bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chironomid midge sensitization in sewage workers: case study
Authors: SELDÉN A. I. , CALO A. , MÖLLEBY G. , HULTGREN O.
Published: June 2013

Non‐biting chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) may cause sensitization and allergic reactions in humans and have recently been identified as a potential health problem in Swedish municipal sewage treatment plants. To investigate, on a pilot scale, the allergenic potential of chironomids in sewage workers, all workers (n = 8) at a sewage treatment plant and local controls (n = 16) completed a symptom questionnaire, underwent measurement of the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air, spirometry, and provided serum samples for the determination of atopy status and the prevalence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against Chironomus thummi (Chi t) using a commercial fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). Three sewage workers (38%) but no controls (0%) were FEIA positive for C. thummi‐specific IgE antibodies (P < 0.05). No other health‐related findings were significantly different between the groups. The study suggested that occupational exposure to Chironomids may cause sensitization with circulating IgE‐antibodies in sewage workers.
Incorporating macadamia oil and butter to reduce dietary omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake
Authors: Wood Katie E. , Mantzioris Evangeline , Gibson Robert A. , Muhlhausler Beverly S.
Published: June 2013

Aim:  Claims have been made that the level of omega‐6 fats in the diet is too high and that this cannot be reduced without increasing the saturated fat intake. The aim of this study was to design a diet within the framework of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) which would supply <2% energy (% E) from the omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), linoleic acid, compared with the 4–5% E in the current Australian diet.

Methods:  Separate seven‐day diet plans were designed using FoodWorks (version 2009) for males (10 000 kJ)/day) and females (8000 kJ/day). The reduction in dietary omega‐6 PUFA content was achieved by replacing standard plant‐based oils and spreads used in cooking and baking (canola and sunflower oils) with macadamia oil and butter, and restricting the intake of some processed foods. All diets complied with the AGHE.

Results:  We successfully designed diets which complied with the AGHE and which had a linoleic acid (LA) content of 1.80% E and 1.75% E in females and males, respectively. In both cases, the omega‐6 : omega‐3 ratio was reduced to 5.1:1, compared with ∼12:1 in the typical Australian diet, and the saturated fat content was <10% E.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that reducing the LA content of the diet can be readily achieved within the boundaries set by the AGHE, without an increase in saturated fat intake.
Tailoring the Piezoelectric and Relaxor Properties of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 via Zirconium Doping
Authors: Glaum Julia , Simons Hugh , Acosta Matias , Hoffman Mark
Published: June 2013

This article details the influence of zirconium doping on the piezoelectric properties and relaxor characteristics of 94(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–6Ba(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (BNT–6BZT) bulk ceramics. Neutron diffraction measurements of BNT–6BZT doped with 0%–15% Zr revealed an electric‐field‐induced transition of the average crystal structure from pseudo‐cubic to rhombohedral/tetragonal symmetries across the entire compositional range. The addition of Zr up to 10% stabilizes this transition, resulting in saturated polarization hysteresis loops with a maximum polarization of 40 μC/cm2 at 5.5 kV/mm, while corresponding strain hysteresis measurements yield a maximum strain of 0.3%. With further Zr addition, the ferroelectric order is progressively destabilized and typical relaxor characteristics such as double peaks in the current density loops are observed. In the strain hysteresis, this destabilization leads to an increase of the maximum strain by 0.05%. These changes to the physical behavior caused by Zr addition are consistent with a reduction of the transition temperature TF‐R, above which the field‐induced transformation from the relaxor to ferroelectric state becomes reversible.
Annealing Effect on the Properties of Cu(In0.7Ga0.3)Se2 Thin Films Grown by Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Tsai Mu‐Gong , Tung Hsien‐Tse , Chen In‐Gann , Chen Chia‐Chuan , Wu Yun‐Fang , Qi Xiaoding , Hwu Yeukuang , Lin Cen‐Ying , Wu Ping‐Han , Cheng Chung‐Wei
Published: June 2013

This work reports the crystallization, microstructure, and surface composition of CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2 (CIGS) thin films grown by femtosecond pulsed laser deposition at different annealing temperatures. The structural and optical properties of the CIGS films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman scattering, UV‐visible spectroscopy, and Hall effect measurement. The results indicate that binary crystals of CuSe initially formed on the as‐deposited film, but then completely turned into a quaternary chalcopyrite structure after annealing at 400°C. Phase transformation significantly affects the surface morphology, Hall properties, and band gap. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed that an interface between the Mo substrate and CIGS crystallites contains an amorphous layer even at the high temperature of 500°C. For the application of photovoltaic devices, we also report on the photoresponse of both as‐deposited and annealed films as demonstrated by preliminary tests.
Formation Mechanisms of Ti3SnC2 Nanolaminate Carbide Using Fe as Additive
Authors: Ouabadi Nadia , Gauthier‐Brunet Véronique , Cabioc'h Thierry , Bei Guo‐Ping , Dubois Sylvain
Published: June 2013

Reactive sintering of 3Ti:Sn:2C and 3Ti:Sn:2C:0.6Fe powder mixtures is studied in the temperature range 510°C–1200°C under argon. It is demonstrated that the recently discovered Ti3SnC2 phase is formed, provided that Fe is added to a 3Ti:Sn:2C reactant mixture within the synthesis conditions used. Using dilatometric and X‐Ray diffraction analyses, the formation mechanism of Ti3SnC2 is discussed. Results show that at low temperature (about 510°C), tin is consumed to form FexSny intermetallics. At high temperature (about 1060°C), tin is newly available to form Ti3SnC2 due to the melting of FexSny. Then, the intermediate phases, TiC and Ti2SnC, and/or Ti5Sn3, TiC, C, and Ti are dissolved in the (Fe + Sn) liquid phase and Ti3SnC2 very likely precipitate from the melt. The second part of the study deals with the optimization of the Fe content in the initial 3Ti:Sn:2C reactant powder mixture to synthesize samples with larger Ti3SnC2 content by hot isostatic pressing.
A probabilistic approach to niche‐based community models for spatial forecasts of assemblage properties and their uncertainties
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Espíndola Anahí , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas , Dubuis Anne , Pottier Julien , Ferrier Simon , Guisan Antoine
Published: June 2013

Aim

Conservation strategies need predictions that capture spatial community composition and structure. Currently, the methods used to generate these predictive maps generally focus on deterministic processes and omit stochasticity and other uncertainty in model outputs. Here we present a novel approach to model the means and variance of assemblage properties.

Location

The western Swiss Alps.

Methods

We propose a new approach to processing probabilistic predictions derived from stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) in order to predict and assess the uncertainty in predictions of community properties. We compare the utility of our novel approach with that of a traditional threshold‐based approach. We used data sampled in 2009 and 2010 from 192 sites in total for mountain butterfly communities spanning a large elevational gradient as a case study and evaluated the ability of our approach to model the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of communities within an ensemble forecasting framework.

Results

Our approach allowed mapping of the variability in species richness and phylogenetic diversity projections, in addition to the mean, for 78 butterfly species. S‐SDMs reproduced the observed decrease in phylogenetic diversity and species richness with elevation, a consequence of environmental filtering. The prediction accuracy of community properties varied along environmental gradients: at low elevations, variability was higher for predictions of species richness while it was the opposite for phylogenetic diversity.

Main conclusions

The use of our probabilistic approach to process species distribution model outputs in order to reconstruct communities provides an improved picture of the range of possible assemblage realizations under similar environmental conditions given modelling uncertainty, and helps to inform managers of the usefulness of modelling results.
Treatment of Cheyne‐Stokes Respiration Reduces Arrhythmic Events in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Bitter Thomas , Gutleben Klaus‐Jürgen , Nölker Georg , Westerheide Nina , Prinz Christian , Dimitriadis Zisis , Horstkotte Dieter , Vogt Jürgen , Oldenburg Olaf
Published: June 2013

Cheyne‐Stokes Respiration and Arrhythmias

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether adequate treatment of Cheyne‐Stokes respiration (CSR) reduces the risk of arrhythmic events in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

A cohort of 403 registry patients with CHF (LVEF≤45%, NYHA‐class≥2) and implanted cardioverter‐defibrillator devices (ICD) was studied. They underwent overnight polygraphy, with 221 having mild or no CSR (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI]<15/h), and 182 having moderate to severe CSR (AHI>15/h). Latter ones were offered therapy with adaptive servoventilation (ASV), which 96 patients accepted and 86 rejected. During follow‐up (21± 15 months) defibrillator therapies were recorded in addition to clinical and physiologic measures of heart failure severity.

Results

Event‐free survival from (a) appropriate cardioverter‐defibrillator therapies and (b) appropriately monitored ventricular arrhythmias was shorter in the untreated CSR group compared to the treated CSR and the no CSR group. Stepwise Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed untreated CSR (a: hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–2.72, P < 0.001; b: HR 2.19, 95%CI 1.42–3.37, P < 0.001), but not treated CSR (a: HR 1.06, 95%CI 0.74–1.50; P = 0.77; b: HR 1.21, 95%CI 0.75–1.93, P = 0.43) was an independent risk factor. The treated CSR group showed improvements in cardiac function and respiratory stability compared to the untreated CSR group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a decrease of appropriate defibrillator therapies by ASV treated CSR in patients with CHF and ICD. A reduced exposure to hyperventilation, hypoxia, and improvement in indices of CHF severity and neurohumoral disarrangements are potential causative mechanisms.
Cooperation between scientists, NGOs and industry in support of sustainable fisheries: the South African hake Merluccius spp. trawl fishery experiencea
Authors: Field J. G. , Attwood C. G. , Jarre A. , Sink K. , Atkinson L. J. , Petersen S.
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the increasingly close interaction between natural and social scientists, non‐governmental organizations (NGO) and industry, in pursuit of responsible ecosystem‐based management of fisheries. South Africa has committed to implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Management advice stems from multi‐stakeholder representation on government‐led scientific and management working groups. In the hake Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus fishery, the primary management measure is an annual total allowable catch (TAC), the level of which is calculated using a management procedure (MP) that is revised approximately every 4 years. Revision of the MP is a consultative process involving most stakeholders, and is based on simulation modelling of projected probable scenarios of resource and fishery dynamics under various management options. NGOs, such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature in South Africa (WWF‐SA), have played an important role in influencing consumers, the fishing industry and government to develop responsible fishing practices that minimize damage to marine ecosystems. Cooperation between industry, government and scientists has helped to improve sustainability and facilitated the meeting of market‐based incentives for more responsible fisheries. Research includes ecosystem modelling, spatial analysis and ecosystem risk assessment with increasing research focus on social and economic aspects of the fishery. A four‐year cooperative experiment to quantify the effect of trawling on benthic community structure is being planned. The food requirements of top predators still need to be included in the TAC‐setting formulae and more social and economic research is needed. This paper also demonstrates how NGO initiatives such as Marine Stewardship Council certification and the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a traffic light system of classifying seafood for consumers, have contributed to responsible fishing practices, increased ecosystem research and public awareness. This fishery appears to have a good future, provided that the monitoring, control and surveillance systems continue to function, TACs remain within ecologically sustainable limits and the effective collaboration between government, industry, scientists and NGOs continues to drive positive change.
Five in situ observations of live oarfish Regalecus glesne (Regalecidae) by remotely operated vehicles in the oceanic waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Benfield M. C. , Cook S. , Sharuga S. , Valentine M. M.
Published: June 2013

As part of the SERPENT Project, five observations of apparently healthy oarfish Regalecus glesne by remotely operated vehicles are reported from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Regalecus glesne were observed between 2008 and 2011 at depths from within the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. These observations include the deepest verified record of R. glesne (463–492 m) and the first record of an arthropod ectoparasite (isopod).
Feasibility and reproducibility of spleen transient elastography and its role in combination with liver transient elastography for predicting the severity of chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Fraquelli M. , Giunta M. , Pozzi R. , Rigamonti C. , Della Valle S. , Massironi S. , Conti C. B. , Aghemo A. , Ronchi G. , Iurlo A. , Primignani M. , Conte D. , Colombo M.
Published: June 2013

Liver transient elastography (L‐TE) is a reliable, noninvasive predictor of disease severity in chronic liver disease of viral aetiology (CLD). Owing to the relationships among severity of CLD, portal hypertension and spleen involvement, the assessment of splenic stiffness (S‐TE) may have an added value in staging CLD. Of 132 CLD patients of viral aetiology, 48 with myeloproliferative disorders (MD) and 64 healthy volunteers (HV), were concurrently investigated by both L‐TE and S‐TE. Liver disease severity was staged by liver biopsy (LB; Metavir) taken concurrently with TE examination and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy for gastro‐oesophageal varices. The S‐TE inter‐observer agreement was analysed by an intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC); L‐TE and S‐TE accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis assessed the independent effect of L‐TE and S‐TE as predictors of hepatic fibrosis stage. S‐TE failed in 22 CLD (16.6%), 12 (25%) MD and 12 (18%) HV. In the three groups, the ICC was 0.89 (0.84–0.92), 0.90 (0.85–0.94) and 0.86(0.80–0.91), respectively. In the CLD group, L‐TE and S‐TE independently predicted significant fibrosis (OR 5.2 and 4.6) and cirrhosis (OR 7.8 and 9.1), but at variance from L‐TE, S‐TE was independent from liver necroinflammation and steatosis. The NPV of S‐TE for gastro‐oesophageal varices was 100% using a 48 kPa cut‐off. In CLD, spleen stiffness alone or in combination with hepatic stiffness can be reliably and reproducibly assessed by TE with the added value of improving the noninvasive diagnosis of severe liver disease and excluding the presence of oesophageal varices.
The EAL domain containing protein STM2215 (rtn) is needed during Salmonella infection and has cyclic di‐GMP phosphodiesterase activity
Authors: Zheng Yi , Sambou Tounkang , Bogomolnaya Lydia M. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , McClelland Michael , Andrews‐Polymenis Helene
Published: June 2013

Salmonella Typhimurium gene STM2215 (rtn) is conserved among many enterobacteriaceae. Mutants lacking STM2215 poorly colonized the liver and spleen in intraperitoneal infection of mice and poorly colonized the intestine and deeper tissues in oral infection. These phenotypes were complemented by a wild‐type copy of STM2215 provided in trans. STM2215 deletion mutants grew normally in J774A.1 murine macrophages but were unable to invade Caco‐2 colonic epithelial cells. Consistent with this finding, mutants in STM2215 produced lower levels of effectors of the TTSS‐1. STM2215 is a predicted c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase, but lacks identifiable sensor domains. Biochemical analysis of STM2215 determined that it is located in the inner membrane and has c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase activity in vitro dependent on an intact EAL motif. Unlike some previously identified members of this family, STM2215 did not affect motility, was expressed on plates, and in liquid media at late exponential and early stationary phase during growth. Defined mutations in STM2215 revealed that neither the predicted periplasmic domain nor the anchoring of the protein to the inner membrane is necessary for the activity of this protein during infection. However, the EAL domain of STM2215 is required during infection, suggesting that its phosphodiesterase activity is necessary during infection.
Aspartic proteinases of Candida spp.: role in pathogenicity and antifungal resistance
Authors: Silva Naiara C. , Nery Jéssica M. , Dias Amanda L. T.
Published: June 2013

Fungal infections represent a serious health risk as they are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised individuals. Candida spp. pathogenicity depends on several factors and secreted aspartic proteinases (Sap) are considered one of the most critical factors as they are associated with adhesion, invasion and tissue damage. The production of proteinases is encoded by a family of 10 genes known as SAP, which are distributed differently among the species. The expression of these genes may be influenced by environmental conditions, which generally result in a higher fungal invasive potential. Non‐pathogenic Candida spp. usually have fewer SAP genes, which are not necessarily expressed in the genome. Exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of antifungal agents promotes the development of resistant strains with an increased expression of SAP genes. In general, Candida spp. isolates that are resistant to antifungals show a higher secretion of Sap than the susceptible isolates. The relationship between Sap secretion and the susceptibility profile of the isolates is of great interest, although the role of SAPs in the development of resistance to antifungal agents remains still unclear. This review is the first one to address these issues.
Esophagogastric Junction pressure morphology: comparison between a station pull‐through and real‐time 3D‐HRM representation
Authors: Nicodème F. , Lin Z. , Pandolfino J. E. , Kahrilas P. J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) competence is the fundamental defense against reflux making it of great clinical significance. However, characterizing EGJ competence with conventional manometric methodologies has been confounded by its anatomic and physiological complexity. Recent technological advances in miniaturization and electronics have led to the development of a novel device that may overcome these challenges.

Methods

Nine volunteer subjects were studied with a novel 3D‐HRM device providing 7.5 mm axial and 45° radial pressure resolution within the EGJ. Real‐time measurements were made at rest and compared to simulations of a conventional pull‐through made with the same device. Moreover, 3D‐HRM recordings were analyzed to differentiate contributing pressure signals within the EGJ attributable to lower esophageal sphincter (LES), diaphragm, and vasculature.

Key Results

3D‐HRM recordings suggested that sphincter length assessed by a pull‐through method greatly exaggerated the estimate of LES length by failing to discriminate among circumferential contractile pressure and asymmetric extrinsic pressure signals attributable to diaphragmatic and vascular structures. Real‐time 3D EGJ recordings found that the dominant constituents of EGJ pressure at rest were attributable to the diaphragm.

Conclusions & Inferences

3D‐HRM permits real‐time recording of EGJ pressure morphology facilitating analysis of the EGJ constituents responsible for its function as a reflux barrier making it a promising tool in the study of GERD pathophysiology. The enhanced axial and radial recording resolution of the device should facilitate further studies to explore perturbations in the physiological constituents of EGJ pressure in health and disease.
CIVIC DUTY AND EMPLOYEE OUTCOMES: DO HIGH COMMITMENT HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES AND WORK OVERLOAD MATTER?
Authors: GOULD‐WILLIAMS JULIAN S. , BOTTOMLEY PAUL , REDMAN TOM , SNAPE ED , BISHOP DAVID J. , LIMPANITGUL THANAWUT , MOSTAFA AHMED MOHAMMED SAYED
Published: June 2013

This article tests the impact of two organization‐relevant factors, high commitment human resource practices (HCHRP) and work overload on a component of public service motivation, civic duty and employee outcomes (job satisfaction, affective commitment, and quit intentions). Local government employees in Wales (n=1,755) were used to test our research hypotheses. Results show that bothHCHRPand work overload had direct and indirect affects (via civic duty) on employee outcomes. The positive effects ofHCHRPon employee outcomes more than compensated for the negative impact of work overload. However, given the modest relations between the organization‐relevant factors and civic mindedness, firm efforts should perhaps focus primarily on recruitment and retention campaigns rather than training and socialization strategies.
The Influence of Pain Sensitivity on the Treatment Outcome of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Yeom Jin S. , Lee Joon Woo , Chang Bong‐Soon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Lee Gun‐Woo , Im Seung‐Bin , Kim Han Jo
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individual pain sensitivity on the results of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Seventy‐seven patients with LSS were included in this study. Prospectively planned evaluations were performed twice consecutively before and 2 months after TFESI. These included a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and completion of a series of questionnaires, including pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. The correlations were analyzed among variables between total PSQ/PSQ‐moderate/PSQ‐minor and pain and disability level measured by VAS for back/leg pain and ODI both before and 2 months after TFESI. Two months after TFESI, there were significant decreases in VAS for back/leg pain and ODI compared with those before injection. Before injection, VAS for back pain and leg pain was highly associated with the PSQ scores including total PSQ and PSQ subscores after adjustment for age, BMI, and grade of canal stenosis. However, any subscores of PSQ and total PSQ scores were not correlated with either VAS for back pain/leg pain or ODI 2 months after TFESI with adjustment made to age, BMI, gender, and grade of canal stenosis. This study highlights that individual pain sensitivity does not influence the outcomes of TFESI treatment in patients with LSS, even though pain sensitivity has a significant negative correlation with symptom severity of LSS.
Diapause and cold tolerance inAsian species of the parasitoidLeptopilina(Hymenoptera:Figitidae)
Authors: MURATA YUSUKE , NOVKOVIĆ BILJANA , SUWITO AWIT , KIMURA MASAHITO T.
Published: June 2013

Diapause and cold tolerance are essential for temperate insects to pass the winter, with the mechanisms controlling these two traits varying considerably among insects. In the present study, diapause and cold tolerance are compared among threeLeptopilinaspecies:Leptopilina japonicaNovković & Kimura,Leptopilina victoriaeNordlander andLeptopilina ryukyuensisNovković & Kimura, all larval parasitoids of frugivorous drosophilid flies, with the aim of understanding their climatic adaptations. The first species is divided into the temperate (Leptopilina japonica japonica) and subtropical subspecies (Leptopilina japonica formosana), and the latter two species are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. The temperate subspecies ofL. japonicaenters prepupal diapause at low temperatures (15 or 18 °C), irrespective of photoperiod, and some individuals enter diapause when exposed to 0 °C for 1 or 2 day(s) or when placed at low humidity.Leptopilina victoriaealso shows signs of diapause initiation at 15 °C, althoughL.ryukyuensisandL. j. formosanafrom the subtropical regions do not. Preimaginal viability at low temperature (13, 14 or 15 °C) is usually lower inL. victoriaefrom the tropical regions compared withL. japonicaorL. ryukyuensisfrom the temperate or subtropical regions. Diapausing prepupae of the temperate subspecies appear to be cold tolerant. However, the cold tolerance of nondiapausing prepupae, pupae and adult females varies little among the tropical, subtropical and temperate species or subspecies, and adult males of the temperate subspecies ofL. japonicaare less cold tolerant than those of the tropical or subtropical species or subspecies. Cold tolerance may be unnecessary, except for diapausing individuals of the temperate species, because nondiapausing individuals appear in warmer seasons.
The importance of non‐penetrated papillae formation in the resistance response of triticale to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis)
Authors: Troch V. , Audenaert K. , Vanheule A. , Bekaert B. , Höfte M. , Haesaert G.
Published: June 2013

Triticale is the intergeneric hybrid between wheat and rye. With the expansion of the triticale growing area, powdery mildew has emerged and become a significant disease on this new host. Recent research demonstrated that this ‘new’ powdery mildew on triticale has emerged through a host range expansion of powdery mildew of wheat. Moreover, isolates sampled from triticale still infect their previous host, wheat, but isolates sampled from wheat hardly infect triticale. Race‐specific and adult‐plant resistance have been identified in triticale cultivars. The main objective of this study was to characterize the cellular basis of powdery mildew resistance in triticale. Commonalities with resistance responses in other cereals such as wheat, barley and oat are discussed. A detailed comparative histological study of various resistance responses during cross‐inoculation of either virulent or avirulent wheat and triticale isolates on both hosts was carried out. The present data provide evidence that for incompatible interactions, the formation of non‐penetrated papillae is the predominant resistance response, while the hypersensitive response (HR) acts as a second line of defence, to cut the fungus off from nutrients, if penetration resistance fails. It is not clear yet what causes the slower growth and reduced colony size of triticale isolates when inoculated on wheat. Possibly, post‐penetration resistance mechanisms, other than HR, are switched on during these (semi‐) compatible interactions. Molecular studies on gene expression and gene function of defence‐related genes might reveal further insights into the genetic basis of these resistance responses.
Context heterogeneity has a sustained impact on attention deployment: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Feldmann‐Wüstefeld Tobias , Wykowska Agnieszka , Schubö Anna
Published: June 2013

In visual search, similar nearby stimuli can be grouped and thus enhance processing of an embedded target. The aim of the present study was to examine the time course of attention deployment after a brief presentation of stimulus arrays of different heterogeneity. Targets in less heterogeneous, grouped contexts yielded higher accuracy and larger N2pc amplitudes than targets in more heterogeneous, random contexts, indicating more efficient selection in the former. Subsequently presented probes yielded shorter reaction times and a larger posterior positivity when presented at the target location. This advantage was more pronounced after grouped compared to random contexts at the shorter compared to the longer interstimulus interval. The results show that less heterogeneous contexts that allow for grouping not only enhance processing of stimuli within that context, but have a sustained effect on visual attention.
A Test of Current Models for the Mechanism of Milk‐Lipid Droplet Secretion
Authors: Jeong Jaekwang , Lisinski Ivonne , Kadegowda Anil K. G. , Shin Hyunsu , Wooding F. B. Peter , Daniels Brian R. , Schaack Jerome , Mather Ian H.
Published: June 2013

Milk lipid is secreted by a unique process, during which triacylglycerol droplets bud from mammary cells coated with an outer bilayer of apical membrane. In all current schemes, the integral protein butyrophilin 1A1 (BTN) is postulated to serve as a transmembrane scaffold, which interacts either with itself or with the peripheral proteins, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and possibly perilipin‐2 (PLIN2), to form an immobile bridging complex between the droplet and apical surface. In one such scheme, BTN on the surface of cytoplasmic lipid droplets interacts directly with BTN in the apical membrane without binding to either XOR or PLIN2. We tested these models using both biochemical and morphological approaches. BTN was concentrated in the apical membrane in all species examined and contained mature N‐linked glycans. We found no evidence for the association of unprocessed BTN with intracellular lipid droplets. BTN‐enhanced green fluorescent protein was highly mobile in areas of mouse milk‐lipid droplets that had not undergone post‐secretion changes, and endogenous mouse BTN comprised only 0.5–0.7% (w/w) of the total protein, i.e. over 50‐fold less than in the milk‐lipid droplets of cow and other species. These data are incompatible with models of milk‐lipid secretion in which BTN is the major component of an immobile global adhesive complex and suggest that interactions between BTN and other proteins at the time of secretion are more transient than previously predicted. The high mobility of BTN in lipid droplets marks it as a potential mobile signaling molecule in milk.
Necrolytic migratory erythema associated with a glucagon‐producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a cat
Authors: Asakawa Midori G. , Cullen John M. , Linder Keith E.
Published: June 2013

Background

In humans, necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a syndrome with a characteristic skin rash that is associated most often with a pancreatic glucagonoma and is recognized as part of the glucagonoma syndrome. In veterinary medicine,NME(also called as superficial necrolytic dermatitis, hepatocutaneous syndrome or metabolic epidermal necrosis) has been described in dogs in association with chronic liver diseases or, less frequently, glucagonoma, butNMEassociated with glucagonoma has not previously been reported in cats.

Case report

A 6‐year‐old male neutered domestic short hair cat was diagnosed withNMEassociated with a glucagon‐producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (hepatic carcinoid). The cat presented with a 2 week history of vomiting and anorexia, and a 5‐cm‐diameter liver mass was detected by abdominal ultrasound. The cat exhibited general weakness, crusted skin lesions and pain in all four limbs. It was euthanized 11 months after the initial presentation. Histopathological review of the paw pads revealed the classic ‘red, white and blue’ lesion composed of parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, epidermal hydropic change and hyperbasophilia of the deep epidermis. The liver mass was diagnosed as a neuroendocrine carcinoma (hepatic carcinoid). Neoplastic cells were strongly immunoreactive for glucagon.

Conclusion and clinical importance

This is the first case report ofNMEassociated with a glucagon‐producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a cat.
Intraocular sarcoma associated with a rupture lens in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Dickinson Ryan , Bauer Bianca , Gardhouse Sara , Grahn Bruce
Published: June 2013

This case report describes the clinical manifestations and ocular pathology of an intraocular sarcoma in a spayed female 7‐year‐old rabbit that developed clinical signs consistent with phacoclastic uveitis at 6 months of age, which was left untreated for most of the next 6 years. Ophthalmologic examination confirmed pupillary occlusion, aqueous flare, fibrin, and lens debris within the anterior chamber of the right eye. The right eye was blind and phthisical. The tentative clinical diagnosis was chronic phacoclastic uveitis, and a routine transconjunctival enucleation of the right eye was completed. The globe was formalin‐fixed and submitted for histologic examination. Light microscopic examination revealed a ruptured cataractous lens, uveitis, retinal detachment, and an intraocular sarcoma centered around the lens. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin and negative for Desmin and cytokeratin intermediate filaments.
Ocular comparative anatomy of the family Rodentia
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ramos Fernandez Julia , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: June 2013

There is little information regarding ocular anatomy and histology in many of the rodent species. Histological analyses for morphologic features were performed in 31 globes from 18 rodent species submitted to and archived at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin. The following measurements were taken: thickness of the cornea, corneal epithelium, corneal stroma, Descemet's membrane, and retina. H&E sections were evaluated for the following anatomical features: presence of pigmented epithelial cells in the peripheral cornea, presence and location of Schlemm's canal, presence of iridal sphincter and dilator and ciliary body muscles, presence of pars plicata and plana, presence of retinal vessels, presence of lamina cribrosa, and presence of tapetum lucidum. The springhaas was the only rodent in our collection that presented a well‐developed tapetum lucidum fibrosum. The presence of retinal vessels was variable: vessels were observed in all of the members of the mouse‐related clade, except the springhaas and the beaver, in all of the squirrel‐related clade members, and in none of the Ctenohystrica. In the flying squirrels, blood vessels extended to the outer limiting membrane in the photoreceptor layer. Beavers, chinchillas, capybara, and guinea pigs lacked vessels within the retina; however, they had vessels within the optic nerve head. Ground squirrels have an optic nerve head, which is linear in the horizontal plane and an asymmetric retina. The tree‐dwelling squirrels have a rounded but still elongated optic nerve, and the flying squirrel has a round optic nerve head like all the other rodents.
Micro‐elevations in paddy fields affect the efficacy of mechanical weeding: Evaluation of weeding machines to control Monochoria vaginalis in herbicide‐free farming
Authors: Shoji Koichi , Itoh Kazuyuki , Kawahara Fukiko , Yoshida Yuumi , Yamamoto Yoshihisa , Sudo Ken‐Ichi
Published: June 2013

Differences in local topography (micro‐elevation) within a paddy field that constitute a source of variability in agronomical indicators have not been considered thoroughly as a block factor in weed studies. This study investigated and evaluated the performance of weeding machines (weeders) in two herbicide‐free paddy fields that contained micro‐elevations. The plant density of Monochoria vaginalis, a typical and harmful paddy weed unless controlled with herbicides, was used as the indicator of the efficacy of the weeders. Among the three weeders that were tested, one suppressed M. vaginalis dramatically at low elevations and the others were less sensitive to micro‐elevation. For comparison across the fields, micro‐elevations at weed sampling locations were converted to the initial depth of water by using the records of hydrographs that had been set in each field. The relationship between the initial depth of water and the plant density of M. vaginalis was very clear with the use of the elevation‐sensitive weeder. Moreover, this relationship was valid, even with the less‐sensitive weeders. The finding that the greater the depth of water, the less the plant density was significant, even for M. vaginalis, a difficult aquatic paddy weed that was controlled with any of the weeders tested. Thus, micro‐elevation within a paddy field needs to be treated as a crucial block factor in weed‐sampling studies. A coarse survey of the level of a field and the installation of a hydrograph are recommended for a clear analysis of the background of weed control practices.
Serological Survey of Veterinarians to Assess the Zoonotic Potential of Three Emerging Swine Diseases in Mexico
Authors: Rivera‐Benitez J. F. , Rosas‐Estrada K. , Pulido‐Camarillo E. , de la Peña‐Moctezuma A. , Castillo‐Juárez H. , Ramírez‐Mendoza H.
Published: June 2013

We conducted an immunological assay of blood samples taken from 85 swine‐specialist veterinarians attending the Congress of the Mexican Association of Swine Specialist Veterinarians in Mexico in 2011. Serum samples were assayed for Porcine rubulavirus (PorPV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and Leptospira spp. antibodies. Using a hemagglutination inhibition test, we registered 2.3% and 27% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. Using viral neutralization tests, we registered 5.8% and 47% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. For Leptospira spp., we registered a seropositivity of 38.8%. The variables (sex, age, years of exposure, number of visited farms, biosecurity level and region) showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the seropositivity for EMCV, PorPV and Leptospira spp. except for number of visited farms on HI seropositivity for EMCV (P < 0.05; odds ratio: 1.38). The data obtained provide information on the epidemiology of emerging diseases with zoonotic potential in occupational risk groups.
On the Structure of a Plane Turbulent Wall Jet
Authors: Azim Mohammed A.
Published: June 2013

The present study proposes two interactive eddy viscosities for the two layers of a plane wall jet where the influence of one layer is considered on the eddy viscosity of the other layer. Using these viscosities, the equations governing the wall jet flow are solved numerically. The flow structure extracted from the numerical solution is found in excellent agreement with the existing literature that justifies a two-layered structure of plane turbulent wall jet.
Influence of Applied Magnetic Field on a Wire-Plate Electrostatic Precipitators Under Multi-Field Coupling
Authors: Zhang Jian-Ping , Dai Yong-Xia , Wu Jiong-Lei , Ren Jian-Xing , Wu Helen , Ding Quan-Fei
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work is to find an effective method to improve the collection efficiency of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). A mathematic model of an ESP subjected to the external magnetic field was proposed. The model considered the coupled effects between the gas flow field, particle dynamic field and electromagnetic field. Particles following a Rosin-Rammler distribution were simulated under various conditions and the influence of the magnetic field density on the capture of fine particles was investigated. The collection efficiency and the escaped particle size distribution under different applied magnetic field intensities were discussed. Particle trajectories inside the ESP under aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces were also analyzed. Numerical results indicate that the collection efficiency increases with the increase of applied magnetic field. It was also found that a stronger applied magnetic field results in a larger particle deflection towards the dust collection plates. Furthermore, the average diameter of escaping particles decreases and the dispersion of dust particles with different sizes increases with the increasingly applied magnetic field. Finally, the average diameter decreases almost linearly with the magnetic field until it drops to a certain value. The model proposed in this work is able to obtain important information on the particle collection phenomena inside an industrial ESP under the applied magnetic field.
Spatial-Temporal Stability of an Electrified Viscoelastic Liquid Jet
Authors: Fu Qing-fei , Yang Li-jun , Chen Pi-min , Liu Yu-xin , Wang Chen
Published: June 2013

This paper presents theoretically the spatial-temporal instability behavior of an electrified viscoelastic liquid jet. Dimensionless parameters have been tested for their influence on the transition of absolute and convective instability for the electrified viscoelastic liquid jet. The results show that larger electrical Euler and Weber numbers can change the flow to convectively unstable. The increase of Reynolds number can decrease the absolute growth rate. Variations of time constant and density ratio rarely change the spatial-temporal instability behavior of the jet. The disturbance wavelength changes very little with these parameters when the flow is absolutely unstable.
Auditory perception of note transitions in simulated complex bowing patterns
Authors: Schoonderwaldt Erwin , Demoucron Matthias , Altenmüller Eckart , Leman Marc
Published: June 2013

Recent motion-capture measurements of violin bowing revealed an interesting coordination behavior in fast repetitive bowing patterns involving bow changes and string crossings; bow changes were consistently lagging behind string crossings, and the relative timing appeared to be an integral part of the bow-movement patterns. The aim of the current study was to investigate if there might be a perceptual explanation for the observed coordination behavior. For this purpose a virtual violin was used, controlled by simulated bowing gestures. A simplified coordination model is presented, which was implemented to allow real-time control of complex bowing patterns. This synthesis approach was employed in a perceptual experiment in which the participants were asked to optimize the sound by adjusting a slider controlling the main coordination parameters. It was found that the resulting coordination patterns were similar to those observed in performance, implying that complex bowing trajectories for an important part emerge from auditory-motor interaction. Further analysis of the responses shed light on temporal and spatial constraints of the simulated gestures associated with the note transitions. The results raise interesting questions with regard to auditory-motor interaction in complex instrumental control gestures.
Explaining coherence in coherence masking protection for adults and children
Authors: Tarr Eric , Nittrouer Susan
Published: June 2013

Coherence masking protection (CMP) is the phenomenon in which a low-frequency target (typically a first formant) is labeled accurately in poorer signal-to-noise levels when combined with a high-frequency cosignal, rather than presented alone. An earlier study by the authors revealed greater CMP for children than adults, with more resistance to disruptions in harmonicity across spectral components [Nittrouer and Tarr (2011). Atten. Percept. Psychophys. 73, 2606–2623]. That finding was interpreted as demonstrating that children are obliged to process speech signals as broad spectral patterns, regardless of the harmonic structure of the spectral components. The current study tested three alternative, auditory explanations for the observed coherence of target + cosignal: (1) unique spectral shapes of target + cosignal support labeling, (2) periodicity of target + cosignal promotes coherence, and (3) temporal synchrony across target + cosignal reinforces temporal expectancies. Adults, eight-year-olds, and five-year-olds labeled stimuli in five conditions: F1 only and F1 + a constant cosignal (both used previously) were benchmarks for comparing thresholds for F1 + 3 new cosignals. Children again showed greater CMP than adults, but none of the three hypotheses could explain their CMP. It was again concluded that children are obliged to recognize speech signals as broad spectral patterns.
Ray convergence in a flux-like propagation formulation
Authors: Harrison Chris H.
Published: June 2013

The energy flux formulation of waveguide propagation is closely related to the incoherent mode sum, and its simplicity has led to development of efficient computational algorithms for reverberation and target echo strength, but it lacks the effects of convergence or modal interference. By starting with the coherent mode sum and rejecting the most rapid interference but retaining beats on a scale of a ray cycle distance it is shown that convergence can be included in a hybrid formulation requiring minimal extra computation. Three solutions are offered by evaluating the modal intensity cross terms using Taylor expansions. In the most efficient approach the double summation of the cross terms is reduced to a single numerical sum by solving the other summation analytically. The other two solutions are a local range average and a local depth average. Favorable comparisons are made between these three solutions and the wave model Orca with, and without, spatial averaging in an upward refracting duct. As a by-product, it is shown that the running range average is very close to the mode solution excluding its fringes, given a relation between averaging window size and effective number of modes which, in turn, is related to the waveguide invariant.
Tracking dolphin whistles using an autonomous acoustic recorder array
Authors: Wiggins Sean M. , Frasier Kaitlin E. , Elizabeth Henderson E. , Hildebrand John A.
Published: June 2013

Dolphins are known to produce nearly omnidirectional whistles that can propagate several kilometers, allowing these sounds to be localized and tracked using acoustic arrays. During the fall of 2007, a km-scale array of four autonomous acoustic recorders was deployed offshore of southern California in a known dolphin habitat at ∼800 m depth. Concurrently with the one-month recording, a fixed-point marine mammal visual survey was conducted from a moored research platform in the center of the array, providing daytime species and behavior visual confirmation. The recordings showed three main types of dolphin acoustic activity during distinct times: primarily whistling during daytime, whistling and clicking during early night, and primarily clicking during late night. Tracks from periods of daytime whistling typically were tightly grouped and traveled at a moderate rate. In one example with visual observations, traveling common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) were tracked for about 10 km with an average speed of ∼2.5 m s−1 (9 km h−1). Early night recordings had whistle localizations with wider spatial distribution and slower travel speed than daytime recordings, presumably associated with foraging behavior. Localization and tracking of dolphins over long periods has the potential to provide insight into their ecology, behavior, and potential response to stimuli.