuses on the distinction between the univariate and gradient approaches. The former involves making comparisons of cardinal or scalar indicators of health inequality and distributions of health, regardless of whether health is correlated with welfare measured along other dimensions. This univariate approach measures pure inequalities in health in a fashion that is similar to what is done for income distribution. In contrast, the gradient approach generally focuses on making comparisons of health across populations with different social and economic characteristics.
Health Effects of Socioeconomic Status: Methods and Findings
Authors: Ajakaiye Olu , Mwabu Germano
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  We present a framework for analysing causal effects of socioeconomic status on health human capital. We analyse the role played by instrumental variables in the identification of causal effects. We show, by empirical examples that, the types of data available in many African countries can be used to estimate causal effects of socioeconomic status on health.
Pre‐fire fuel reduction treatments influence plant communities and exotic species 9 years after a large wildfire
Authors: Shive Kristen L. , Kuenzi Amanda M. , Sieg Carolyn H. , Fulé Peter Z.
Published: January 2013

Questions

How did post‐wildfire understorey plant community response, including exotic species response, differ between pre‐fire treated areas that were less severely burned, and pre‐fire untreated areas that were more severely burned? Were these differences consistent through time?

Location

East‐centralArizona, southwesternUS.

Methods

We used a multi‐year data set from the 2002Rodeo–ChediskiFire to detect post‐fire trends in plant community response in burned ponderosa pine forests. Within the burn perimeter, we examined the effects of pre‐fire fuels treatments on post‐fire vegetation by comparing paired treated and untreated sites on theApache‐SitgreavesNationalForest. We sampled these paired sites in 2004, 2005 and 2011.

Results

There were significant differences in pre‐fire treated and untreated plant communities by species composition and abundance in 2004 and 2005, but these communities were beginning to converge in 2011. Total understorey plant cover was significantly higher in untreated areas for all 3 yr. Plant cover generally increased between 2004 and 2005 and markedly decreased in 2011, with the exception of shrub cover, which steadily increased through time. The sharp decrease in forb and graminoid cover in 2011 is likely related to drought conditions since the fire. Annual/biennial forb and graminoid cover decreased relative to perennial cover through time, consistent with the initial floristics hypothesis. Exotic plant response was highly variable and not limited to the immediate post‐fire, annual/biennial community. Despite low overall exotic forb and graminoid cover for all years (<2.5%), several exotic species increased in frequency, and the relative proportion of exotic to native cover increased through time.

Conclusions

Pre‐treatment fuel reduction treatments helped maintain foundation overstorey species and associated native plant communities following this large wildfire. The overall low cover of exotic species on these sites supports other findings that the disturbance associated with high‐severity fire does not always result in exotic species invasions. The increase in relative cover and frequency though time indicates that some species are proliferating, and continued monitoring is recommended. Patterns of exotic species invasions after severe burning are not easily predicted, and are likely more dependent on site‐specific factors such as propagules, weather patterns and management.
Caries management by risk assessment
Authors: Young Douglas A. , Featherstone John D. B.
Published: January 2013

Caries disease is multifactorial. Whether caries disease will be expressed and damage dental hard tissue is dependent on the patient's own unique make‐up of pathogenic risk factors and protective factors.

Objectives

This manuscript will review the science of managing caries disease based on assessing caries risk.

Methods

The caries balance/imbalance model and a practical caries risk assessment procedure for patients aged 6 years through adult will illustrate how treatment options can be based on caries risk.

Results

Neither the forms nor the clinical protocols are meant to imply there is currently only one correct way this can be achieved, rather are used in this manuscript as examples only.

Conclusions

It is important to have the forms and protocols simple and easy to understand when implementing caries management by risk assessment into clinical practice. The science of CAMBRA based on the caries balance/imbalance model was reviewed and an example protocol was presented.
The ecological tale of Gonyleptidae (Arachnida, Opiliones) evolution: phylogeny of a Neotropical lineage of armoured harvestmen using ecological, behavioural and chemical characters
Authors: Caetano Daniel S. , Machado Glauco
Published: January 2013

The large Neotropical family Gonyleptidae comprises nearly 820 species divided into 16 subfamilies. The majority of publications on harvestman ecology, behaviour and scent gland secretion chemistry have focused on this family. We used the information available in the literature and combined it with an intensive search for ecological, behavioural and chemical data to infer the phylogeny of the Gonyleptidae. We included 28 species belonging to 14 of the 16 gonyleptid subfamilies in the ingroup and four species belonging to the families Cosmetidae, Stygnidae and Manaosbiidae in the outgroup. We performed the analyses using equally weighted characters and coded 63 characters comprising 153 states, which makes this the largest non‐morphological, non‐molecular phylogenetic data matrix published to date. We obtained five most parsimonious trees, and the strict consensus resulted in six collapsed nodes. The results show that the monophyly of Gonyleptidae is equivocal because Metasarcinae is placed at a basal polytomy with the outgroups Cosmetidae and Stygnidae. Gonyleptinae, Pachylinae and Progonyleptoidellinae are polyphyletic groups, but the remaining subfamilies are monophyletic and have several synapomorphies. Based on the resulting topology, we discuss the performance of ecological, behavioural and chemical characters, and map a selected set of characters to discuss their evolutionary patterns in the family.
Biological interplay between proteoglycans and their innate immune receptors in inflammation
Authors: Frey Helena , Schroeder Nina , Manon‐Jensen Tina , Iozzo Renato V. , Schaefer Liliana
Published: January 2013

An emerging body of evidence indicates that secreted proteoglycans act as signaling molecules, in addition to their canonical function in maintaining and regulating the architecture of various extracellular matrices. Proteoglycans interact with a number of receptors that regulate growth, motility and immune response. In part, as a consequence of their complex structure, proteoglycans can induce crosstalk among various families of receptors and can also interact with natural receptor ligands, often blocking and sequestering their bioactivity. In their soluble form, originating from either partial proteolytic processing or through de novo synthesis by activated cells, some proteoglycans can become potent danger signals, denoting tissue stress and injury. Recently, it has been shown that proteoglycans, especially those belonging to the small leucine‐rich and hyaluronan‐binding gene families as well as the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, act as endogenous ligands of the toll‐like receptors, a group of central receptors regulating innate immunity. Furthermore, proteoglycans can activate intracellular inflammasomes and trigger sterile inflammation. In this review, we critically assess the signaling events induced by the proteoglycans biglycan, decorin, lumican and versican as well as hyaluronan during inflammation. We discuss the intriguing emerging notion that, in spite of structural diversity of biglycan, decorin, versican and hyaluronan, all of them signal through the same toll‐like receptors, albeit triggering differential responses and biological outcomes. Finally, we review the modes of action of these endogenous ligands of toll‐like receptors and their ability to specifically modify the final signaling events and the inflammatory response.
Species richness and endemicity in the Spanish vascular flora
Authors: Aedo Carlos , Medina Leopoldo , Fernández‐Albert Marta
Published: January 2013

Data from an updated and revised checklist of the Spanish flora is analyzed. The Spanish vascular plant flora is composed of 204 families, 1433 genera and 7071 species. Floristic data are analysed by considering three regions: mainland Spain with 5984 species, the Balearic Islands with 1521 species and Canary Islands with 2066 species. Extinct species are included in the analysis, with an extinction rate of 0.35% of the flora. A total of 1488 endemic species are recognized, which account for 21% of the Spanish flora. The rate of endemism in the Canary Islands is 25.9%, considerably higher than for the Balearic Islands (6.9%) and for mainland Spain (13.8%). A list of the 35 strict endemic genera is compiled, of which 65.7% are Canarian, and another list of 27 subendemic genera of which 48.1% are also Canarian. An estimated 12% of the Spanish flora is non‐native, with large variation between the 20.7% of the Canary flora, 10.5% of mainland Spain and 9.7% of the Balearic Islands. Finally, the composition of the Spanish flora for large groups and families is ana lysed. The data show that species richness and endemicity rates have been overestimated by previous authors, and are similar to other Mediterranean countries. It is concluded that a complete revision of the Macaronesian flora is strongly needed to obtain an accurate comparison with the flora of other areas.
Evaluation of shear bond strength of silorane resin to conventional, resin‐modified glass ionomers and nano‐ionomer cements
Authors: Babannavar Roopa , Shenoy Arvind
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate the shear bond strength of silorane composite resin to conventional and resin‐modified glass ionomer cements.

Materials and methods

Shear bond strengths of Vitrebond (Group I), Ketac N100 (Group II) and Ketac Bond (Group III) glass ionomer cements to the composite Filtek P90 were evaluated. The bond strength was tested using a universal testing machine at a cross‐head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Comparison between the groups was carried out using an analysis of variance test and pairwise comparison using Tukey's post‐hoc test with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Results

The measured bond strengths were 17.14 ± 3.39 MPA for Group I (Vitrebond), 15.34 ± 3.39 MPa for Group II (Ketac N100) and 14.12 ± 2.79 MPa for Group III (Ketac Bond). Group I achieved higher bond strength than Groups II and III.

Conclusions

Resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (i.e. Vitrebond) appears to be preferable to nano‐ionomer glass ionomer cement (i.e. Ketac N100) and conventional glass ionomer cement (i.e. Ketac Bond) as a base under low‐shrink posterior composite (i.e. Filtek P90).
Phylogenetic group‐associated differences in regulation of the common colonization factor Mat fimbria in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lehti Timo A. , Bauchart Philippe , Kukkonen Maini , Dobrindt Ulrich , Korhonen Timo K. , Westerlund‐Wikström Benita
Published: January 2013

Heterogeneity of cell population is a key component behind the evolutionary success of Escherichia coli. The heterogeneity supports species adaptation and mainly results from lateral gene transfer. Adaptation may also involve genomic alterations that affect regulation of conserved genes. Here we analysed regulation of the mat (or ecp) genes that encode a conserved fimbrial adhesin of E. coli. We found that the differential and temperature‐sensitive expression control of the mat operon is dependent on mat promoter polymorphism and closely linked to phylogenetic grouping of E. coli. In the mat promoter lineage favouring fimbriae expression, the mat operon‐encoded regulator MatA forms a positive feedback loop that overcomes the repression by H‐NS and stabilizes the fimbrillin mRNA under low growth temperature, acidic pH or elevated levels of acetate. The study exemplifies phylogenetic group‐associated expression of a highly common surface organelle in E. coli.
An Automated and Accurate CNC Programming Approach to Five-Axis Flute Grinding of Cylindrical End-Mills Using the Direct Method
Authors: Rababah Mahmoud M. , Chen Zezhong C.
Published: January 2013

In solid carbide end-mills, the flutes significantly affect the tool's cutting performance and life, and the core radius mainly affects the tool's rigidity. The current CNC programming techniques can correctly determine the orientation of the wheel so that it grinds the rake face with the specified rake angle; however, it cannot accurately determine the wheel location for the direct method and, consequently, the desired core radius is not guaranteed. To address this problem, a new CNC programming approach is proposed to accurately calculate the wheel orientation and location (WOL) in 5-axis grinding of the cylindrical end-mill flutes. In this work, a new concept of 5-axis CNC grinding—effective grinding edge (EGE)—is first proposed to represent the instantaneous grinding edge of the wheel, and the parametric equations of the effective grinding edge are formulated. The wheel orientation and location in 5-axis flute grinding are calculated automatically and accurately so that the rake angle of the rake face and the core radius are ensured. The new approach is verified with several examples in this work. Therefore, it can improve the end-mill quality and lays a good foundation for the computer-aided design/computer-aided engineering/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAE/CAM) of end-mills.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas fluorescens BS2 and Pusillimonas noertemannii BS8, Soil Bacteria That Cooperate To Degrade the Poly-γ-
d
-Glutamic Acid Anthrax Capsule
Authors: Stabler Richard A. , Negus David , Pain Arnab , Taylor Peter W.
Published: January 2013

A mixed culture of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
BS2 and
Pusillimonas noertemannii
BS8 degraded poly-γ-
d
-glutamic acid; when the 2 strains were cultured separately, no hydrolytic activity was apparent. Here we report the draft genome sequences of both soil isolates.
Whole Genome Sequencing of Thermus oshimai JL-2 and Thermus thermophilus JL-18, Incomplete Denitrifiers from the United States Great Basin
Authors: Murugapiran Senthil K. , Huntemann Marcel , Wei Chia-Lin , Han James , Detter John C. , Han Cliff S. , Erkkila Tracy H. , Teshima Hazuki , Chen Amy , Kyrpides Nikos , Mavrommatis Konstantinos , Markowitz Victor , Szeto Ernest , Ivanova Natalia , Pagani Ioanna , Lam Jenny , McDonald Austin I. , Dodsworth Jeremy A. , Pati Amrita , Goodwin Lynne , Peters Lin , Pitluck Sam , Woyke Tanja , Hedlund Brian P.
Published: January 2013

The strains
Thermus oshimai
JL-2 and
Thermus thermophilus
JL-18 each have a circular chromosome, 2.07 Mb and 1.9 Mb in size, respectively, and each has two plasmids ranging from 0.27 Mb to 57.2 kb. The megaplasmid of each strain contains a gene cluster for the reduction of nitrate to nitrous oxide, consistent with their incomplete denitrification phenotypes.
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy (CADASIL): a rare cause of dementia
Authors: Toni-Uebari Thelma K
Published: January 2013

The clinical course of a 60-year-old gentleman with a history of atypical migraine, recurrent encephalopathic episodes and progressive cognitive impairment is presented. He was diagnosed with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy, a rare genetic disorder of the cerebral blood vessels caused by mutations in theNotch 3gene on chromosome 19. The diagnosis was confirmed by MRI, skin biopsy and genetic testing. His cognitive function has progressively deteriorated and he continues to receive supportive care provision. The course and review of the condition are highlighted.
Extensive dural sinus thrombosis and bilateral lateral rectus palsy as an uncommon complication of chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Balasubramanian Anusha , Mohamad Irfan , Sidek Dinsuhaimi
Published: January 2013

Dural venous sinus thrombosis, especially of the sigmoid sinus, is a known but uncommon intracranial extradural complication of chronic suppurative otitis media. Even rarer is the simultaneous occurrence of bilateral abducens palsy in the same patient. We report the case of an adolescent male who presented with signs of raised intracranial pressure, diplopia and bilateral lateral rectus palsy associated with a history of left ear discharge and neck swelling. Extensive dural sinus thrombosis extending right up to the left internal jugular vein was confirmed on CT imaging. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolytic agents and antibiotic therapy. The pathophysiology of the concurrent complications is discussed.
Punctate keratopathy of West Indians in patients undergoing photorefractive surgery
Authors: Galvis Virgilio , Tello Alejandro , Revelo Mario L , Paredes David , Jaramillo Luis Carlos
Published: January 2013

We present two cases of patients with corneal lesions compatible with punctate keratopathy of West Indians who underwent photorefractive keratectomy and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Both had good postoperative results. The corneal lesions did not interfere with the refractive surgery.
Pharmacological inhibition ofS-nitrosoglutathione reductase improves endothelial vasodilatory function in rats in vivo
Authors: Chen Qiumei , Sievers Richard E. , Varga Monika , Kharait Sourabh , Haddad Daniel J. , Patton Aaron K. , Delany Christopher S. , Mutka Sarah C. , Blonder Joan P. , Dubé Gregory P. , Rosenthal Gary J. , Springer Matthew L.
Published: January 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts a wide range of cellular effects in the cardiovascular system. NO is short lived, but S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) functions as a stable intracellular bioavailable NO pool. Accordingly, increased levels can facilitate NO-mediated processes, and conversely, catabolism of GSNO by the regulatory enzyme GSNO reductase (GSNOR) can impair these processes. Because dysregulated GSNOR can interfere with processes relevant to cardiovascular health, it follows that inhibition of GSNOR may be beneficial. However, the effect of GSNOR inhibition on vascular activity is unknown. To study the effects of GSNOR inhibition on endothelial function, we treated rats with a small-molecule inhibitor of GSNOR (N6338) that has vasodilatory effects on isolated aortic rings and assessed effects on arterial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), an NO-dependent process. GSNOR inhibition with a single intravenous dose of N6338 preserved FMD (15.3 ± 5.4 vs. 14.2 ± 6.3%, P = nonsignificant) under partial NO synthase inhibition that normally reduces FMD by roughly 50% (14.1 ± 2.9 vs. 7.6 ± 4.4%, P < 0.05). In hypertensive rats, daily oral administration of N6338 for 14 days reduced blood pressure (170.0 ± 5.3/122.7 ± 6.4 vs. 203.8 ± 1.9/143.7 ± 7.5 mmHg for vehicle, P < 0.001) and vascular resistance index (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 mmHg·min·l−1for vehicle, P < 0.001), and restored FMD from an initially impaired state (7.4 ± 1.7%, day 0) to a level (13.0 ± 3.1%, day 14, P < 0.001) similar to that observed in normotensive rats. N6338 also reversed the pathological kidney changes exhibited by the hypertensive rats. GSNOR inhibition preserves FMD under conditions of impaired NO production and protects against both microvascular and conduit artery dysfunction in a model of hypertension.
Princely Burial of the Hellenistic Period in the Mezmay Burial-Ground (North-Western Caucasus)
Authors: Mordvintseva Valentina I. , Shevchenko Nikolai F. , Zaïtsev Yuri P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

In 2004 a previously unknown burial-ground consisting of flat graves was discovered by grave-robbers on the northern slopes of the Central Caucasus range at a height of 800 metres above sea-level near the settlement of Mezmay in the Apsheronsk District of the Krasnodar region. In 2005 the first rescue excavations were undertaken.

Among the assemblages so far investigated, the most interesting has been Grave No. 3, in which a warrior of aristocratic descent and high social rank had been laid to rest. Apart from the deceased warrior, there were also horse burials in this funerary complex and a large range of grave goods, the number and quality of which make the complex unique, not only for the Northern Caucasus but also for the whole North Pontic region. Two bronze helmets were found in it for example, iron chain-mail, swords, spear-heads, short spears and arrows, a battle-axe, bronze, glass and pottery vessels, gold jewellery, a bronze mirror, an iron tripod bearing zoomorphic depictions and many other artefacts. The preliminary date which has been assigned to the burial ranges from the late 3rd to the early 2nd century BC, while the necropolis itself is considered as belonging to the Late Hellenistic and Early Roman eras. It is not possible to identify unequivocally the culture with which the Mezmay necropolis is linked, but it can for the time being be classified as linked to the range of Maeotian antiquities of the North-western Caucasus.

Apart from Burial No. 3, bronze and iron helmets from the spoil heaps of the grave-robbers’ excavations are also published in this article.
An Empirical Benchmark for Decadal Forecasts of Global Surface Temperature Anomalies
Authors: Newman Matthew
Published: January 2013

The suitability of a linear inverse model (LIM) as a benchmark for decadal surface temperature forecast skill is demonstrated. Constructed from the observed simultaneous and 1-yr lag covariability statistics of annually averaged sea surface temperature (SST) and surface (2 m) land temperature global anomalies during 1901–2009, the LIM has hindcast skill for leads of 2–5 yr and 6–9 yr comparable to and sometimes even better than skill of the phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) model hindcasts initialized annually over the period 1960–2000 and has skill far better than damped persistence (e.g., a local univariate AR1 process). Over the entire post-1901 record, the LIM skill pattern is similar but has reduced amplitude. Pronounced similarity in geographical variations of skill between LIM and CMIP5 hindcasts suggests similarity in their sources of skill as well, supporting additional evaluation of LIM predictability. For forecast leads above 1–2 yr, LIM skill almost entirely results from three nonorthogonal patterns: one corresponding to the secular trend and two more, each with about 10-yr decorrelation time scales but no trend, that represent most of the predictable portions of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) indices, respectively. As found in previous studies, the AMO-related pattern also contributes to multidecadal variations in global mean temperature, and the PDO-related pattern has maximum amplitude in the west Pacific and represents the residual after both interannual and decadal ENSO variability are removed from the PDO time series. These results suggest that current coupled model decadal forecasts may not yet have much skill beyond that captured by multivariate, predictably linear dynamics.