bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxiliary basis sets for density fitting second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory: Correlation consistent basis sets for the 5d elements Hf-Pt
Authors: Hill J. Grant
Published: July 2011

Auxiliary basis sets specifically matched to the correlation consistent cc-pVnZ-PP, cc-pwCVnZ-PP, aug-cc-pVnZ-PP, and aug-cc-pwCVnZ-PP orbital basis sets (used in conjunction with pseudopotentials) for the 5d transition metal elements Hf-Pt have been optimized for use in density fitting second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory and other correlated ab initio methods. Calculations of the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory correlation energy, for a test set of small to medium sized molecules, indicate that the density fitting error when utilizing these sets is negligible at three to four orders of magnitude smaller than the orbital basis set incompleteness error.
III-Nitride full-scale high-resolution microdisplays
Authors: Day Jacob , Li J. , Lie D. Y. C. , Bradford Charles , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: July 2011

We report the realization and properties of a high-resolution solid-state self-emissive microdisplay based on III-nitride semiconductor micro-size light emitting diodes (µLEDs) capable of delivering video graphics images. The luminance level of III-nitride microdisplays is several orders of magnitude higher than those of liquid crystal and organic-LED displays. The pixel emission intensity was almost constant over an operational temperature range from 100 to −100 °C. The outstanding performance is a direct attribute of III-nitride semiconductors. An energy efficient active drive scheme is accomplished by hybrid integration between µLED arrays and Si CMOS (complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) active matrix integrated circuits. These integrated devices could play important roles in emerging fields such as biophotonics and optogenetics, as well as ultra-portable products such as next generation pico-projectors.
Local structural studies of hole doped hexagonal multiferroic Y(Mn,Zn)O3
Authors: Cho Deok-Yong , Park Junghwan , Kim Jiyeon , Park Je-Geun
Published: July 2011

We examined the local structure of hole-doped hexagonal multiferroic YMn0.9Zn0.1O3 using x-ray absorption fine structure analysis. It was shown that Zn atoms substitute Mn atoms while keeping the bipyramidal oxygen coordination unchanged. Comparative study with pure YMnO3 further showed that the Mn-O bond length splitting is diminished by approximately 0.05 Å, suggesting an enhanced orbital hybridization in the planar Mn-O bonds due to additional Mn3+ → O2− electron transfer near the Zn2+ ions. It is a conclusive experimental evidence that Zn doping indeed introduces hole doping on to the two dimensional Mn sublattice of the hexagonal multiferroic YMnO3.
Enhanced short-circuit current density in poly(3-hexylthiophene) and 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)C61 based organic solar cells by doping small molecular perylene
Authors: Lou Yanhui , Wang Zhaokui , Naka Shigeki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2011

The authors investigate the effects of a small molecular dye, perylene, on the performance of organic solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)C61 (PCBM) blends. The short-circuit current density is improved, and a maximum 27% enhancement in power conversion efficiency is achieved by doping suitable perylene into P3HT:PCBM blends. It is attributed to be the enhanced absorption of perylene doped P3HT:PCBM blends, which is also confirmed in single-carrier devices. Moreover, the barrier height at the anode/blend is largely lowered from 0.61 eV to 0.28 eV through evaluating temperature dependence of current-voltage characteristics.
Impact of post-metallization annealing on Ge-on-Si photodiodes passivated with silicon dioxide
Authors: DiLello Nicole A. , Hoyt Judy L.
Published: July 2011

Ge-on-Si photodiodes were fabricated from epitaxial germanium films grown by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. These vertical p-i-n diodes were passivated with SiO2 deposited by chemical vapor deposition. It is found that the incorporation of a post-metallization anneal reduces the dark current by 1000X for small-area devices, with 10 × 10 μm diodes exhibiting a dark current of 8 nA at −1 V. Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors were also fabricated using the same materials and annealing conditions. Capacitance-voltage measurements indicate that the anneal changes the surface condition of the germanium from depletion to accumulation, lowering the photodiode perimeter leakage current.
Electric field control of magnetism without magnetic bias field in the Ni/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3/Ni composite
Authors: Xuan H. C. , Wang L. Y. , Zheng Y. X. , Li Y. L. , Cao Q. Q. , Chen S. Y. , Wang D. H. , Huang Z. G. , Du Y. W.
Published: July 2011

This paper reports on the electric field control of magnetism without magnetic bias field in a Ni/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3/Ni composite prepared by electrochemical deposition. The converse magnetoelectric effect, which was measured by an induction method, shows a peak value of 0.45 G/V at the resonance frequency of 102 kHz. Without magnetic bias field, the magnetization of the Ni layers can be controlled by an applied dc electric field in a reversible and reproducible way and shows an analogous on-off behavior with the electric field switching on and off alternatively.
Thermodynamics of copper and zinc distribution in the cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
PCC 6803
Authors: Badarau Adriana , Dennison Christopher
Published: July 2011

Copper is supplied to plastocyanin for photosynthesis and cytochrome
c
oxidase for respiration in the thylakoids of
Synechocystis
PCC 6803 by the membrane-bound P-type ATPases CtaA and PacS, and the metallochaperone Atx1. We have determined the Cu(I) affinities of all of the soluble proteins and domains in this pathway. The Cu(I) affinities of the trafficking proteins range from 5 × 10
16
to 5 × 10
17
 M
-1
at pH 7.0, consistent with values for homologues. Unusually, Atx1 binds Cu(I) significantly tighter than the metal-binding domains (MBDs) of CtaA and PacS (CtaA
N
and PacS
N
), and equilibrium copper exchange constants of approximately 0.2 are obtained for transfer to the MBDs. Dimerization of Atx1 increases the affinity for Cu(I), but the loop 5 His61 residue has little influence. The MBD of the zinc exporter ZiaA (ZiaA
N
) exhibits an almost identical Cu(I) affinity, and Cu(I) exchange with Atx1, as CtaA
N
and PacS
N
, and the relative stabilities of the complexes must enable the metallochaperone to distinguish between the MBDs. The binding of potentially competing zinc to the trafficking proteins has been studied. ZiaA
N
has the highest Zn(II) affinity and thermodynamics could be important for zinc removal from the cell. Plastocyanin has a Cu(I) affinity of 2.6 × 10
17
 M
-1
, 15-fold tighter than that of the Cu
A
site of cytochrome
c
oxidase, highlighting the need for specific mechanisms to ensure copper delivery to both of these targets. The narrow range of Cu(I) affinities for the cytoplasmic copper proteins in
Synechocystis
will facilitate relocation when copper is limiting.
Pathway and mechanism of drug binding to G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Dror Ron O. , Pan Albert C. , Arlow Daniel H. , Borhani David W. , Maragakis Paul , Shan Yibing , Xu Huafeng , Shaw David E.
Published: July 2011

How drugs bind to their receptors—from initial association, through drug entry into the binding pocket, to adoption of the final bound conformation, or “pose”—has remained unknown, even for G-protein-coupled receptor modulators, which constitute one-third of all marketed drugs. We captured this pharmaceutically critical process in atomic detail using the first unbiased molecular dynamics simulations in which drug molecules spontaneously associate with G-protein-coupled receptors to achieve final poses matching those determined crystallographically. We found that several beta blockers and a beta agonist all traverse the same well-defined, dominant pathway as they bind to theβ1- andβ2-adrenergic receptors, initially making contact with a vestibule on each receptor’s extracellular surface. Surprisingly, association with this vestibule, at a distance of 15 Å from the binding pocket, often presents the largest energetic barrier to binding, despite the fact that subsequent entry into the binding pocket requires the receptor to deform and the drug to squeeze through a narrow passage. The early barrier appears to reflect the substantial dehydration that takes place as the drug associates with the vestibule. Our atomic-level description of the binding process suggests opportunities for allosteric modulation and provides a structural foundation for future optimization of drug–receptor binding and unbinding rates.
Structural basis for alginate secretion across the bacterial outer membrane
Authors: Whitney John C. , Hay Iain D. , Li Canhui , Eckford Paul D. W. , Robinson Howard , Amaya Maria F. , Wood Lynn F. , Ohman Dennis E. , Bear Christine E. , Rehm Bernd H. , Lynne Howell P.
Published: July 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is the predominant pathogen associated with chronic lung infection among cystic fibrosis patients. During colonization of the lung,
P. aeruginosa
converts to a mucoid phenotype characterized by the overproduction of the exopolysaccharide alginate. Secretion of newly synthesized alginate across the outer membrane is believed to occur through the outer membrane protein AlgE. Here we report the 2.3 Å crystal structure of AlgE, which reveals a monomeric 18-stranded β-barrel characterized by a highly electropositive pore constriction formed by an arginine-rich conduit that likely acts as a selectivity filter for the negatively charged alginate polymer. Interestingly, the pore constriction is occluded on either side by extracellular loop L2 and an unusually long periplasmic loop, T8. In halide efflux assays, deletion of loop T8 (ΔT8-AlgE) resulted in a threefold increase in anion flux compared to the wild-type or ΔL2-AlgE supporting the idea that AlgE forms a transport pathway through the membrane and suggesting that transport is regulated by T8. This model is further supported by in vivo experiments showing that complementation of an
algE
deletion mutant with ΔT8-AlgE impairs alginate production. Taken together, these studies support a mechanism for exopolysaccharide export across the outer membrane that is distinct from the Wza-mediated translocation observed in canonical capsular polysaccharide export systems.
Is Interstitial Velocity a Good Predictor of Salmonid Embryo Survival?
Authors: Malcolm I. A. , Youngson A. F. , Soulsby C. , Imholt C. , Fryer R. J.
Published: July 2011

Interstitial velocity within spawning bed substrates is frequently used to predict salmonid embryo survival and often forms the basis of habitat assessment or sediment‐based predictive models. In this study, the relationships between interstitial velocity, hyporheic dissolved oxygen (DO), and survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar embryos were examined in an experimental field study that incorporated natural complexity in the hyporheic environment. Hyporheic DO and interstitial velocity were not clearly related over the observed range of velocities. There was strong evidence of a relationship between survival and DO but only weak evidence of a relationship with interstitial velocity. Conceptual models of hyporheic environmental variation and salmonid embryo survival should include the appropriate range of environmental processes. Given the findings of this study, we suggest that interstitial velocity should not be used to assess or predict spawning habitat quality; direct measurements of DO offer a more defensible approach.
ECRH-assisted plasma start-up with toroidally inclined launch: multi-machine comparison and perspectives for ITER
Authors: Stober J. , Jackson G.L. , Ascasibar E. , Bae Y.-S. , Bucalossi J. , Cappa A. , Casper T. , Cho M.-H. , Gribov Y. , Granucci G. , Hanada K. , Hobirk J. , Hyatt A.W. , Ide S. , Jeong J.-H. , Joung M. , Luce T. , Lunt T. , Namkung W. , Park S.-I. , Politzer P.A. , Schweinzer J. , Sips A.C.C.
Published: July 2011

Electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH)-assisted plasma breakdown is foreseen with full and half magnetic field in ITER. As reported earlier, the corresponding O1- and X2-schemes have been successfully used to assist pre-ionization and breakdown in present-day devices. This contribution reports on common experiments studying the effect of toroidal inclination of the ECR beam, which is ⩾20° in ITER. All devices could demonstrate successful breakdown assistance for this case also, although in some experiments the necessary power was almost a factor of 2 higher compared with perpendicular launch. Differences between the devices with regard to the required power and vertical field are discussed and analysed. In contrast to most of these experiments, ITER will build up loop voltage prior to the formation of the field null due to the strong shielding by the vessel. Possible consequences of this difference are discussed.
RF plasma production and heating below ion-cyclotron frequencies in Uragan torsatrons
Authors: Moiseenko V.E. , Berezhnyj V.L. , Bondarenko V.N. , Burchenko P.Ya. , Castejón F. , Chechkin V.V. , Chernyshenko V.Ya. , Dreval M.B. , Garkusha I.E. , Glazunov G.P. , Grigor'eva L.I. , Hartmann D. , Hidalgo C. , Koch R. , Konovalov V.G. , Kotsubanov V.D. , Kramskoi Ye.D. , Kulaga A.E. , Lozin A.V. , Lyssoivan A.I. , Mironov V.K. , Mysiura I.N. , Pavlichenko R.O. , Pashnev V.K. , Romanov V.S. , Shapoval A.N. , Skibenko A.I. , Slavnyi A.S. , Sorokovoy E.L. , Stadnik Yu.S. , Taran V.S. , Tereshin V.I. , Voitsenya V.S.
Published: July 2011

In the IPP-Kharkiv there are two torsatrons (stellarators) in operation, and in both of them Alfvén resonance heating under high-k
∥ conditions is used. This method of heating is advantageous for small-size devices, since in contrast to the minority and second-harmonic heating it can be realized at lower plasma densities. A series of experiments has been performed at the Uragan-3M torsatron with an aim to investigate the features of the discharge with a three-half-turn antenna. Electron temperatures in the
range are achieved at plasma densities
. The plasma energy content has increased by a factor of 2 with respect to the plasma produced with the frame antenna. A new four-strap shielded antenna has been manufactured and installed in the Uragan-2M. A high-frequency discharge for wall conditioning is introduced in the Uragan-2M torsatron. The discharge is sustained by a specially designed small frame antenna, and efficient hydrogen dissociation is achieved. A self-consistent model has been developed for simulation of plasma production in ICRF. The model includes a set of particle and energy-balance equations for the electrons, and the boundary problem for the Maxwell equations. The first calculation results on RF plasma production in the Uragan-2M stellarator with the frame-type antenna are presented.
Rural–Urban Differences in Childcare Subsidy Use and Employment Stability
Authors: Davis Elizabeth E. , Grobe Deana , Weber Roberta B.
Published: July 2011

Local economic disparities, particularly lower average wages, higher overall unemployment rates and higher poverty rates may lead to rural–urban differences in the use of public programs designed to support working low‐income families. This study analyzes the dynamics of program participation and employment stability for rural and urban families in the Oregon childcare subsidy program. While families' demographic characteristics, employment stability, and participation in work support programs were similar, families in rural noncore counties tended to make less use of public assistance, including childcare subsidies, food stamps and welfare, than did families in metropolitan and micropolitan counties.
Does Agricultural Trade Liberalization Reduce Rural Welfare in Less Developed Countries? The Case of CAFTA
Authors: Taylor J. Edward , Naude Antonio Yúnez , Jesurun‐Clements Nancy
Published: July 2011

Findings from aggregate economy‐wide models suggest that removing tariffs on agricultural imports is detrimental to rural welfare in less developed countries. This paper explores the rural welfare effects of agricultural trade liberalization called for under the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), using a disaggregated rural economy‐wide model nesting a series of agricultural household models. Lower tariffs reduce nominal incomes for nearly all rural household groups in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. However, they also lower consumption costs substantially. The net effect on rural households' welfare is positive in most cases, implying that pre‐CAFTA agricultural protection policies are disadvantageous for most rural household groups.
Transcription Factor GATA‐4 Is Abundantly Expressed in Childhood but Not in Adult Liver Tumors
Authors: Soini Tea , Haveri Hanna , Elo Jenni M. , Kauppinen Marjut , Kyrönlahti Antti , Salo Matti K. , Lohi Jouko , Andersson Leif C. , Wilson David B. , Heikinheimo Markku
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

Transcription factor GATA‐4 is expressed in early fetal liver and essential for organogenesis. It is also implicated in carcinogenesis in several endoderm‐derived organs. Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common malignant pediatric liver tumor, has features of fetal liver including extramedullary hematopoiesis. We investigated the expression of GATA‐4 and its purported target gene erythropoietin (Epo) in liver tumors and the role of GATA‐4 in HB pathogenesis.

Patients and Methods:

Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were used for liver samples from patients with HB or hepatocellular carcinoma. To further investigate the role of GATA‐4 in pediatric liver tumors, we used adenoviral transfections of wild‐type or dominant negative GATA‐4 constructs in the human HB cell line, HUH6.

Results:

We found abundant GATA‐4 expression in both types of liver tumors in children, whereas it was absent in adult hepatocellular carcinoma. A close family member GATA‐6 was expressed in a minority of childhood but not adult liver tumors. Epo, present in the fetal liver, was also expressed in childhood liver tumors. Moreover, cell line HUH6 was GATA‐4 positive and produced Epo. We found that altering the amount of functional GATA‐4 in HUH6 cells did not significantly affect either proliferation or apoptosis.

Conclusions:

GATA‐4 is abundant in pediatric liver tumors, but unraveling its exact role in these neoplasms requires further investigation.
Molecular characterization of the Borrelia burgdorferi in vivo-essential protein PncA
Authors: Jewett Mollie W. , Jain Sunny , Linowski Angelika K. , Sarkar Amit , Rosa Patricia A.
Published: July 2011

The conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid by nicotinamidase enzymes is a critical step in maintaining NAD+ homeostasis and contributes to numerous important biological processes in diverse organisms. In Borrelia burgdorferi, the nicotinamidase enzyme, PncA, is required for spirochaete survival throughout the infectious cycle. Mammals lack nicotinamidases and therefore PncA may serve as a therapeutic target for Lyme disease. Contrary to the in vivo importance of PncA, the current annotation for the pncA ORF suggests that the encoded protein may be inactive due to the absence of an N-terminal aspartic acid residue that is a conserved member of the catalytic triad of characterized PncA proteins. Herein, we have used genetic and biochemical strategies to determine the N-terminal sequence of B. burgdorferi PncA. Our data demonstrate that the PncA protein is 24 aa longer than the currently annotated sequence and that pncA translation is initiated from the rare, non-canonical initiation codon AUU. These findings are an important first step in understanding the catalytic function of this in vivo-essential protein.
Primary outcome indices in illicit drug dependence treatment research: systematic approach to selection and measurement of drug use end‐points in clinical trials
Authors: Donovan Dennis M. , Bigelow George E. , Brigham Gregory S. , Carroll Kathleen M. , Cohen Allan J. , Gardin John G. , Hamilton John A. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Hughes John R. , Lindblad Robert , Marlatt G. Alan , Preston Kenzie L. , Selzer Jeffrey A. , Somoza Eugene C. , Wakim Paul G. , Wells Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2011

Aims  Clinical trials test the safety and efficacy of behavioral and pharmacological interventions in drug‐dependent individuals. However, there is no consensus about the most appropriate outcome(s) to consider in determining treatment efficacy or on the most appropriate methods for assessing selected outcome(s). We summarize the discussion and recommendations of treatment and research experts, convened by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, to select appropriate primary outcomes for drug dependence treatment clinical trials, and in particular the feasibility of selecting a common outcome to be included in all or most trials.

Methods  A brief history of outcomes employed in prior drug dependence treatment research, incorporating perspectives from tobacco and alcohol research, is included. The relative merits and limitations of focusing on drug‐taking behavior, as measured by self‐report and qualitative or quantitative biological markers, are evaluated.

Results  Drug‐taking behavior, measured ideally by a combination of self‐report and biological indicators, is seen as the most appropriate proximal primary outcome in drug dependence treatment clinical trials.

Conclusions  We conclude that the most appropriate outcome will vary as a function of salient variables inherent in the clinical trial, such as the type of intervention, its target, treatment goals (e.g. abstinence or reduction of use) and the perspective being taken (e.g. researcher, clinical program, patient, society). It is recommended that a decision process, based on such trial variables, be developed to guide the selection of primary and secondary outcomes as well as the methods to assess them.
A global analysis of molecular markers and phenotypic traits in local chicken breeds in Taiwan
Authors: Chang C. S. , Chen C. F. , Berthouly‐Salazar C. , Chazara O. , Lee Y. P. , Chang C. M. , Chang K. H. , Bed’Hom B. , Tixier‐Boichard M.
Published: July 2011

Molecular and phenotypic data have been combined to characterize the genetic diversity of six local chicken breeds maintained with a long‐term conservation programme. Hua‐Tung, Hsin‐Yi, Ju‐Chi and Quemoy originated from Taiwan, Shek‐Ki is from South China, and Nagoya is from Japan. Molecular tools included 24 microsatellite markers, melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) (MC1R), the LEI0258 marker located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and mitochondrial DNA. Performance was recorded on the same individuals for body weight, panting rate in summer and antibody response (antigens: Newcastle disease virus and sheep red blood cells). A multivariate method previously proposed for taxonomy was used to combine the different data sets. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) and the MCW330 marker contributed the most to the first axis of the multiple coinertia analysis of molecular markers. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) showed evidence of selection, probably related to its effect on feather colour. The MHC exhibited a large diversity, with 16 alleles of the LEI0258 marker. Immune response traits contributed the most to the principal component analysis of phenotypic data. Eight mitochondrial DNA haplotypes related to clades A, B, C and E were distributed across breeds and revealed an important contribution of Indian and European breeds to Ju‐Chi, Quemoy and Hsin‐Yi. Phenotypic data contributed less than molecular data to the combined analysis, and two markers, LEI0258 and LEI0228, contributed the most. The combined analysis could clearly discriminate all breeds, except Ju‐Chi, which was similar to Quemoy for many criteria, except immune response.
Association studies in QTL regions linked to bovine trypanotolerance in a West African crossbred population
Authors: Dayo G. K. , Gautier M. , Berthier D. , Poivey J. P. , Sidibe I. , Bengaly Z. , Eggen A. , Boichard D. , Thevenon S.
Published: July 2011

African animal trypanosomosis is a parasitic blood disease transmitted by tsetse flies and is widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa. West African taurine breeds have the ability, known as trypanotolerance, to limit parasitaemia and anaemia and remain productive in enzootic areas. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying traits related to trypanotolerance have been identified in an experimentally infected F2 population resulting from a cross between taurine and zebu cattle. Although this information is highly valuable, the QTL remain to be confirmed in populations subjected to natural conditions of infection, and the corresponding regions need to be refined. In our study, 360 West African cattle were phenotyped for the packed cell volume control under natural conditions of infection in south‐western Burkina Faso. Phenotypes were assessed by analysing data from previous cattle monitored over 2 years in an area enzootic for trypanosomosis. We further genotyped for 64 microsatellite markers mapping within four previously reported QTL on BTA02, BTA04, BTA07 and BTA13. These data enabled us to estimate the heritability of the phenotype using the kinship matrix between individuals computed from genotyping data. Thus, depending on the estimators considered and the method used, the heritability of anaemia control ranged from 0.09 to 0.22. Finally, an analysis of association identified an allele of the MNB42 marker on BTA04 as being strongly associated with anaemia control, and a candidate gene, INHBA, as being close to that marker.
SNP identification and polymorphism analysis in exon 2 of the horse myostatin gene
Authors: Baron E. E. , Lopes M. S. , Mendonça D. , da Câmara Machado A.
Published: July 2011

The myostatin gene (MSTN) belongs to the TGF‐β superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors and is responsible for embryonic and adult skeletal muscle development. In this study, exon 2 of the MSTN gene, which encodes part of the TGF‐β pro‐peptide, was sequenced in 332 horses of 20 different breeds and compared with the horse MSTN gene sequence deposited in GenBank. The sequences obtained revealed the presence of 11 haplotypes represented by 10 variable nucleotide mutations, eight of them corresponding to amino acid sequence changes. This gene shows a high variability when compared with other genes. This might be an indication that some breeds have the same ancestry but different pressures of selection.
Hypoplastic root cementum and premature loss of primary teeth in Coffin–Lowry syndrome: a case report
Authors: NORDERYD JOHANNA , ARONSSON JOHAN
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 154–156

Background.  Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare genetic disorder. The syndrome presents with psychomotor retardation, short stature, skeletal deformations, digit abnormalities, and distinctive facial features. Oral and dental findings in CLS are common and they include thick prominent lips, high palate, midline lingual furrow, hypodontia, microdontia, delayed eruption, and early tooth loss. Only one earlier case suggesting hypoplastic root cementum as cause for primary loss of teeth in CLS has been published.

Case Report.  This case describes a 3‐year‐old boy with premature loss of primary incisors without preceding root resorption. In addition to the dental findings, the boy had several general signs and symptoms and the dental findings together with the other characteristics led to the clinical diagnosis of CLS, which later was genetically verified. Histological analysis of an extracted primary incisor showed hypoplastic root cementum.

Conclusion.  Hypoplastic root cementum may explain early tooth loss in CLS. As early loss of primary teeth is rare, especially when there is no previous root resorption, the individual is likely to seek dental care. Thus, the dentist may play an important role in assisting in the diagnosing of CLS.
The tumour necrosis factor‐α‐238A allele increases the risk of chronic HBV infection in European populations
Authors: Zheng M.‐H. , Xiao D.‐D. , Lin X.‐F. , Wu S.‐J. , Peng M.‐M. , Yu X.‐Y. , Liu W.‐Y. , Li L.‐F. , Shi K.‐Q. , Fan Y.‐C. , Chen Y.‐P.
Published: July 2011

Summary.  Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) plays a pivotal role in viral clearance and host immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, of which the production capacity in individuals is demonstrated to be influenced by a single nucleotide polymorphism within the promoter region of TNF‐α genes. However, there have been conflicting results reported in previous studies on TNF‐α‐238 and TNF‐α‐863 gene promoter polymorphisms in chronic HBV infection. To derive a more precise estimation of their relationship, we searched Pubmed (January, 1966–August, 2010) and China Biological Medicine Database (January, 1978–August, 2010) and carried out a meta‐analysis involving nineteen studies that included 5245 chronic HBV infection cases and 3181 controls describing G238A genotypes, and eleven studies totalling 3576 cases and 2044 controls describing C863A genotypes. The overall meta‐analysis did not suggest significant associations of TNF‐α‐238 and TNF‐α‐863 gene promoter polymorphisms with chronic HBV infection. However, in subgroup analysis by ethnicity, it indicated that TNF‐α‐238A allele carriers (GA + AA) in European populations had an increased risk of developing chronic HBV infection (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.07–4.58, P = 0.032; OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 1.75–11.38, P = 0.002, respectively), when compared with spontaneous recovered and healthy populations, respectively. However, no significant associations were found in Asian populations in all genetic models. So, we draw the conclusion that the TNF‐α‐238A allele may increase the risk of chronic HBV infection in European populations.
Effects of temperature and diet on development and interspecies competition in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Authors: FARJANA T. , TUNO N. , HIGA Y.
Published: July 2011

We asked whether climate change might affect the geographic distributions of Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae). We tested the effects of temperature, diet and the presence of congeneric species on the performance of immature stages of these two aedine species in the laboratory. Mosquitoes in three different species‐density combinations were reared at four constant temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C) on low‐ or high‐level diets. Of the four temperatures tested, mortality increased only at 35 °C in both species. Mortality was higher on the high‐level diet than on the low‐level diet at 35 °C, but not at other temperatures. The presence of congeneric species had a significant positive effect on mortality in Ae. albopictus, but not in Ae. aegypti. Both species developed more quickly at higher temperatures within the range of 20–30 °C; development was not enhanced at 35 °C. Population growth of Ae. albopictus was more stable, regardless of diet and temperature; that of Ae. aegypti varied more according to these two factors. These species‐specific attributes may help to explain the latitudinal distribution of the mosquitoes and degree of species dominance where they are sympatric.
Nepetalactones from essential oil of Nepeta cataria represent a stable fly feeding and oviposition repellent
Authors: ZHU J. J. , BERKEBILE D. R. , DUNLAP C. A. , ZHANG A. , BOXLER D. , TANGTRAKULWANICH K. , BEHLE R. W. , BAXENDALE F. , BREWER G.
Published: July 2011

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most serious pests to livestock. It feeds mainly on cattle and causes significant economic losses in the cattle industry. Standard stable fly control involving insecticides and sanitation is usually costly and often has limited effectiveness. As we continue to evaluate and develop safer fly control strategies, the present study reports on the effectiveness of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) oil and its constituent compounds, nepetalactones, as stable fly repellents. The essential oil of catnip reduced the feeding of stable flies by >96% in an in vitro bioassay system, compared with other sesquiterpene‐rich plant oils (e.g. amyris and sandalwood). Catnip oil demonstrated strong repellency against stable flies relative to other chemicals for repelling biting insects, including isolongifolenone, 2‐methylpiperidinyl‐3‐cyclohexen‐1‐carboxamide and (1S,2′S)‐2‐methylpiperidinyl‐3‐cyclohexen‐1‐carboxamide. The repellency against stable flies of the most commonly used mosquito repellent, DEET, was relatively low. In field trials, two formulations of catnip oil provided >95% protection and were effective for up to 6 h when tested on cattle. Catnip oil also acted as a strong oviposition repellent and reduced gravid stable fly oviposition by 98%.
Expression of heat shock proteins and subolesin affects stress responses,Anaplasma phagocytophiluminfection and questing behaviour in the tick,Ixodes scapularis
Authors: BUSBY A. T. , AYLLÓN N. , KOCAN K. M. , BLOUIN E. F. , DE LA FUENTE G. , GALINDO R. C. , VILLAR M. , DE LA FUENTE J.
Published: July 2011

We characterized the effects of subolesin and heat shock protein (HSP) expression onIxodes scapularisSay (Acari: Ixodidae) stress responses to heat shock and feeding, questing behaviour andAnaplasma phagocytophilum(Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) infection. Ticks and cultured tick cells were analysed before and after subolesin,hsp20andhsp70gene knock‐down by RNA interference. The results of these studies confirm that HSPs are involved in the tick cell response to heat stress and that subolesin and HSPs are both involved in the tick response to blood‐feeding stress andA. phagocytophiluminfection. Subolesin andhsp20are involved in the tick protective response toA. phagocytophiluminfection andhsp70expression may be manipulated by the pathogen to increase infectivity. Importantly, these results demonstrate that subolesin,hsp20andhsp70expression also affect tick questing behaviour. Overall, this research demonstrates a relationship betweenhspand subolesin expression and tick stress responses to heat shock and blood feeding,A. phagocytophiluminfection and questing behaviour, thereby extending our understanding of the tick–host–pathogen interface.
Differential transcriptome analyses of three wheat genotypes reveal different host response pathways associated with Fusarium head blight and trichothecene resistance
Authors: Foroud N. A. , Ouellet T. , Laroche A. , Oosterveen B. , Jordan M. C. , Ellis B. E. , Eudes F.
Published: July 2011

Fusarium head blight is a disease of cereal crops caused by a group of trichothecene‐producing Fusarium species. In the current study, three wheat genotypes with cv. Superb pedigree were evaluated for their ability to activate different defence‐response pathways when exposed to one of three elicitors: (i) trichothecene‐producing and (ii) non‐producing F. graminearum strains, and (iii) the trichothecene toxin deoxynivalenol. Spikelets distal to the inoculation point were harvested at multiple time points in order to identify systemic temporal changes in transcript accumulation associated with resistance. Distinct differences were observed between the resistant genotypes and cv. Superb, as well as between the two resistant genotypes. The current data suggest that different molecular mechanisms exist not only between susceptibility and resistance responses, but between different forms of genetic resistance. It is proposed that Type 1 resistance in one of the resistant double haploid lines evaluated here involves a combination of structural features that slow fungal penetration and activation of a systemic response in uninfected tissues adjacent to the site of infection to prevent or minimize secondary infection; in contrast, Type 2 resistance is more likely a form of local resistance.
Germination, survival and growth of three vascular plants on biological soil crusts from a Mexican tropical desert
Authors: Godínez‐Alvarez H. , Morín C. , Rivera‐Aguilar V.
Published: July 2011

Information about the effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on germination, seedling survival and growth of vascular plants is controversial because they can have positive, neutral or negative effects. This controversy may be because most studies conducted until now have just analysed one or two recruitment stages independently. To understand the BSC effects on vascular plants, it is necessary to consider each stage of the recruitment process and synthesise all this information. The goal of this study was twofold. First, we analyse germination, seedling survival and growth of three vascular plants (Agave marmorata, Prosopis laevigata and Neobuxbaumia tetetzo) on BSC (cyanobacteria and mixed crust) from a tropical desert region of south‐central México. Second, we synthesise the information to determine the total effect of BSC on plant species performance. We conducted experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate the proportion of germinated seeds, proportion of surviving seedlings and seedling dry weight in BSC and bare soil. Results showed that BSC have different effects on germination, seedling survival and growth of plant species. Plant species performance was qualitatively higher on BSC than bare soil. The highest performance of A. marmorata and P. laevigata was observed on cyanobacteria and mixed crusts, respectively. The highest performance of N. tetetzo was on both crust types.
Energy‐Related Behaviors in Office Buildings: A Qualitative Study on Individual and Organisational Determinants
Authors: Lo Siu Hing , Peters Gjalt‐Jorn Y. , Kok Gerjo
Published: July 2011

An analysis of individual and organisational determinants of energy‐related behaviors in office buildings and the interplay between the two is presented. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with office workers from four organisations in two Dutch provinces. The results indicate that, overall, work efficiency and productivity was prioritised over energy conservation. In general, self‐efficacy was the most salient individual determinant, and social norm the least discussed determinant of current office energy‐related behaviors. Nevertheless, both self‐efficacy and social norm elements were encountered in employees' proposed strategies to achieve future office energy‐saving. Formal and informal aspects of the organisational context were found to equally affect individual determinants and their related behaviors. Facility managers' and general office workers' views differed in a few but important ways. Interorganisational comparisons showed that differences in organisational foci were linked to the relative salience of normative, gain, and hedonic motivations.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN MINING PRODUCTS
Authors: Davis Graham A. , Vásquez Cordano Arturo L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract The increase in mineral price volatility since 1970 and worries about the impact of rapidly growing mineral exports on the economic growth of developing countries have created recent interest in mineral trade flows and policies. This paper provides a review of current thinking on the economics of international trade in mining products. Despite mining products’ importance in early formulations of trade theory, there have been relatively few studies that have specifically examined mining product trade flows. The limited evidence that exists supports the idea that factor endowment differences explain much mining product trade. There is some apparent South–South and intra‐industry trade in mining products, but we find no need to resort to the ‘new trade theory’ to explain this. Given worries of substandard growth and development in mining‐based economies, trade policies have been used to try to accelerate the movement towards resource‐based manufacturing. In the light of recent evidence that mining product exporters have not suffered in the long‐run from mining activity, these policies are likely to have been unwarranted. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that the more closed mining economies have had faster growth than the open mining economies, reflecting correction of a political economy trap that causes open mining economies to under‐invest in education.
THE FUND‐FLOW APPROACH: A CRITICAL SURVEY
Authors: Marzetti Giuseppe Vittucci
Published: July 2011

The fund‐flow approach to production theory was proposed by Nicholas Georgescu‐Roegen almost half a century ago and it provides a description of production as a process unfolding in time and entailing a temporal coordination between different elements. Despite the initial interest, the approach has seldom received attention by mainstream economists and it is not yet well known. The paper critically surveys Georgescu‐Roegen's model, together with: (i) the later developments and modifications; (ii) the recent criticisms focused on its limitations due to the instrumental assumption of constant efficiency for funds. The paper concludes by discussing the limits and comparative merits and suggesting possible applications.
A Theory of Financial Liberalisation: Why are Developing Countries so Reluctant?
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Dong Baomin
Published: July 2011

This study treats capital flows as risky growth opportunities for both investing and host countries in a standard mean‐variance model. Differing optimal trade‐offs between growth and volatility on both sides of capital flows are examined on the basis of their different attitudes towards destabilising risk, different considerations of capital market openness and different levels of financial sector development. It is established that growth and volatility may have a positive or negative relationship in theory, but in practice, they are correlated negatively with each other. This negative correlation is significantly non‐linear after some normalisation and holds persistently not only for developing but also for developed countries. The study shows that one side’s push for financial liberalisation may come across the other side’s resistance to it. This conflict of interest can be resolved via negotiations for a compromise equilibrium at which both sides’ optimal trade‐offs are made internationally compatible.
On China’s Domestic Capital Mobility and the Role of the Government: Empirical Evidence Over 1970–2006
Authors: Chan K. S. , Dang V. Q. T. , Jiang M. , Yan Isabel K. M.
Published: July 2011

This article investigates capital mobility across 29 provinces in China for the period of 1970–2006 using the Feldstein–Horioka (FH) approach and Campbell and Mankiw’s consumption‐smoothing (CS) framework. It also examines the role of the governments in driving provincial capital mobility. If the provincial government investment is not properly separated out from the private investment, the FH framework applied to the overall saving and investment (private plus public) is found to underestimate the private saving–investment correlation and hence overstates the degree of private capital mobility compared with the CS framework that focuses on the private consumption and output. Both frameworks indicate strong correlation between private saving–investment and private consumption–output, implying strong barriers in the provincial private capital flows. However, there is ample evidence that capital mobility has been rising over time, particularly after the mid 1990s. It also appears that the government facilitates capital flows through inter‐governmental transfers during the sample period. The extent of provincial capital mobility sheds light on the ability of different provinces in diversifying idiosyncratic provincial risks. The earlier findings are robust to alternative measurements of variables and model specifications.
The frequency of wars1
Authors: HARRISON MARK , WOLF NIKOLAUS
Published: July 2011

Wars are increasingly frequent, and the trend has been steadily upward since 1870. The main tradition of western political and philosophical thought suggests that extensive economic globalization and democratization over this period should have reduced appetites for war far below their current level. This view is clearly incomplete: at best, confounding factors are at work. Here, we explore the capacity to wage war. Most fundamentally, the growing number of sovereign states has been closely associated with the spread of democracy and increasing commercial openness, as well as the number of bilateral conflicts. Trade and democracy are traditionally thought of as goods, both in themselves, and because they reduce the willingness to go to war, given the national capacity to do so, but the same factors may also have been increasing the capacity for war, and thus its frequency.
IDENTIFICATION OF STONE BLOCKS USED FOR THE BUILDING OF THETHYSDRUSANDTHAPSUSAMPHITHEATRES IN TUNISIA
Authors: YOUNES A. , GAIED M. E. , GALLALA W.
Published: July 2011

In Tunisia, the largest amphitheatre (known as the Coliseum) atThysdrus(El Djem), with some parts of the second amphitheatre, and theThapsusamphitheatre have been built with squared stone blocks (opus quadratum). The petrographic and geotechnical analyses of the samples taken from the amphitheatre blocks show that these blocks belong to the Tyrrhenian and to the Mio‐Pliocene age. Ancient quarries have been found on the Tyrrhenian dune line between Hiboun and Al Alya, at a distance of 30 km fromThysdrus, from which the Tyrrhenian blocks have been extracted. Concerning the Mio‐Pliocene blocks, they have most likely been cut from just one ancient quarry found in the hill of Ksour Essaf. The height of almost all of the measured blocks from theThysdrusColiseum is equal to the Punic cubit used at Carthage (50 cm), and the height of the measured blocks from theThapsusamphitheatre is also equal to the Punic cubit (50 cm), or very close to the Roman cubit (45 cm).
THE MEASUREMENT OF INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY: THEORY AND AN APPLICATION TO LATIN AMERICA
Authors: FERREIRA FRANCISCO H. G. , GIGNOUX JÉRÉMIE
Published: July 2011

Building on the existing literature, this paper constructs a simple scalar measure of inequality of opportunity and applies it to six Latin American countries. The measure—which captures between‐group inequality when groups are defined exclusively on the basis of predetermined circumstances—is shown to yield a lower‐bound estimate of true inequality of opportunity. Absolute and relative versions of the index are defined, and alternative parametric and non‐parametric methods are employed to generate robust estimates. In the application to Latin America, we find inequality of opportunity shares ranging from one quarter to one half of total consumption inequality. An opportunity‐deprivation profile that identifies the worst‐off types in each society is also formally defined, and described for the same six countries. In three of them, 100 percent of the opportunity‐deprived were found to be indigenous or Afro‐descendants.
The APN role in holistic assessment and integration of spiritual assessment for advance care planning
Authors: Chrash Melany , Mulich Barbara , Patton Carol M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Provide advanced practice nurses (APNs) with tools and guidance on spiritual assessment for advance care planning(ACP); to review the literature on the connectedness between spiritual assessment and ACP; and to discuss implications for the APN in application of these concepts with a case study.

Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles.

Conclusions: There is a disconnect between what patients have expressed as their wishes regarding end‐of‐life care (EOLC) and what occurs. Spiritual beliefs and values impact patients' and families' decisions regarding EOLC, but if not discussed in advance, most wishes, especially dying at home, do not occur.

Implications for practice: Incorporating spiritual assessment in a holistic assessment, it is possible to assist patients and families prior to crisis in sorting out patients' wishes with respect to EOLC during clinic visits. With the use of a simple mnemonic to guide spiritual assessment, the APN can bridge the gap between what the patient wants and what care is received at end of life.