bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent validation of the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS)
Authors: Pertusa A. , Fernández de la Cruz L. , Alonso P. , Menchón J.M. , Mataix-Cols D.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition characterized by a few consistent, temporally stable symptom dimensions. The Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS) is a recently developed instrument that allows patient and clinician ratings of dimension-specific symptom severity, as well as estimates of global symptom severity in patients with OCD.

Methods

We examined the psychometric properties of the DY-BOCS in a sample of 128 European adult patients with OCD.

Results

The results of the psychometric analyses were overall excellent. The internal consistency across the domains of time, distress and interference for each dimension was high. The subscales of the DY-BOCS were largely independent from one another. The convergent and discriminant validity of the DY-BOCS subscales were adequate. The Global Severity and Interference scales were largely intercorrelated, suggesting that they may be redundant. The level of agreement between self-report and expert ratings was adequate although somewhat lower than in the original validation study.

Conclusion

The results of the present study confirm the excellent psychometric properties of the DY-BOCS reported in the original validation study.
Specific exercises to treat pregnancy‐related low back pain in a South African population
Authors: Kluge Judith , Hall David , Louw Quinette , Theron Gerhard , Grové Debbie
Published: May 2011

Objective

To investigate the effect of an exercise program, including specific stabilizing exercises, on pain intensity and functional ability in women with pregnancy‐related low back pain.

Methods

Fifty women between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy were recruited at Tygerberg and Paarl Hospitals, Western Cape, South Africa. Twenty‐six women were randomized to a 10‐week exercise program and 24 were randomized as controls.

Results

Overall, the most frequent type of back pain experienced was lumbar pain (36 [72.0%]). Pain intensity (P = 0.76) and functional ability (P = 0.29) were comparable between the groups on study entry. In the study group, there was a significant improvement in pain intensity (P < 0.01) and an improvement in functional ability (P = 0.06) at the end of the study. In the control group, there were no significant changes in pain intensity (P = 0.89) or functional ability (P = 0.70) at the end of the study.

Conclusion

A specific exercise program decreased back pain intensity and increased functional ability during pregnancy in South African women with lumbar and pelvic girdle pain.
Impact of hot flashes and night sweats on carotid intima–media thickness and bone mineral density among postmenopausal women
Authors: Özkaya Enis , Cakir Evrim , Kara Fadil , Okuyan Erhan , Cakir Caner , Üstün Gülnihal , Küçüközkan Tuncay
Published: May 2011

Objective

To determine whether postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) than those without vasomotor symptoms.

Methods

Postmenopausal women with (n = 87) or without (n = 117) vasomotor symptoms who did not receive hormone therapy were included. The CIMT and BMD were determined and the relationship with vasomotor symptoms evaluated.

Results

The presence of both hot flashes and night sweats was associated with a CIMT of more than 0.80 mm after adjusting for age, time since menopause, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–4.5; P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for a CIMT higher than 0.80 mm in women with night sweats was 3.6 (95% CI 1.5–8.9; P = 0.006); the adjusted odds ratio in women with hot flashes was 23.1 (95% CI 9.1–58.4; P < 0.001). The mean CIMT was 0.65 ± 0.08 mm in the asymptomatic group and 0.81 ± 0.06 mm in the symptomatic group (P < 0.001). The mean lumbar (L1, L2, and L3) and total hip BMD values were lower in the symptomatic group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women are associated with a higher CIMT and a lower BMD.
Prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence among female athletes
Authors: Jácome Cristina , Oliveira Daniela , Marques Alda , Sá‐Couto Pedro
Published: May 2011

Objective

To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in a group of female athletes and to explore its impact on their lives.

Methods

In total, 106 female athletics, basketball, and indoor football athletes were recruited. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a focus group and analyzed via Pearson's χ2 test, 2‐way analysis of variance, and thematic analysis.

Results

Urinary incontinence was experienced by 41.5% of the athletes. Its prevalence across the 3 types of sport was similar and was not affected by age. However, athletes who experienced UI had a lower body weight (P = 0.011) and a lower body mass index (P = 0.035). Most (95.5%) athletes had never discussed their condition with a health professional. In the focus group, all athletes described preventive urination to avoid urine leakage. It was mentioned that UI affected their performance and made them feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition among athletes that is not openly discussed. However, it causes regular changes in their physical performance and daily life. More research is needed to increase awareness of UI and to design interventions.
A 5‐year prospective study of vaginal pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Lone Farah , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H. , Karamalis George
Published: May 2011

Objective

To evaluate prospectively the use of vaginal pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to identify complications and reasons for discontinuing pessary use over a 5‐year period.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted among all women with POP referred to the urogynecology clinic of a UK hospital between June 2002 and June 2005 who opted to use a vaginal pessary. Patients were followed‐up for 5 years.

Results

Of the 246 women who chose to use a vaginal pessary, 187 successfully retained the pessary 4 weeks after insertion. Over a 5‐year period, 36 (19.3%) of the 187 women were lost to follow‐up. Of the 151 women included in the analysis, 21 (13.9%) discontinued use at some point after 4 weeks, whereas 130 (86.1%) used the pessary successfully over 5 years. Overall, 12.1% of the women experienced minor complications (6.9% pain or discomfort, 3.2% excoriation or bleeding, and 2.0% disimpaction or constipation). Most failures (73.8%) occurred within 4 weeks of pessary insertion. After cessation of pessary use, 70 (28.5%) of the 246 women chose surgery and 10 (4.1%) chose no further treatment.

Conclusion

If treatment of POP with a vaginal pessary is successful at 4 weeks, most women will continue to use the pessary over 5 years without a concomitant increase in complications.
The Effect of Social Cues on Sniping Behavior in Internet Auctions: Field Evidence and a Lab Experiment
Authors: Kamins Michael A. , Noy Avi , Steinhart Yael , Mazursky David
Published: May 2011

This research explores how social cues presented in an online auction affect sniping behavior. Sniping is a strategy of placing a bid on an item in the very ending stages of an auction with a pre-determined ending time in an attempt to win the auction. Such a strategy conceals the intentions of the bidder until the last moments of the auction and minimizes the possibility of other opposing bidders submitting higher bids due to the short period of time left to respond. The research includes two field studies and a lab experiment indicating that sniping appears to be influenced by social factors, that is, when there are a greater number of bidders in the auction or the auction site provides social information about the bidders, the relative use of sniping increases. This research supports the perspective that bidders rely on others’ bidding behavior and characteristics as an indication of the true value of the item on sale, and is one of the first studies in the literature which takes this perspective.
Predictors of costs of care in Alzheimer's disease: A multinational sample of 1222 patients
Authors: Gustavsson Anders , Brinck Per , Bergvall Niklas , Kolasa Katarzyna , Wimo Anders , Winblad Bengt , Jönsson Linus
Published: May 2011

Background

The costs of care for patients with Alzheimer's disease are correlated with key measures of disease severity. This relationship is important in the economic evaluation of new treatments and is used to translate treatment efficacy into effects on costs through economic modeling. We aimed to identify what measures of disease severity are the most important predictors of societal costs of care and whether their relationship differs across countries.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 1222 patient and caregiver pairs residing in the community or in residential care settings in Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. Assessments included costs of care (Resource Utilization in Dementia) and key disease severity measures: cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination), ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL‐ability, Disability Assessment for Dementia [DAD]), and behavioral symptoms (Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI)‐severity).

Results

ADL‐ability was the most important predictor of societal costs of care of community‐dwelling patients in all countries. A one‐point decrease in DAD resulted in a 1.4% increase in costs of care in Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States on average, and a 2% increase in Sweden. This translated into a 45% increase from a standard deviation decrease in DAD on average. NPI‐severity and Mini‐Mental State Examination were also significant predictors but with lesser effect. Although mean costs of care differed across countries, the important predictors were the same.

Conclusion

ADL‐ability is the most important predictor of societal costs of care in community dwellings irrespective of country and should therefore be central in the economic evaluation of Alzheimer's disease therapies.
Risk of Alzheimer's disease incidence attributable to vascular disease in the population
Authors: Dodge Hiroko H. , Chang Chung‐Chou H. , Kamboh Ilyas M. , Ganguli Mary
Published: May 2011

Background

Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, there is growing interest in the influence of vascular factors on its incidence.

Methods

In a population‐based longitudinal epidemiological study, we fit Cox proportional hazard models to examine the risk of incident dementia and AD associated with self‐reported vascular disease. The population‐attributable risk percent (percent of the incidence of dementia and AD in the population that would be eliminated if vascular disease was eliminated) was calculated using the adjusted hazard ratios (HR).

Results

Of 822 eligible participants, 94 individuals developed incident dementia, with 79 having AD (probable/possible AD) during the follow‐up period of on average 8 years. Stroke/transient ischemic attack history was associated with incident dementia (HR = 2.6) as well as AD (HR = 2.4) among non‐apolipoprotein E ɛ4 carriers.

Conclusions

At the community level, the risk of dementia could be potentially reduced by 10.8% by eliminating overt cerebrovascular disease, and the risk of AD by 9.1% for non‐apolipoprotein E ɛ4 carriers.
Language and behavior domains enhance the value of the clinical dementia rating scale
Authors: Knopman David S. , Weintraub Sandra , Pankratz Vernon S.
Published: May 2011

Background

The six domain standard Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDRstd) has been successful for staging patients with the clinical syndrome of probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). The CDRstd does not specifically address language dysfunction or alteration in personality and social behaviors which are prominent in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA).

Objective

To determine the value of adding domains of Language (LANG), and Behavior, Comportment, and Personality (BEHAV) to the CDRstd for the evaluation of patients with bvFTD and PPA.

Methods

Two new domains, LANG and BEHAV, were constructed to parallel the six domains sampled in the CDRstd. Clinical and neuropsychological test data were obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. The dataset contained information on 2550 probable AD, 88 vascular dementia, 281 dementia with Lewy body, 234 bvFTD, and 137 PPA patients.

Results

There were 76.5% of bvFTD and 99.3% of PPA patients with abnormal ratings (>0) on the LANG domain; 90.2% of bvFTD and 63.5% of PPA had abnormal ratings on the BEHAV domain. In patients with a CDRstd sum of boxes score of <4, 53.7% of bvFTD had BEHAV domain and 78.6% of PPA patients had LANG domain scores >1. Among probable AD patients, 3.7% had LANG ratings that were ≥1 and 3.8% had BEHAV ratings that were ≥1. Logistic regression analyses showed that adding either the LANG or BEHAV domains to the CDRstd sum of boxes score significantly improved the discrimination between probable AD, bvFTD, and PPA.

Conclusions

The new LANG and BEHAV domains add value to the CDRstd for the characterization of the nonamnestic symptoms that are prominent in patients with bvFTD and PPA but that also occur in those with probable AD.
Commentary on “Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging‐Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease.” A Canadian perspective
Authors: Gauthier Serge , Patterson Christopher , Gordon Michael , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Schubert François , Leuzy Antoine
Published: May 2011

The criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and preclinical AD, while offering great hope of fostering research on primary and secondary prevention for AD, are currently unsuitable for use in general clinical practice and must be used with great caution in specialized memory clinics.
Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food
Authors: Rishniw Mark , Wynn Susan G.
Published: May 2011

The effect of probiotic therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is poorly defined, but gaining in popularity. However, cat owners often prefer to administer probiotics by combining them with food, rather than administering capsules intact, as is prescribed by the manufacturer. The efficacy of such non-recommended administration is unknown. In this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 10 cats with naturally-occurring CKD were randomized to receive either a probiotic–prebiotic combination (synbiotic) or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. Medications were sprinkled and mixed into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the medication administration. Owners and clinicians were masked as to treatment. The maximal percentage change in BUN and creatinine was calculated for each cat. No differences in percentage change were detected between groups ( P=0.8 for both BUN and creatinine). The synbiotic supplement used in this study, when applied to food or administered as a slurry fails to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. Therefore, owners should not administer this synbiotic in this manner.
Multiphase timing of hominin occupations and the paleoenvironment in Luonan Basin, Central China
Authors: Lu Huayu , Zhang Hongyan , Wang Shejiang , Cosgrove Richard , Sun Xuefeng , Zhao Jun , Sun Donghuai , Zhao Cunfa , Shen Chen , Wei Ming
Published: May 2011

Thousands of Paleolithic artifacts have been recovered from Paleolithic sites in the Luonan Basin, in the upper South Luohe River of central China. Their discovery suggests that the basin was an important area for hominin settlement during the Pleistocene. However, the initial timing of this occupation and the environmental conditions for this period are still largely unknown. In addition, the sediments are not well dated and most of the artifacts lie on the surface. In an attempt to resolve these issues, a new systemic paleomagnetic analysis was carried out on the loess deposits that contain in situ stone tools. Our detailed loess–paleosol analyses of the stratigraphy of different sites in the basin and Chinese Loess Plateau shows the accumulation of the loess since at least 1.1 million years (Ma) ago. Moreover, recently discovered in situ cores, flakes and retouched stone tools in these deposits show that hominins used this region repeatedly from 0.8–0.7 Ma to 0.4–0.3 and 0.2–0.1 Ma. Pedostratigraphic analyses, magnetic susceptibility and carbon isotope analyses also indicate that these hominins lived in a subtropical to warm-temperate climate with broad-needle-leaf forest vegetation mixed with grasses.
Holocene coastal change in the ancient harbor of Yenikapı–İstanbul and its impact on cultural history
Authors: Algan Oya , Yalçın M. Namık , Özdoğan Mehmet , Yılmaz Yücel , Sarı Erol , Kırcı-Elmas Elmas , Yılmaz İsak , Bulkan Özlem , Ongan Demet , Gazioğlu Cem , Nazik Atike , Polat Mehmet Ali , Meriç Engin
Published: May 2011

An extensive rescue excavation has been conducted in the ancient harbor of İstanbul (Yenikapı) by the Sea of Marmara, revealing a depositional sequence displaying clear evidence of transgression and coastal progradation during the Holocene. The basal layer of this sequence lies at 6 m below the present sea level and contains remains of a Neolithic settlement known to have been present in the area, indicating that the sea level at ~ 8–9 cal ka BP was lower than 6 m below present. Sea level advanced to its maximum at ~ 6.8–7 cal ka BP, drowning Lykos Stream and forming an inlet at its mouth. After ~ 3 cal ka BP, coastal progradation became evident. Subsequent construction of the Byzantine Harbor (Theodosius; 4th century AD) created a restricted small basin and accumulation of fine-grained sediments. The sedimentation rate was increased due to coastal progradation and anthropogenic factors during the deposition of coarse-grained sediments at the upper parts of the sequence (7th–9th centuries AD). The harbor was probably abandoned after the 11th century AD by filling up with Lykos Stream detritus and continued seaward migration of the coastline.
Bott Periodicity for group rings An Appendix to “Periodicity of Hermitian K-groups”
Authors: Weibel Charles
Published: May 2011

We show that the groups Kn(RG;ℤ/m) are Bott-periodic for n ≥ 1 whenever G is a finite group, m is prime to |G|, R is a ring of S-integers in a number field and 1/m ∊ R.
The Therapist’s Reaction to a Patient’s Suicide
Authors: Wurst Friedrich Martin , Kunz Isabella , Skipper Gregory , Wolfersdorf Manfred , Beine Karl H. , Thon Natasha
Published: May 2011

Background: A substantial proportion of therapists experience the loss of a patient to suicide at some point during their professional life. Aims: To assess (1) the impact of a patient’s suicide on therapists distress and well-being over time, (2) which factors contribute to the reaction, and (3) which subgroup might need special interventions in the aftermath of suicide. Methods: A 63-item questionnaire was sent to all 185 Psychiatric Clinics at General Hospitals in Germany. The emotional reaction of therapists to patient’s suicide was measured immediately, after 2 weeks, and after 6 months. Results: Three out of ten therapists suffer from severe distress after a patients’ suicide. The item “overall distress” immediately after the suicide predicts emotional reactions and changes in behavior. The emotional responses immediately after the suicide explained 43.5% of the variance of total distress in a regression analysis. Limitations: The retrospective nature of the study is its primary limitation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that identifying the severely distressed subgroup could be done using a visual analog scale for overall distress. As a consequence, more specific and intensified help could be provided to these professionals.
A Systematic Review of Elderly Suicide Prevention Programs
Authors: Lapierre Sylvie , Erlangsen Annette , Waern Margda , De Leo Diego , Oyama Hirofumi , Scocco Paolo , Gallo Joseph , Szanto Katalin , Conwell Yeates , Draper Brian , Quinnett Paul
Published: May 2011

Background: Suicide rates are highest among the elderly, yet research on suicide prevention in old age remains a much-neglected area. Aims: We carried out a systematic review to examine the results of interventions aimed at suicidal elderly persons and to identify successful strategies and areas needing further exploration. Methods: Searches through various electronic databases yielded 19 studies with an empirical evaluation of a suicide prevention or intervention program designed especially for adults aged 60 years and older. Results: Most studies were centered on the reduction of risk factors (depression screening and treatment, and decreasing isolation), but when gender was considered, programs were mostly efficient for women. The empirical evaluations of programs attending to the needs of high-risk older adults seemed positive; most studies showed a reduction in the level of suicidal ideation of patients or in the suicide rate of the participating communities. However, not all studies used measures of suicidality to evaluate the outcome of the intervention, and rarely did they aim at improving protective factors. Conclusions: Innovative strategies should improve resilience and positive aging, engage family and community gatekeepers, use telecommunications to reach vulnerable older adult, and evaluate the effects of means restriction and physicians education on elderly suicide.
Stage-specific proteomic expression patterns of the human filarial parasiteBrugia malayiand its endosymbiontWolbachia
Authors: Bennuru Sasisekhar , Meng Zhaojing , Ribeiro José M. C. , Semnani Roshanak Tolouei , Ghedin Elodie , Chan King , Lucas David A. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: May 2011

Global proteomic analyses of pathogens have thus far been limited to unicellular organisms (e.g., protozoa and bacteria). Proteomic analyses of most eukaryotic pathogens (e.g., helminths) have been restricted to specific organs, specific stages, or secretomes. We report here a large-scale proteomic characterization of almost all the major mammalian stages ofBrugia malayi, a causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, resulting in the identification of more than 62% of the products predicted from the Bm draft genome. The analysis also yielded much of the proteome ofWolbachia, the obligate endosymbiont of Bm that also expressed proteins in a stage-specific manner. Of the 11,610 predicted Bm gene products, 7,103 were definitively identified from adult male, adult female, blood-borne and uterine microfilariae, and infective L3 larvae. Among the 4,956 gene products (42.5%) inferred from the genome as “hypothetical,” the present study was able to confirm 2,336 (47.1%) as bona fide proteins. Analysis of protein families and domains coupled with stage-specific expression highlight the important pathways that benefit the parasite during its development in the host. Gene set enrichment analysis identified extracellular matrix proteins and those with immunologic effects as enriched in the microfilarial and L3 stages. Parasite sex- and stage-specific protein expression identified those pathways related to parasite differentiation and demonstrates stage-specific expression by the Bm endosymbiontWolbachiaas well.
Dynamics of enzymatic digestion of elastic fibers and networks under tension
Authors: Araújo Ascânio D. , Majumdar Arnab , Parameswaran Harikrishnan , Yi Eunice , Spencer Jean L. , Nugent Matthew A. , Suki Béla
Published: May 2011

We study the enzymatic degradation of an elastic fiber under tension using an anisotropic random-walk model coupled with binding-unbinding reactions that weaken the fiber. The fiber is represented by a chain of elastic springs in series along which enzyme molecules can diffuse. Numerical simulations show that the fiber stiffness decreases exponentially with two distinct regimes. The time constant of the first regime decreases with increasing tension. Using a mean field calculation, we partition the time constant into geometrical, chemical and externally controllable factors, which is corroborated by the simulations. We incorporate the fiber model into a multiscale network model of the extracellular matrix and find that network effects do not mask the exponential decay of stiffness at the fiber level. To test these predictions, we measure the force relaxation of elastin sheets stretched to 20% uniaxial strain in the presence of elastase. The decay of force is exponential and the time constant is proportional to the inverse of enzyme concentration in agreement with model predictions. Furthermore, the fragment mass released into the bath during digestion is linearly related to enzyme concentration that is also borne out in the model. We conclude that in the complex extracellular matrix, feedback between the local rate of fiber digestion and the force the fiber carries acts to attenuate any spatial heterogeneity of digestion such that molecular processes manifest directly at the macroscale. Our findings can help better understand remodeling processes during development or in disease in which enzyme concentrations and/or mechanical forces become abnormal.
Polycomb repressive complex 2 is necessary for the normal site-specific
O
-GlcNAc distribution in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Myers Samuel A. , Panning Barbara , Burlingame Alma L.
Published: May 2011

The monosaccharide addition of an
N
-acetylglucosamine to serine and threonine residues of nuclear and cytosolic proteins (
O
-GlcNAc) is a posttranslational modification emerging as a general regulator of many cellular processes, including signal transduction, cell division, and transcription. The sole mouse
O
-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is essential for embryonic development. To understand the role of OGT in mouse development better, we mapped sites of
O
-GlcNAcylation of nuclear proteins in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Here, we unambiguously identify over 60 nuclear proteins as
O
-GlcNAcylated, several of which are crucial for mouse ESC cell maintenance. Furthermore, we extend the connection between OGT and Polycomb group genes from flies to mammals, showing Polycomb repressive complex 2 is necessary to maintain normal levels of OGT and for the correct cellular distribution of
O
-GlcNAc. Together, these results provide insight into how OGT may regulate transcription in early development, possibly by modifying proteins important to maintain the ESC transcriptional repertoire.
Sparse low-order interaction network underlies a highly correlated and learnable neural population code
Authors: Ganmor Elad , Segev Ronen , Schneidman Elad
Published: May 2011

Information is carried in the brain by the joint activity patterns of large groups of neurons. Understanding the structure and function of population neural codes is challenging because of the exponential number of possible activity patterns and dependencies among neurons. We report here that for groups of ~100 retinal neurons responding to natural stimuli, pairwise-based models, which were highly accurate for small networks, are no longer sufficient. We show that because of the sparse nature of the neural code, the higher-order interactions can be easily learned using a novel model and that a very sparse low-order interaction network underlies the code of large populations of neurons. Additionally, we show that the interaction network is organized in a hierarchical and modular manner, which hints at scalability. Our results suggest that learnability may be a key feature of the neural code.
Side-chain hydrophobicity scale derived from transmembrane protein folding into lipid bilayers
Authors: Moon C. Preston , Fleming Karen G.
Published: May 2011

The transfer free energies of the twenty natural amino acid side chains from water to phospholipid bilayers make a major contribution to the assembly and function of membrane proteins. Measurements of those transfer free energies will facilitate the identification of membrane protein sequences and aid in the understanding of how proteins interact with membranes during key biological events. We report the first water-to-bilayer transfer free energy scale (i.e., a “hydrophobicity scale”) for the twenty natural amino acid side chains measured in the context of a native transmembrane protein and a phospholipid bilayer. Our measurements reveal parity for apolar side-chain contributions between soluble and membrane proteins and further demonstrate that an arginine side-chain placed near the middle of a lipid bilayer is accommodated with much less energetic cost than predicted by molecular dynamics simulations.
Plasma startup using neutral beam injection assisted by 2.45 GHz microwaves in Heliotron J
Authors: Kobayashi S. , Nagasaki K. , Yamamoto S. , Sakamoto K. , Mizuuchi T. , Okada H. , Minami T. , Hanatani K. , Nakamura Y. , Konoshima S. , Ohshima S. , Takeuchi M. , Mukai K. , Lee H.Y. , Kishi S. , Minami K. , Takabatake Y. , Yoshino H. , Sano F.
Published: May 2011

Neutral beam injection (NBI) plasmas have been initiated with the assistance of 5 kW, 2.45 GHz microwaves in a medium-sized heliotron, Heliotron J plasmas with a line-averaged electron density of over 1 × 1019 m−3 are generated with 1 MW NBI using a magnetic field between 0.63 and 1.25 T within 20 ms after turning on NBI. This technique does not require the electron cyclotron resonance layer for the plasma startup, which enables us to enlarge the operational space for the magnetic field strength. Electron cyclotron emission measured with a radiometer reveals that the condition of initial plasmas generated by 2.45 GHz microwaves is critical for reliable startup.
Rotation and radial electric field in the plasma edge with resonant magnetic perturbation at TEXTOR
Authors: Coenen J.W. , Schmitz O. , Unterberg B. , Clever M. , Jakubowski M.A. , Samm U. , Schweer B. , Stoschus H. , Tokar M.
Published: May 2011

In this paper the results of a systematic experimental assessment of the plasma edge rotation and radial electric field with application of resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) are presented. The results are based on the radially resolved measurement of the poloidal (v
pol) and toroidal (v
tor) rotation. It is shown that the radial electric field E

r
can be deduced from the radial force balance when small amplitude resonant magnetic perturbations are applied to the plasma boundary (B

r
/B
tor ∼ 10−4).

Both v
pol and v
tor spin-up in the ion-diamagnetic-drift and co-current direction, respectively, with increasing external perturbation field (Δv
pol ∼ 15 km s−1, Δv
tor ∼ 2–5 km s−1) yielding an increase in E

r
by ΔE

r,max = 9 kV m−1. The toroidal rotation increases over the whole radius while the poloidal rotation shows distinct local features driving the evolution of the E

r
-profiles. Depending on the edge safety factor a local (at the q = 5/2 rational surface) increase in the shear rate Ω

E
×
B

(ΔΩ
q=5/2 = 1.4 × 105 s−1) or reduced shearing can occur. Increased shearing is correlated with an improved particle confinement with an increase in the particle confinement time by Δτp = +40%. Increasing the local resonant amplitude by 30% induces a reduced density level, the so-called RMP induced pump-out. At this confinement stage the shear rate decreases by 15% correlated with a significant drop in particle confinement (Δτp = −30%).

Field line tracing in the vacuum approximation gives indications towards explaining the threshold behaviour connecting the shearing rate, confinement stages and magnetic topology to the amount of applied RMP. However, this basic approach does not account for plasma response and the results presented are linked in the discussion section to recent results on the link between rotation and plasma response as well as on the transport features of RMP.
Objectives, physics requirements and conceptual design of an ECRH system for JET
Authors: Giruzzi G. , Lennholm M. , Parkin A. , Aiello G. , Bellinger M. , Bird J. , Bouquey F. , Braune H. , Bruschi A. , Butcher P. , Clay R. , de la Luna E. , Denisov G. , Edlington T. , Fanthome J. , Farina D. , Farthing J. , Figini L. , Garavaglia S. , Garcia J. , Gardener M. , Gerbaud T. , Granucci G. , Hay J. , Henderson M. , Hotchin S. , Ilyin V.N. , Jennison M. , Kasparek W. , Khilar P. , Kirneva N. , Kislov D. , Knipe S. , Kuyanov A. , Litaudon X. , Litvak A.G. , Moro A. , Nowak S. , Parail V. , Plaum B. , Saibene G. , Sozzi C. , Späh P. , Strauss D. , Trukhina E. , Vaccaro A. , Vagdama A. , Vdovin V.
Published: May 2011

A study has been conducted to evaluate the feasibility of installing an electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) and current drive system on the JET tokamak. The main functions of this system would be electron heating, sawtooth control, neoclassical tearing mode control to access high beta regimes and current profile control to access and maintain advanced plasma scenarios. This paper presents an overview of the studies performed in this framework by an EU-Russia project team. The motivations for this major upgrade of the JET heating systems and the required functions are discussed. The main results of the study are summarized. The usefulness of a 10 MW level EC system for JET is definitely confirmed by the physics studies. Neither feasibility issues nor strong limitations for any of the functions envisaged have been found. This has led to a preliminary conceptual design of the system.
Non-linear dynamics of toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes on the National Spherical Torus Experiment
Authors: Podestà M. , Bell R.E. , Crocker N.A. , Fredrickson E.D. , Gorelenkov N.N. , Heidbrink W.W. , Kubota S. , LeBlanc B.P. , Yuh H.
Published: May 2011

The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX, (Ono et al
2000 Nucl. Fusion
40 557)) routinely operates with neutral beam injection as the primary system for heating and current drive. The resulting fast ion population is super-Alfvénic, with velocities 1 < v
fast/v
Alfven < 5. This provides a strong drive for toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs). As the discharge evolves, the fast ion population builds up and TAEs exhibit increasing bursts in amplitude and down-chirps in frequency, which eventually lead to a so-called TAE avalanche. Avalanches cause large (≲30%) fast ion losses over ∼1 ms, as inferred from the neutron rate. The increased fast ion losses correlate with a stronger activity in the TAE band. In addition, it is shown that a n = 1 mode with frequency well below the TAE gap appears in the Fourier spectrum of magnetic fluctuations as a result of non-linear mode coupling between TAEs during avalanche events. The non-linear coupling between modes, which leads to enhanced fast ion transport during avalanches, is investigated.
Comparison of small ELM characteristics and regimes in Alcator C-Mod, MAST and NSTX
Authors: Maingi R. , Hubbard A.E. , Meyer H. , Hughes J.W. , Kirk A. , Maqueda R. , Terry J.L.
Published: May 2011

We report on the status of a set of ITPA-coordinated experiments between the Alcator C-Mod, MAST and NSTX devices to compare the characteristics and access conditions of discharges with small edge-localized modes (ELMs). The small ELMs in C-Mod, MAST and one of the two small ELM types in NSTX exist when
approached 10–15%, although the lower/upper limits of the operational windows differ. These small ELM regimes appear in diverted configurations very close to balanced double-null in each device. We classify these small ELMs as type II, based on the published characteristics from a number of previous studies. In addition, these type II ELMs in each device had multiple filaments with propagation in the co-I
p or ion diamagnetic drift direction. Moreover, we conclude that these type II ELMs are distinct from the type V ELMs routinely observed in NSTX, which have one or two filaments and propagate in the electron diamagnetic drift direction.
Collisionality scaling in Tore Supra: detailed energy confinement analysis, turbulence measurements and gyrokinetic modelling
Authors: Bourdelle C. , Gerbaud T. , Vermare L. , Casati A. , Aniel T. , Artaud J.F. , Basiuk V. , Bucalossi J. , Clairet F. , Corre Y. , Devynck P. , Falchetto G. , Fenzi C. , Garbet X. , Guirlet R. , Gürcan Ö. , Heuraux S. , Hennequin P. , Hoang G.T. , Imbeaux F. , Manenc L. , Monier-Garbet P. , Moreau P. , Sabot R. , Ségui J.-L. , Sirinelli A. , Villegas D.
Published: May 2011

A collisionality scaling experiment associating a confinement analysis, turbulence measurements across the whole plasma and gyrokinetic modelling is reported. In Tore Supra L-mode plasmas, mid-radius dimensionless collisionality ν* has been varied performing a four-points scan from ≃0.1 to ≃0.7. The normalized confinement time exhibits a dependence with respect to collisionality: Bτ
E
∝ ν*
−0.3±0.3 which is strongly modified when accounting for the confinement dependence on the normalized Larmor radius, ρ*, and normalized pressure, β, since one obtains Bτ
E
∝ ν*
0.0±0.7. This weak dependence is consistent with ITER L mode scaling laws and dedicated experiments elsewhere (Luce 2008 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion
50 043001). The global analysis is confirmed by normalized effective heat transport coefficients which do not vary outside their error bars in a limited radial range of reliability. The analysis is completed by density fluctuation δn
e/n
e measurements across the whole plasmas. For normalized radius r/a < 0.7, δn
e/n
e does not depart from its error bars and the radial wave-vector spectra are not modified. These observations are well reproduced by non-linear gyrokinetic simulations, where, despite high ν* values, no zonal flow damping mechanism is at play. At the plasma edge (r/a > 0.7), the lowest poloidal wave-vector measured by the Doppler reflectometer exhibits a decrease in δn
e/n
e with increasing ν*, while the other turbulence measurements remain unaffected.
Solenoid-free startup experiments in DIII-D
Authors: Leuer J.A. , Cunningham G. , Mueller D. , Brooks N.H. , Eidietis N.W. , Humphreys D.A. , Hyatt A.W. , Jackson G.L. , Lohr J. , Politzer P.A. , Pinsker R.I. , Prater R. , Taylor P.L. , Walker M.L. , Budny R.V. , Gates D.A. , Nagy A. , Hahn S-H. , Oh Y-K. , Yoon S-W. , Yu J.H. , Murakami M. , Park J.M. , Sontag A.C.
Published: May 2011

A series of DIII-D experiments was performed to investigate the potential for initiating plasma current using only poloidal field coils located outside the DIII-D central solenoid, i.e. ‘solenoid-free’. Plasma current to 166 kA was achieved using 2–3 MW of electron cyclotron (EC) heating and was limited by coil and power supply constraints. Flux conversion to plasma current was similar to standard DIII-D startup with some degradation at higher plasma current associated with stray fields and vertical stability issues. In preliminary solenoid-free experiments, neutral beam (NB) current drive (CD) levels were small and attributed to reduced CD efficiency associated with low electron temperature produced by the low current, low confinement plasma. Lack of plasma radial position control also contributed to a reduction of NBCD. Similarly, ECCD was small owing to low plasma temperature and outside EC launch which is required in the solenoid-free scenario. Synergistic experiments were carried out using standard solenoid initiated plasmas in order to study noninductive CD in limited, Lmode plasmas, typical of that generated by solenoid-free startup. While substantial noninductive current can be driven, self-sustaining levels of noninductive current have not yet been achieved with our present six-source co-injection NB system combined with EC and fast wave systems. At low plasma current and high levels of localized EC heating, substantial MHD is generated and this was seen to severely limit plasma performance. Although further optimization is possible in the limited plasma regime, full noninductive, steady-state operation may require diverted plasma with H-mode quality confinement. Discharges obtained during the solenoid-free campaign are compared with results of previous DIII-D campaigns aimed at achieving a steady state, noninductive CD solution.
Online monitoring of wax deposition in sub-sea pipelines
Authors: Hoffmann R , Amundsen L , Schüller R
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a new technology (heat pulse wax monitoring) to monitor wax deposition in sub-sea pipelines continuously. The equipment that has been tested in a lab rig consists of a heating element and a temperature sensor which are installed at a fixed point on the oil pipe. By applying a short external heat pulse to the oil pipe, a correlation between the measured transient thermal response and the wax thickness could be derived. If such a system could also be installed in a sub-sea pipeline, it would make continuous measuring of the wax build-up possible. This would in turn allow for a much more efficient use of wax control techniques, by e.g. sending a pig only when a certain thickness threshold has been passed. The equipment in this technology is located outside the pipeline, so that it becomes possible to retrofit it to an existing pipeline. To test the technology, a numerical model was derived to correlate the wax thickness with the thermal readings from the heat pulse wax monitoring. This model was validated using the results from a single-phase flow experimental campaign using a North Sea waxy gas condensate in the Porsgrunn wax deposition test rig. In this experimental campaign, wax deposition experiments were carried out with different flow rates and temperatures. The wax thickness predictions from the heat pulse wax monitoring compared favourably with conventional measurement techniques.
Investigation of positive electrode materials based on MnO2 for lithium batteries
Authors: Le My Loan Phung , Lam Thi Xuan Binh , Pham Quoc Trung , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thoa
Published: May 2011

Various composite materials of MnO
2/C have been synthesized by electrochemical deposition and then used for the synthesis of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn
2
O
4) spinel as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries. The structure and electrochemical properties of electrode materials based on MnO
2/C, spinel LiMn
2
O
4 and doped spinel LiNi
0.5
Mn
1.5
O
4 have been studied. The influence of synthesis conditions on the structural and electrochemical properties of synthesized materials was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and charge–discharge experiments. Some of the studied materials exhibit good performance of cycling and discharge capacity.
How Choice Fueled Panic: Philadelphians, Consumption, and the Panic of 1837
Authors: Adams Sean Patrick
Published: May 2011

This essay examines the role of working-class consumers in public debates over the public regulation of food and fuel markets in Philadelphia in the years leading up to the Panic of 1837. As price spikes in these necessities inflamed the cries for state authorities to insure fair prices for these goods and to put an end to the growing scale and scope of free market capitalism, these pleas went unfulfilled. Instead, urban residents saw many of the longstanding measures designed to protect less affluent Americans from devastating price swings—regulated marketplaces for meat, traditional fuel markets, and the bread assize, for example—had eroded as policymakers offered a vision of a free market economy that pushed aside longstanding assumptions about the role of public officials in the marketplace itself.
Opioids
Authors: Bennett Michael I.
Published: May 2011

Opioid receptor structure and function can be altered in neuropathic pain states, leading to reduced sensitivity to opioids

Opioids were thought to be ineffective for neuropathic pain but substantial evidence exists to demonstrate analgesic efficacy, in some cases superior to more commonly used co-analgesics

The most convincing evidence supports use of morphine, oxycodone, and tramadol in neuropathic pain...
A New Pathogenic Race of Tilletia caries Possessing the Broadest Virulence Spectrum of Known Races
Authors: Matanguihan Janet B. , Jones Stephen S.
Published: May 2011

Common bunt, caused by the fungi Tilletia caries and T. laevis, is one of the most destructive seedborne diseases of wheat. In conventional agriculture, common bunt is managed almost exclusively with chemical seed treatments. However, in organic farming, synthetic chemicals are prohibited. Because of this, there has been a resurgence of this disease in organic wheat. In order to maintain high yields and excellent seed quality, organic growers must rely heavily on resistant wheat cultivars. To breed cultivars with resistance against common bunt, and to effectively deploy resistance genes, it is necessary to identify and monitor the pathogenic races of the local pathogen population. Towards this goal, races of T. caries present in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho were identified by inoculating field collections of the pathogen on 13 differential wheat cultivars. Results of three years' testing show that there is a new pathogenic race in Washington State, which possesses the broadest virulence spectrum to date compared with known bunt races. Furthermore, two-year data indicates the presence of other new races in Washington, California, and Oregon.

Accepted for publication 5 April 2011. Published 20 May 2011.
Efficacy of Fungicides and Biopesticides for Management of Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot of Gerber Daisy
Authors: Benson D. M. , Parker K. C.
Published: May 2011

Several fungicides and biopesticides were evaluated for control of Phytophthora crown and root rot of Gerber daisy caused by P. cryptogea, a frequently encountered pathogen in greenhouse production. In greenhouse trials, biopesticides were applied 3 to 5 days before inoculation with P. cryptogea, while fungicides were applied at the time of inoculation. Efficacy of the treatments was assessed according to fresh plant top weights and root rot ratings at the end of experiments. Phosphite salt fungicides such as AgriFos, Aliette, Alude, Magellan and Vital sprayed to run off prior to inoculation were ineffective. Similarly, the strobulurins (Disarm, Heritage, and Insignia) as a drench and the biopesticides (Muscodor albus, Remedier, and Taegro) incorporated or as a drench failed to prevent root and crown rot and collapse of plants. Adorn as a drench at 2 fl oz/100 gal prevented Phytophthora crown and root rot in two of three trial years. Fenstop as a drench at 14 fl oz/100 gal or Orvego as a drench at rates of 22.5 to 34 fl oz/100 gal consistently controlled disease in three years of trials. Segway as a drench at 6 fl oz/100 gal varied in efficacy but in all trials, disease development was less than the non-treated, inoculated control. Because the effective fungicides are in different Fungicide Resistance Action Committee codes, growers have valuable rotation options for managing crown and root rot caused by P. cryptogea on Gerber daisy and avoiding pathogen resistance in the Phytophthora populations.

Accepted for publication 18 February 2011. Published 12 May 2011.
Severe, Focal Tibialis Anterior and Triceps Brachii Weakness in Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report
Authors: Rubin Devon I , Litchy William J
Published: May 2011

We report a case of a patient with myasthenia gravis who presented with an atypically focal distribution of severe weakness in the triceps brachii and tibialis anterior muscles. Repetitive nerve stimulation studies demonstrated the typical decrement at rest, but also demonstrated marked facilitation after brief exercise. This case adds to the clinical and electrophysiological spectrum of variations of presentation of myasthenia gravis.