bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellagic Acid‐Induced Endothelium‐Dependent and Endothelium‐Independent Vasorelaxation in Rat Thoracic Aortic Rings and the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Yılmaz Bedriniam , Usta Coskun
Published: May 2012

The present study first investigated the mechanisms of vasorelaxation induced by ellagic acid (EA), which is one of the major compounds extracted from the pomegranate in the rat thoracic aorta. Male Wistar rats aged 10 to12 weeks weighing 250–350 g were used for the present study. The animals were killed by decapitation, and thoracic aortas were immediately excised and placed in Krebs solutions, cleaned, and freed from surrounding connective tissue. The isolated arteries were cut into rings (4‐ to 5‐mm long) and placed in 20‐mL tissue chambers filled with Krebs solution. Initially, the aortic rings were equilibrated for 60 min until a resting tension of 1.0 gr. After the equilibration period, aortic rings were firstly contracted with phenylephrine to increase tone. Once a stable contraction was achieved, EA (10−8 to 10−4 M) was added cumulatively on aortic rings with or without endothelium into organ bath. To characterize the mechanisms involved in EA‐induced vasorelaxant effect, the aortic rings were incubated with each inhibitor added to the bath for 30 min before phenylephrine was added to increase tone. The results of the present study have demonstrated in the rat thoracic aorta that EA causes vasorelaxations, which are partly modulated via endothelium‐dependent mechanisms and through inhibition of calcium influx. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Food–drug Interaction of Guava Leaf Tea
Authors: Kaneko Kimiyuki , Suzuki Katsuya , Iwadate‐Iwata Emi , Kato Ikuo , Uchida Kazumi , Onoue Masaharu
Published: May 2012

Guava leaf tea (GLT) contains guava leaf polyphenol (Gvpp), which regulates the absorption of dietary carbohydrate from the intestines. Borderline diabetics, who are at high risk of development of diabetes, take GLT to suppress a rapid increase of blood sugar level after meals. However, patients with diabetes in whom diabetic drugs or warfarin as a blood thinner are prescribed also take GLT with the expectation of glycemic control. Therefore, we studied whether GLT had potential for inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and an influence on the action of warfarin. Extract of guava leaf (GvEx) consists of carbohydrate and polyphenols, which are Gvpp, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These polyphenols, but not GvEx, showed a certain level of inhibition of human‐cDNA‐expressed CYPs. In a comparison of GLT and grapefruit juice, GLT showed weaker inhibition of CYP activities and of midazolam 1′‐hydroxylation than grapefruit juice. Furthermore, neither liver weight nor CYP3A expression in the liver was changed in rats that received GvEx for 90 days compared with the control group. When rats were concomitantly treated with GLT and warfarin, the prolongation of clotting time of blood by warfarin was not influenced. These data suggest that GLT is unlikely to interact with drugs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent developments with live‐attenuated recombinant paramyxovirus vaccines
Authors: Bayon Jean‐Christophe Le , Lina Bruno , Rosa‐Calatrava Manuel , Boivin Guy
Published: May 2012

There is no vaccine currently approved for paramyxovirus‐induced respiratory diseases in humans, despite their major clinical importance. We review the development and evaluation of new vaccine strategies based on live‐attenuated chimeric and recombinant vaccines against human respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and human parainfluenza viruses types 1 to 3, which are significant causes of upper and lower tract respiratory diseases. Most promising strategies are based on virus attenuation through (i) mutations in key genes involved in replication; (ii) deletion of accessory genes; or (iii) the use of a corresponding animal viral vector, such as bovine parainfluenza type 3 and Sendai virus, as a background for the expression of a viral glycoprotein. Indeed, the fusion (F), or attachment (HN/H/G) glycoproteins are the most immunogenic antigens in paramyxoviruses. For each strategy, we will review the immunogenicity (increase in neutralising antibody titres) and the protection conferred by the most promising recombinant vectored vaccines and list ongoing clinical trials. We will conclude by discussing the most important challenges regarding the introduction of such vaccines into immunisation programmes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EROSION OF RIVER SANDBARS BY DIURNAL STAGE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE COLORADO RIVER IN THE MARBLE AND GRAND CANYONS: FULL‐SCALE LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Alvarez L. V. , Schmeeckle M. W.
Published: May 2012

This research examines the mass failure and seepage erosion of sandbars due to rapid fluctuations in river stage using a full‐scale laboratory model. Hydroelectric dams operated to provide electricity at peak demand produce rapid river stage fluctuations. During decreasing river stage, the groundwater table becomes higher than the river stage, increasing pore water pressures and exfiltrating groundwater. This can cause seepage erosion and mass failures in the banks and bars. In the Colorado River in the Marble and Grand Canyons, maximal downramp and upramp rates have been imposed on the Glen Canyon Dam operations. Our experiments research the efficacy of these discharge ramp rate restrictions to reduce sandbar erosion. The laboratory model consists of a two‐dimensional sandbar face (8 m long, 2.5 m high and 0.5 m wide). Multiple experiments were conducted in a range of slopes, varying from 12° to 26°. An analysis of historical and current ramp rates at 47 locations along the river provided the basis of laboratory downramp rates in the range from 0.1 to 0.6 m h−1. Results show that bank stability is reached at a slope of approximately 14°. The erosion of intermediate slopes (18° – 22°) is controlled by seepage erosion, whereas the erosion of steep slopes (26°) is governed by mass failures. Erosion rates per diurnal cycle do not depend on ramp rates, but they increase with sandbar steepness. Therefore, steep sandbar faces would rapidly erode by mass failure and seepage erosion to shallower stable slopes in the absence of other erosion processes, regardless of dam discharge ramp rates. Our experiments only address seepage erosion and mass failure; increasing the daily magnitude and/or duration of peak discharge may increase the erosion of bars by turbulent sediment transport. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neutral cesium deposition prior to SIMS depth profiling ‐ preliminary results on organic samples
Authors: Bendler B. , Philipp P. , Wirtz T.
Published: May 2012

In SIMS, the emission of negative secondary ions is strongly enhanced by the introduction of electropositive elements into the system. In our group, we have extensively studied SIMS analyses either performed with simultaneous cesium (Cs) deposition or with Cs deposition prior to the analysis. These studies were mainly performed on inorganic samples, focusing both on steady‐state and pre‐equilibrium conditions. The interest of Cs deposition prior to the SIMS analysis has been presented for inorganic as well as organic samples on the Cameca Sc‐Ultra and NanoSIMS50 instruments. The present work has been carried out on different organic samples including PTCDA and C60, which were covered with a layer of Cs prior to SIMS analysis. The diffusion of Cs into the sample as well as the change in emission of positive and negative secondary ions have been monitored by SIMS depth profiling by using Cs+ primary ions. Furthermore, the effect of air exposure on the obtained results has been investigated. The study on the same organic samples is completed by Cs deposition performed simultaneously to primary ion bombardment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Depression, Fatigue and Disability on Quality of Life in Chinese Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chen Kelong , Fan Yongping , Hu Rui , Yang Tao , Li Kangning
Published: May 2012

The aim of this work is to investigate and analyze the main factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The QOL (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale), disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale), fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory) were assessed in 100 MS patients. Correlation analysis shows that QOL is positively correlated with disability status, fatigue and depression, i.e. the more severe the disability, fatigue and depression, the worse the QOL. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Expanded Disability Status Scale grade and fatigue have important predictive value on the somatic QOL of MS patients. On the other hand, depression and fatigue have important predictive value on the mental QOL of MS patients. The QOL of MS patients is influenced by various factors, nursing care that focuses on patient disability, fatigue and depression should be strengthened. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Controls Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Therapeutic Effect Through MMP9 Signaling: Role in Physiological and Pathological Wound Healing
Authors: Ebrahimian Teni G. , Squiban Claire , Roque Telma , Lugo-Martinez Haydee , Hneino Mohamad , Buard Valerie , Gourmelon Patrick , Benderitter Marc , Milliat Fabien , Tamarat Radia
Published: May 2012

We assessed the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in wound healing process and in the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC)-related effects on physiological and pathological wound healing. A full thickness excision wound was created by removal of the skin on the midback of irradiated and nonirradiated animals. Angiogenesis and re-epithelialization were markedly increased in PAI-1−/− mice compared to wild-type (WT) animals. We revealed high MMP activity in tissue of PAI-1−/− animals. Of interest, the wound healing process was reduced in PAI-1−/−:MMP9−/− animals compared to PAI-1−/− mice, suggesting a key role of MMP9 in beneficial effect of PAI-1 deficiency on wound closure. To unravel the role of PAI-1 in BMMNC relative effects, mice were treated with or without local injection of BMMNC isolated from WT, PAI-1−/−, and PAI-1−/−: MMP9−/− animals for 14 days (106 cells, n = 6 per group). In WT nonirradiated mice, transplantation of BMMNC isolated from PAI-1−/− animals enhanced wound formation when compared with WT BMMNC. BMMNC differentiation into cells with endothelial phenotype was enhanced by PAI-1 deficiency. These effects were abrogated in PAI-1−/−:MMP9−/− and MMP9−/− BMMNC. In addition, using chimeric mice, we demonstrated that PAI-1 deficiency environment increased the BMMNC-GFP recruitment to the wound site, whereas this effect was abrogated when using PAI-1−/−:MMP9−/− BMMNC. PAI-1 deficiency, at least through MMP9 upregulation, enhanced wound healing and BMMNC therapeutic potential in irradiated and nonirradiated animals.
Discrepancies in atomic shell and fluorescent X‐ray energies in the Evaluated Photon Data Library EPDL97
Authors: Roach Greg , Tickner James , Haarlem Yves Van
Published: May 2012

There are significant differences between the atomic orbital energies listed in the evaluated photon data library EPDL97 and values published elsewhere. In particular, comparisons with the values adopted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) show discrepancies up to several hundred electron volts. Although the uncertainties in the EPDL97 atomic orbital energies were recognised by the original authors, the library has subsequently been widely adopted as a primary source of photon transport and atomic relaxation data. We compare experimentally measured X‐ray fluorescence spectra with fits using the EPDL97 and NIST line energies. Our results strongly favour the NIST energies for K‐shell and L‐shell fluorescent X‐rays and show that the EPDL97 atomic orbital energy values should not be used for applications, such as X‐ray fluorescence, where atomic relaxation phenomena are important. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 3D Water Network Confined in 3D Pure Inorganic Framework Constructed by [SiW12O40]4– and Potassium Ions
Authors: Xu Ke‐Ming , Liu Yong‐Jian , Liu Hong‐Sheng
Published: May 2012

A novel protonated cage (H2O)19 cluster was observed as guest in the compound K3H[SiW12O40]·19H2O (1). The dodecatungstosilicates are linked into a three‐dimensional (3D) host framework by potassium cations. The cage (H2O)19 cluster with Oh symmetry is confined to the cavities of the host framework, and their growing and repetitive arrangement leads to the construction of a 3D water network. The removal/re‐adsorption of water molecules and the stability of the host frameworks were confirmed by IR spectroscopy, TGA/DTA and XRPD.
Holography and ARPES sum-rules
Authors: Gürsoy Umut , Plauschinn Erik , Stoof Henk , Vandoren Stefan
Published: May 2012

Abstract

We study correlation functions of elementary fermions in strongly interacting field theories using the AdS/CFT correspondence. This correspondence generically associates bulk fields to composite operators in field theory. We modify the holographic prescription in order to obtain correlators that correspond to fermonic single-particle excitations by introducing a dynamical fermionic source localized on a UV brane in a holographic background. We work out the conditions when these correlators obey the zeroth frequency sum-rule satisfied by angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES) and are thus directly relevant to the AdS/CMT correspondence. To illustrate our techniques, we study field theories at zero chemical potential with an arbitrary dynamical exponent z, i.e., the Lifshitz invariant conformal field theories, including the usual relativistic case z = 1.
Towards an understanding of the causes and effects of software requirements change: two case studies
Authors: McGee Sharon , Greer Des
Published: May 2012

Changes to software requirements not only pose a risk to the successful delivery of software applications but also provide opportunity for improved usability and value. Increased understanding of the causes and consequences of change can support requirements management and also make progress towards the goal of change anticipation. This paper presents the results of two case studies that address objectives arising from that ultimate goal. The first case study evaluated the potential of a change source taxonomy containing the elements ‘market’, ‘organisation’, ‘vision’, ‘specification’, and ‘solution’ to provide a meaningful basis for change classification and measurement. The second case study investigated whether the requirements attributes of novelty, complexity, and dependency correlated with requirements volatility. While insufficiency of data in the first case study precluded an investigation of changes arising due to the change source of ‘market’, for the remainder of the change sources, results indicate a significant difference in cost, value to the customer and management considerations. Findings show that higher cost and value changes arose more often from ‘organisation’ and ‘vision’ sources; these changes also generally involved the co-operation of more stakeholder groups and were considered to be less controllable than changes arising from the ‘specification’ or ‘solution’ sources. Results from the second case study indicate that only ‘requirements dependency’ is consistently correlated with volatility and that changes coming from each change source affect different groups of requirements. We conclude that the taxonomy can provide a meaningful means of change classification, but that a single requirement attribute is insufficient for change prediction. A theoretical causal account of requirements change is drawn from the implications of the combined results of the two case studies.
The procedural epistemic value of deliberation
Authors: Peter Fabienne
Published: May 2012

Collective deliberation is fuelled by disagreements and its epistemic value depends, inter alia, on how the participants respond to each other in disagreements. I use this accountability thesis to argue that deliberation may be valued not just instrumentally but also for its procedural features. The instrumental epistemic value of deliberation depends on whether it leads to more or less accurate beliefs among the participants. The procedural epistemic value of deliberation hinges on the relationships of mutual accountability that characterize appropriately conducted deliberation. I will argue that it only comes into view from the second-person standpoint. I shall explain what the second-person standpoint in the epistemic context entails and how it compares to Stephen Darwall’s interpretation of the second-person standpoint in ethics.
Temporary Integration, Resilient Inequality: Race and Neighborhood Change in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Sharkey Patrick
Published: May 2012

This article focuses on neighborhood and geographic change arising with the first “selection” of an independent residential setting: the transition out of the family home. Data from two sources—the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics—are used to provide complementary analyses of trajectories of change in geographic location and neighborhood racial and economic composition during young adulthood. Findings indicate that for young adults who originate in segregated urban areas and remain in such areas, the period of young adulthood is characterized by continuity in neighborhood conditions and persistent racial inequality from childhood to adulthood. For young adults who exit highly segregated urban areas, this period is characterized by a substantial leveling of racial inequality, with African Americans moving into less-poor, less-segregated neighborhoods. However, the trend toward racial equality in young adulthood is temporary, as the gaps between whites and blacks grow as the young adults move further into adulthood. Crucial to the reemergence of racial inequality in neighborhood environments is the process of “unselected” change, or change in neighborhood conditions that occurs around young adults after they move to a new neighborhood environment.
Effects of enriched environment in spatial learning and memory of immature rats submitted to early undernourish and seizures
Authors: Simão Fabrício , Porto Juliana Antola , Nunes Magda Lahorgue
Published: May 2012

We recently reported that early undernourishment and seizures to the rat brain resulted in morphological changes and progressive learning and memory disability, which started at around 6 week later and is representative of human adolescence. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether enriched environmental can recovery this slowly progressing deficits in early undernourished and in two different models for seizures. Undernourished groups were maintained on a nutritional deprivation regimen from post‐natal day 2 (P2) to P15. From P8 to P10, recurrent seizures (RS) groups were exposed to three seizures per day, while status epilepticus (SE) groups experienced status epilepticus at P16, both induced by flurothyl. Next, animals were exposed to enriched environment between P30 and P60. Beginning at P61, all groups were trained and tested in the Morris water maze (MWM). Enriched environment led to a significant benefit in learning and retention of visual‐spatial memory, being able to reverse the cognitive impairment generated by undernourishment and SE.
An Investigation on Karman-type Vortex Shedding from a Finite Square Cylinder
Authors: Lee H.-H. , Miau J.-J.
Published: May 2012

The phenomenon of Karman-type vortex shedding from finite square cylinders of the aspect ratios 2, 4 and 6 at Reynolds number of 1.9 × 105 were examined with the employment of a three-component force balance to measure the aerodynamic forces. The signals of the lateral force measured were first analyzed by the HHT (Hilbert-Huang Transformation) together with a conditional sampling technique for identifying the time periods during which the vortex shedding frequency component was prominent. Meanwhile, the force measured in the vertical direction was analyzed by the same procedure to identify the events of pronounced unsteady downwash motion induced by the flow over the finite end of the model. Therefore, the unsteady flow motions around a finite cylinder model could be categorized into four patterns. Namely, the patterns 11 and 10 denote the situations of pronounced Karman-type vortex shedding with and without strong downwash motion, respectively; and the patterns 01 and 00 denote the situations of no pronounced vortex shedding with and without strong downwash motion, respectively. The results obtained show that the pattern 00 occupied more than 60% of the time sampled, apparently dominant over the other three patterns, whereas the second popular pattern 10 (Karman type vortex shedding) occupied no more than 30% of the time sampled. Further experiments were made for the square cylinder of the aspect ratio 6, with a hot-wire situated near either side of the cylinder. By analyzing the unsteady lateral forces experienced by the cylinder and the hot-wire velocity data with the data reduction scheme employed, it is unveiled that the Karman-type vortex shedding induced an anti-symmetric, unsteady flow motion around the cylinder, although this component was not the dominant one. On the other hand, it is found that a large portion of the fluctuating energy was resided in the low-frequency component featuring a symmetric unsteady flow motion around the cylinder. This finding further supports the earlier observation that the flow pattern 00 is most commonly seen in the unsteady flow motions around a finite square cylinder.
An Innovative Tool to Measure Human Skin Strain Distribution in Vivo using Motion Capture and Delaunay Mesh
Authors: Mahmud J. , Evans S. L. , Holt C. A.
Published: May 2012

Skin has a complex structure and its deformation mechanics is still not well defined. In the study of skin biomechanics, the stretch ratio, λ, is an important property, which is determined using strain data. This paper attempts to develop a novel tool by integrating experimental-numerical approach to measure full-field strain distribution of human skin in vivo. Skin deformation in vivo was measured using motion capture system, (which is not a full-field measuring tool) and then by constructing finite elements, its full-field strain contour is produced. The experimental procedure starts by attaching a set of reflective markers onto the skin at the forearm of healthy volunteers. Skin deformation is induced by pulling a nylon filament attached with a loading tab. Three infrared cameras are used to capture the movement of markers during load application. QTM (Qualisys, Sweden) software is used to track markers trajectories and generate data consisting of 3-dimensional markers coordinate. The initial capture is set as the reference marker positions (undeformed skin) and the subsequent images represent the deformed skin relative to the initial. Representing markers as nodes, finite elements are constructed by adjoining three adjacent markers using Delaunay mesh. Strains were deduced from the strain displacement matrix and measured for three subjects at three loading directions. The results are in fair agreement with those obtained by others. The method and output provide a useful addition to understanding skin deformation.
An Experimental Study of Falling Film Evaporation on Horizontal Tubes Using R-134a
Authors: Chien L.-H. , Chen R.-H.
Published: May 2012

This study investigates evaporation heat transfer performance of refrigerant R-134a falling film on three horizontal copper tubes in a vertical column. Experiments were performed at saturation temperatures of 10 and 26.7°C. The liquid flows through a liquid feeder with a row of circular holes at a rate of 0.0075 ∼ 0.0363kg/ms, while heat fluxes varied from 4.5 to 48.5kW/m2. A smooth tube, a fin tube of 0.4mm fin height, 60FPI (Fins Per Inch), and a new boiling enhanced tube (mesh tube) were tested. The test results show that heat transfer coefficient of the smooth tube increases with increasing heat flux and fluid temperature, and increases slightly with increasing flow rate before dry-out occurs. At low flow rates (less than 0.015kg/ms) or when Ref (≤ 255), the fin tube is in thin film evaporation mode and results in a large heat transfer coefficient. At high flow rates (0.0225, 0.03, and 0.0375kg/ms) the falling film evaporation curves are similar to those in pool boiling. For all tubes, the fluid temperature and the flow rate have only minor influences on heat transfer coefficient before dry-out occurs. The 60 FPI tube and the mesh tube enhance the falling film evaporation heat transfer coefficient 6.3 ∼ 8.29 fold and 1.9 ∼ 5.0 fold, respectively, as compared with the smooth tube. A new correlation of falling film evaporation, accounting for contributions of nucleate boiling and spray convection, is proposed. It predicts h-values of the falling film evaporation data of the smooth surface within ±30%.
Correlations Between Heelstrike Impulsive Loading and Joint Kinematics of the Lower Extremities During Normal Level Walking
Authors: Chang C.-F. , Shih K.-S. , Wang T.-M. , Huang C.-H. , Huang S.-C. , Lu T.-W.
Published: May 2012

Impulsive loading by the ground reaction force (GRF) around heelstrike during walking is closely related to joint degeneration and might be affected by joint movement of the locomotor system. Fifteen healthy males (age: 25.5 ±3 years) were studied to investigate the association between the quantitative joint angles, angular velocities and accelerations of the lower-limb joints, and the loading rates of the GRF. Apart from the gait speed, both the ipsilateral kinematics during the swing phase, and the contralateral kinematics around the beginning of the terminal double limb stance (DLS), may significantly contribute to the heelstrike and maximum loading rates of the GRF. The magnitude of the heelstrike impulsive GRF was particularly affected by the peak ankle dorsiflexion velocity during the swing phase of the ipsilateral limb. However, for generating the maximum loading rate of nearly eight times the magnitude of that of the heelstrike one needed more kinematic variables to be modulated in advance, especially the knee flexion velocities around the beginning of the terminal DLS of the contralateral limb. Knowledge of the joint mechanics of the locomotor system for controlling the magnitude of the impulsive GRF during normal walking might be helpful for gait retraining for the elderly or patients who might have excessive impulsive GRF and a high risk of joint degeneration.
The Entrance Effect of Pin Type Flow Channel on Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Chen T.-Y. , Liao Y.-T. , Kuan Y.-D.
Published: May 2012

This research alters the traditional single inlet/outlet opening of the pin type flow channel of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Multi-inlet/outlet openings are designed with the aim to distribute the methanol solution evenly and effectively remove CO2 bubbles and to improve the cell performance. The CO2 bubble dynamics in anode flow channels and the cell performance are investigated. Results show that the newly designed flow channels can overcome restrictions resulting from fuel and effectively remove CO2 bubbles, thereby enhancing the performance of the pin type DMFC. The “three-inlet and three-outlet” design increases the current density output by 19%.
Biological and molecular characterization of Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Israel
Authors: Johnson A.J. , Weintraub P.G. , Katoch R. , Schemerhorn B.J. , Shukle R.H.
Published: May 2012

Samples of a dipteran pest of wheat were tested to confirm identity, describe local populations and suggest the use of deploying resistance (R) genes in wheat cultivars for control ofMayetiola destructor, Hessian fly (HF). Morphological evaluation of adults and a free-choice oviposition preference test documenting that females overwhelmingly preferred to oviposit on wheat instead of barley supported they were HF. Using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coxI), the Barcoding Region, nine haplotypes were revealed. Two were found only in the Israeli collections and averaged 3% sequence divergence compared to the other seven haplotypes found in the United States, Israel and Syria. In evaluations of virulence, the Israeli HF in culture was virulent to 11 of the 19 (R) genes tested, and complementation analysis documented that, for four of theRgenes tested, the Israeli HF shared loci for virulence with HF from the United States. Levels of HF infestation at seven Israeli fields were at least at the 5–8% level, which historically has indicated a significant yield loss. Microsatellite genotyping of the five HF collections from Israel revealed mixed populations in Israel that are distinctly separate from the single population in Syria.
ApoE genotype: from geographic distribution to function and responsiveness to dietary factors
Authors: Egert Sarah , Rimbach Gerald , Huebbe Patricia
Published: May 2012

ApoE is a key protein in lipid metabolism with three major isoforms.ApoEallele frequencies show non-random global distribution especially in Europe with highapoEε3frequency in the Mediterranean area, whereas theapoEε4genotype is enriched in Northern Europe. TheapoEε4genotype is one of the most important genetic risk factors for age-dependent chronic diseases, including CVD and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apoE polymorphism has been shown to impact on blood lipids, biomarkers of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which all may contribute to the isoform-dependent disease risk. Studies in mice and human subjects indicate that theapoEε3but not theapoEε4genotype may significantly benefit from dietary flavonoids (e.g. quercetin) andn-3 fatty acids. Metabolism of lipid soluble vitamins E and D is likewise differentially affected by theapoEgenotype. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest a better vitamin D status inapoEε4than ε3subjects indicating a certain advantage of ε4over ε3. The present review aims at evaluation of current data available on interactions between apoE polymorphism and dietary responsiveness to flavonoids, fat soluble vitamins andn-3 fatty acids. Likewise, distinct geographic distribution and chronic disease risk of the different apoE isoforms are addressed.
Negative emotion impairs working memory in pediatric patients with bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Schenkel L. S. , Passarotti A. M. , Sweeney J. A. , Pavuluri M. N.
Published: May 2012

Background

We investigated affect recognition and the impact of emotional valence on working memory (using happy, angry, and neutral faces) in pediatric patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy control (HC) subjects.

Method

Subjects (N=70) consisted of unmedicated patients with BD type I (BD I, n=23) and type II (BD II, n=16) and matched HC subjects (n=31). All subjects completed tasks of emotion recognition (Chicago Pediatric Emotional Acuity Task; Chicago PEAT) and working memory for happy, angry, and neutral faces (Affective N-Back Memory Task; ANMT).

Results

Compared to HC subjects, BD patients performed significantly more poorly when identifying the intensity of happy and angry expressions on the Chicago PEAT, and demonstrated working-memory impairments regardless of the type of facial emotional stimuli. Pediatric BD patients displayed the most impaired accuracy and reaction time performance with negative facial stimuli relative to neutral stimuli, but did not display this pattern with positive stimuli. Only BD I patients displayed working-memory deficits, while both BD I and BD II patients displayed emotion-identification impairments. Results remained significant after controlling for co-morbid ADHD and mood state.

Conclusions

Both BD I and BD II youth demonstrate emotion-identification deficits. BD youth also demonstrate working-memory impairments for facial stimuli irrespective of emotional valence; however, working-memory deficits were the most pronounced with negative emotional stimuli. These deficits appear to be specific to BD I patients, and suggest therefore that a more severe form of illness is characterized by more severe social-cognitive impairment.
Gender difference in age at onset of schizophrenia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Eranti S. V. , MacCabe J. H. , Bundy H. , Murray R. M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Most studies reporting the gender difference in age at onset of schizophrenia show an earlier onset in males, but vary considerably in their estimates of the difference. This may be due to variations in study design, setting and diagnostic criteria. In particular, several studies conducted in developing countries have found no difference or a reversed effect whereby females have an earlier onset. The aim of the study was to investigate gender differences in age of onset, and the impact of study design and setting on estimates thereof.

Method

Study methods were a systematic literature search, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Results

A total of 46 studies with 29218 males and 19402 females fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were entered into a meta-analysis. A random-effects model gave a pooled estimate of the gender difference of 1.07 years (95% confidence interval 0.21–1.93) for age at first admission of schizophrenia, with males having earlier onset. The gender difference in age at onset was not significantly different between developed and developing countries. Studies using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria showed a significantly greater gender difference in age at onset than studies using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria, the latter showing no difference.

Conclusions

The gender difference in age of onset in schizophrenia is smaller than previously thought, and appears absent in studies using ICD. There is no evidence that the gender difference differs between developed and developing countries.
Existence of generic cubic homoclinic tangencies for Hénon maps
Authors: KIRIKI SHIN , SOMA TERUHIKO
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we show that the Hénon map $\varphi _{a,b}$ has a generically unfolding cubic tangency for some $(a,b)$ arbitrarily close to $(-2,0)$ by applying results of Gonchenko, Shilnikov and Turaev [On models with non-rough Poincaré homoclinic curves. Physica D 62(1–4) (1993), 1–14; Dynamical phenomena in systems with structurally unstable Poincaré homoclinic orbits. Chaos 6(1) (1996), 15–31; On Newhouse domains of two-dimensional diffeomorphisms which are close to a diffeomorphism with a structurally unstable heteroclinic cycle. Proc. Steklov Inst. Math.216 (1997), 70–118; Homoclinic tangencies of an arbitrary order in Newhouse domains. Itogi Nauki Tekh. Ser. Sovrem. Mat. Prilozh. 67 (1999), 69–128, translation in J. Math. Sci. 105 (2001), 1738–1778; Homoclinic tangencies of arbitrarily high orders in conservative and dissipative two-dimensional maps. Nonlinearity 20 (2007), 241–275]. Combining this fact with theorems in Kiriki and Soma [Persistent antimonotonic bifurcations and strange attractors for cubic homoclinic tangencies. Nonlinearity 21(5) (2008), 1105–1140], one can observe the new phenomena in the Hénon family, appearance of persistent antimonotonic tangencies and cubic polynomial-like strange attractors.
Cryptosporidiumspp. in calves and cows from organic and conventional dairy herds
Authors: SILVERLÅS C. , BLANCO-PENEDO I.
Published: May 2012

A cohort study was performed to investigate cryptosporidial prevalence and species distribution in 13 organic and 13 conventional dairy herds. Faecal samples were collected from 221 calves and 259 cows. Management routines were recorded at farm inspection and through a questionnaire. Samples were concentrated using sodium chloride flotation and cryptosporidial oocysts were detected by epifluorescence microscopy. Molecular analysis was used to determine species and subtypes. A multivariable model for factors associated with calves beingCryptosporidiumspp. positive was built.Cryptosporidiumspp.-positive animals were identified in all herds. Prevalences were similar in organic and conventional calves (44·7%vs. 52·3%), as well as in cows (3·1%vs. 3·8%),P > 0·05.Cryptosporidium bovis,C. ryanaeandC. parvumwere identified.C. ryanaewas identified in a calf younger than the described prepatent period. The multivariable model included four significant variables; calf age, cleanliness of bedding, cleaning routines for group pens and farmers' attitudes towards biosecurity.
Amacrine and bipolar inputs to midget and parasol ganglion cells in marmoset retina
Authors: ABBOTT CARLA J. , PERCIVAL KUMIKO A. , MARTIN PAUL R. , GRÜNERT ULRIKE
Published: May 2012

Retinal ganglion cells receive excitatory synapses from bipolar cells and inhibitory synapses from amacrine cells. Previous studies in primate suggest that the strength of inhibitory amacrine input is greater to cells in peripheral retina than to foveal (central) cells. A comprehensive study of a large number of ganglion cells at different eccentricities, however, is still lacking. Here, we compared the amacrine and bipolar input to midget and parasol ganglion cells in central and peripheral retina of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Ganglion cells were labeled by retrograde filling from the lateral geniculate nucleus or by intracellular injection. Presumed amacrine input was identified with antibodies against gephyrin; presumed bipolar input was identified with antibodies against the GluR4 subunit of the AMPA receptor. In vertical sections, about 40% of gephyrin immunoreactive (IR) puncta were colocalized with GABAAreceptor subunits, whereas immunoreactivity for gephyrin and GluR4 was found at distinct sets of puncta. The density of gephyrin IR puncta associated with ganglion cell dendrites was comparable for midget and parasol cells at all eccentricities studied (up to 2 mm or about 16 degrees of visual angle for midget cells and up to 10 mm or >80 degrees of visual angle for parasol cells). In central retina, the densities of gephyrin IR and GluR4 IR puncta associated with the dendrites of midget and parasol cells are comparable, but the average density of GluR4 IR puncta decreased slightly in peripheral parasol cells. These anatomical results indicate that the ratio of amacrine to bipolar input does not account for the distinct functional properties of parasol and midget cells or for functional differences between cells of the same type in central and peripheral retina.
Sustainability and the measurement of wealth
Authors: Arrow Kenneth J. , Dasgupta Partha , Goulder Lawrence H. , Mumford Kevin J. , Oleson Kirsten
Published: May 2012

We develop and apply a consistent and comprehensive theoretical framework for assessing whether economic growth is compatible with sustaining wellbeing over time. Our approach differs from earlier approaches by concentrating on wealth rather than income. Sustainability is demonstrated by showing that a properly defined comprehensive measure of wealth is maintained through time. Our wealth measure is unusually comprehensive, capturing not only reproducible and human capital but also natural capital, health improvements and technological change. We apply the framework to five countries: the United States, China, Brazil, India and Venezuela. We show that the often-neglected contributors to wealth – technological change, natural capital and health capital – fundamentally affect the conclusions one draws about whether given nations are achieving sustainability. Indeed, even countries that display sustainability differ considerably in the kinds of capital that contribute to it.
Neuroprotective effects of the mood stabilizer lamotrigine against glutamate excitotoxicity: roles of chromatin remodelling and Bcl-2 induction
Authors: Leng Yan , Fessler Emily Bame , Chuang De-Maw
Published: May 2012

Lamotrigine (LTG), a phenyltriazine derivative and anti-epileptic drug, has emerged as an effective first-line treatment for bipolar mood disorder. Like the other mood stabilizers lithium and valproate, LTG also has neuroprotective properties but its exact mechanisms remain poorly defined. The present study utilized rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to examine the neuroprotective effects of LTG against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms. CGCs pretreated with LTG were challenged with an excitotoxic dose of glutamate. Pretreatment caused a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of glutamate excitotoxicity with nearly full protection at higher doses (⩾100 µm), as revealed by cell viability assays and morphology. LTG treatment increased levels of acetylated histone H3 and H4 as well as dose- and time-dependently enhanced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and protein levels; these changes were associated with up-regulation of the histone acetylation and activity of the Bcl-2 promoter. Importantly, lentiviral-mediated Bcl-2 silencing by shRNA reduced both LTG-induced Bcl-2 mRNA up-regulation and neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity. Finally, the co-presence of a sub-effective concentration of LTG (10 µm) with lithium or valproate produced synergistic neuroprotection. Together, our results demonstrate that the neuroprotective effects of LTG against glutamate excitotoxicity likely involve histone deacetylase inhibition and downstream up-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These underlying mechanisms may contribute to the clinical efficacy of LTG in treating bipolar disorder and warrant further investigation.
Criminal Justice Diversion and Liaison Services: A Path to Success?
Authors: Dyer Wendy
Published: May 2012

Diversion services for adult mentally disordered offenders are back in the limelight twenty years after their original development. This article argues there are a number of important lessons to be learnt. Services of this kind ‘process’ different people in different ways with different outcomes. Current developments therefore need to provide an holistic, patient-centred approach across the whole offender pathway, which meets the needs of different groups of people. What works for some might not work for others, but patterns can be mapped and good and bad pathways identified and used to inform good practice and service improvement.
A multimodal sensor system for runway debris detection
Authors: Essen Helmut , Koch Wolfgang , Hantscher Sebastian , Zimmermann Rüdiger , Warok Paul , Schröder Martin , Schikora Marek , Luedtke Goert
Published: May 2012

For foreign object detection on runways, highly sensitive radar sensors give the opportunity to detect even very small objects, metallic and non-metallic, also under adverse weather conditions. As it is desirable for airport applications to install only small but robust installations along the traffic areas, millimeter-wave radars offer the advantage of small antenna apertures and miniaturized system hardware. A 220-GHz radar was developed, which is capable to serve this application, if several of these are netted to cover the whole traffic area. Although under fortunate conditions the radar allows a classification or even an identification of the debris, the complete system design incorporates 3-D time-of-flight cameras for assistance in the identification process, which are also distributed along the traffic areas. The system approach further relies upon a change detection algorithm on the netted information to discriminate non-stationary alarms and reduce the false alarm ratio.
Reducing the resolution bias in cloud fraction from satellite derived clear‐conservative cloud masks
Authors: Jones Alexandra L. , Di Girolamo Larry , Zhao Guangyu
Published: May 2012

Clear‐conservative satellite cloud detection algorithms overestimate cloud fraction (CF), the degree to which depends on instrument resolution and the spatial distribution of cloud area, with boundary layer cumulus carrying the largest overestimation. This is because in the standard method of computing CF, partially cloudy pixels contribute in the amount of the pixel's area rather than the true cloud area. Development of analytical and pattern recognition techniques to reduce overestimation has been limited by the lack of coincident long‐term, large scale, and high‐resolution satellite data sets. Such data sets are now available from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instruments onboard the satellite, Terra. These data sets are used to determine the resolution required to reduce the CF overestimation to ≤0.01 absolute CF using the standard, analytical, and pattern recognition techniques on perfect, clear‐conservative cloud masks with future instrument design in mind; investigate the challenges of implementing these techniques on MISR's operational clear‐conservative cloud mask; and demonstrate the impact of these techniques on a MISR‐derived CF climatology similar to those used to evaluate climate models. Reducing the median CF bias to ≤0.01 requires resolutions of <45 m and ≤80 m for the standard and analytical techniques, respectively, while the pattern recognition technique has no resolution requirement up to a resolution of 1.2 km. When the pattern recognition technique is applied to 10‐year, December, low cloud climatologies over the tropical Western Atlantic (10°N–20°N and 50°W–60°W) derived from MISR, the average CF reduces from 0.50 to 0.20. This is a large reduction in cloud fraction, particularly when considering the climate sensitivity to low clouds and the use of satellite derived CF climatologies for evaluation of climate model CF and radiative budgets.
Characteristics of traveling ionospheric disturbances observed by the TIDDBIT sounder
Authors: Crowley G. , Rodrigues F. S.
Published: May 2012

HF Doppler sounders represent a low‐cost and low‐maintenance solution for monitoring wave activity in theF region ionosphere. HF Doppler sounders together with modern data analysis techniques can provide comprehensive traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID) characteristics, including both horizontal and vertical TID velocities and wavelengths across the entire spectrum from periods of 1 min to over an hour. Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates LLC has developed a new system called “TIDDBIT” (TID Detector Built in Texas), and data will be presented from a TIDDBIT system deployed in Virginia. These results reinforce the relationship between atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) and TIDs. The TID propagation azimuths rotate through 360° in 24 h, mimicking the rotation of the thermospheric winds but with approximately a 90° offset. The rotation of TID azimuths and thermospheric winds in Virginia is similar to that observed previously by other Northern Hemisphere systems and opposite from the direction observed in Antarctica. These results illustrate the filtering effects that thermospheric neutral winds can have on the propagation of AGW. The completeness of the wave information obtained from the TIDDBIT system makes it possible to reconstruct the vertical displacement of isoionic contours over the ∼200 km horizontal dimension of the sounder array. Such information will be relevant for understanding the seeding of irregularities, as well as for several operational needs involving navigation, communication, and surveillance systems.