bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicompartment Gravel Bed Flume to Evaluate Swim-Up Success of Salmonid Larvae
Authors: Pilgrim N. L. , Royer R. , Ripley L. , Underwood J. , Rasmussen J. B. , Hontela A.
Published: January 2013

Swim-up success, the proportion of fry emerging from a gravel redd, is difficult to quantify in the field, and currently available laboratory systems are limited. We used custom-built gravel bed flumes to assess the swim-up success of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii. Flumes were built with compartments to separate individual egg batches, eggs were buried under gravel, and oxygenated water was supplied to simulate upwelling through the gravel. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and flow were constant between compartments and flumes operating in parallel. Swim-up success was scored both by the emergence of fry relative to the number of eggs placed in the flume (59–85% depending on species) and the hatching success (proportion of eggs that hatch and resorb their yolk sac) of a sample from the same clutch reared in a vertical incubator (62–84% depending on species). The gravel bed flumes could be used to estimate the swim-up success of salmonid egg clutches from hatchery stocks or fish from the wild or under experimental regimes of relevance to fishery or environmental assessment, including changes in pH, siltation, temperature, toxicants, or events simulating floods or droughts.

Received July 12, 2012; accepted October 11, 2012
Comparing Habitat Suitability Indices (HSIs) Based on Abundance and Occurrence Data
Authors: Lee Pey-Yi , Suen Jian-Ping
Published: January 2013

Suitability-based physical habitat modeling is sensitive to the choice of habitat suitability index. We compared the effects of using abundance versus occurrence data on suitability indices along environmental gradients for four fish species collected by means of prepositioned electrofishing in a mountain stream in southern Taiwan. The results indicate that abundance data provide more sensitive outcomes than occurrence data in terms of both mean values and habitat suitability. The mean values of flow velocity and water depth from the abundance data separated the four fish species into four distinct flow groups and two depth groups; the occurrence data did not produce similar groupings. Habitat suitability curves from the abundance data provided clearer outcomes than those from the occurrence data. The differences were greater for species with differential densities along environmental gradients that were related to species characteristics. Advancements in point abundance sampling methodology, such as the development of prepositioned electrofishing, provide novel opportunities to collect abundance data that can enhance suitability results.

Received April 15, 2012; accepted October 17, 2012
On algebras which are locally 𝔸¹ in codimension-one
Authors: Bhatwadekar S. , Dutta Amartya , Onoda Nobuharu
Published: January 2013

Let

R
R

be a Noetherian normal domain. Call an

R
R

-algebra

A
A

“locally

A

1

\mathbb {A}^{1}

in codimension-one” if

R
P

⊗
R

A

R_P \otimes _R A

is a polynomial ring in one variable over

R
P

R_P

for every height-one prime ideal

P
P

in

R
R

. We shall describe a general structure for any faithfully flat

R
R

-algebra

A
A

which is locally

A

1

\mathbb {A}^{1}

in codimension-one and deduce results giving sufficient conditions for such an

R
R

-algebra to be a locally polynomial algebra. We also give a recipe for constructing

R
R

-algebras which are locally

A

1

\mathbb {A}^{1}

in codimension-one. When

R
R

is a normal affine spot (i.e., a normal local domain obtained by a localisation of an affine domain), we give criteria for a faithfully flat

R
R

-algebra

A
A

, which is locally

A

1

\mathbb {A}^{1}

in codimension-one, to be Krull and a further condition for

A
A

to be Noetherian. The results are used to construct intricate examples of faithfully flat

R
R

-algebras locally

A

1

\mathbb {A}^{1}

in codimension-one which are Noetherian normal but not finitely generated.
A novel approach for estimating phytoplankton biodiversity
Authors: Uusitalo Laura , Fleming-Lehtinen Vivi , Hällfors Heidi , Jaanus Andres , Hällfors Seija , London Lauri
Published: January 2013

Uusitalo, L., Fleming-Lehtinen, V., Hällfors, H., Jaanus A., Hällfors, S., and London, L. 2013. A novel approach for estimating phytoplankton biodiversity – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 408–417. Maintaining biodiversity is one of the main priorities in environmental protection. The biodiversity of phytoplankton, the key primary producers in the marine ecosystem, is, however, often very difficult to estimate, since the phytoplankton assemblage includes a vast number of taxa, many of which occur in such small quantities that they may not be recorded in routine sampling. Moreover, many taxa cannot be identified to species level by routine methods such as light microscopy of preserved samples, even by a skilled taxonomist. This means that, in general, we cannot assume to have a complete list of species in the ecosystem at any given point in time. In this paper, we present an approach for evaluating phytoplankton biodiversity in spite of this challenge. Since eutrophication, which increases phytoplankton biomass, has been identified as the most important factor causing degradation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, the proposed approach was evaluated against total phytoplankton biomass. When phytoplankton biomass was low, both low and high biodiversity values were observed, and, as the phytoplankton biomass increased, the high biodiversity values disappeared. These results were consistent both using data based on individual samples and using yearly sampling station averages.
Dark matter chaos in the Solar system
Authors: Lages J. , Shepelyansky D. L.
Published: January 2013

We study the capture of Galactic dark matter particles in the Solar system produced by rotation of Jupiter. It is shown that the capture cross-section is much larger than the area of the Jupiter orbit being inversely diverging at small particle energy. We show that the dynamics of captured particles is chaotic and is well described by a simple symplectic dark map. This dark map description allows us to simulate the scattering and dynamics of 1014 dark matter particles during the lifetime of the Solar system and to determine the dark matter density profile as a function of distance from the Sun. The mass of captured dark matter in the radius of the Neptune orbit is estimated to be 2 × 1015g. The radial density of captured dark matter is found to be approximately constant behind the Jupiter orbit being similar to the density profile found in galaxies.
Quorum Sensing and Indole-3-Acetic Acid Degradation Play a Role in Colonization and Plant Growth Promotion of Arabidopsis thaliana by Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN
Authors: Zúñiga Ana , Poupin María Josefina , Donoso Raúl , Ledger Thomas , Guiliani Nicolás , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. , González Bernardo
Published: January 2013

Although not fully understood, molecular communication in the rhizosphere plays an important role regulating traits involved in plant–bacteria association. Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN is a well-known plant-growth-promoting bacterium, which establishes rhizospheric and endophytic colonization in different plants. A competent colonization is essential for plant-growth-promoting effects produced by bacteria. Using appropriate mutant strains of B. phytofirmans, we obtained evidence for the importance of N-acyl homoserine lactone-mediated (quorum sensing) cell-to-cell communication in efficient colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana plants and the establishment of a beneficial interaction. We also observed that bacterial degradation of the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays a key role in plant-growth-promoting traits and is necessary for efficient rhizosphere colonization. Wildtype B. phytofirmans but not the iacC mutant in IAA mineralization is able to restore promotion effects in roots of A. thaliana in the presence of exogenously added IAA, indicating the importance of this trait for promoting primary root length. Using a transgenic A. thaliana line with suppressed auxin signaling (miR393) and analyzing the expression of auxin receptors in wild-type inoculated plants, we provide evidence that auxin signaling in plants is necessary for the growth promotion effects produced by B. phytofirmans. The interplay between ethylene and auxin signaling was also confirmed by the response of the plant to a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase bacterial mutant strain.
The Effect of Horsfall-Barratt Category Size on the Accuracy and Reliability of Estimates of Pecan Scab Severity
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Wood Bruce W. , van den Bosch Frank , Parnell Stephen , Gottwald Tim R.
Published: January 2013

Pecan scab (Fusicladium effusum) is a destructive pecan disease. Disease assessments may be made using interval-scale-based methods or estimates of severity to the nearest percent area diseased. To explore the effects of rating method—Horsfall-Barratt (H-B) scale estimates versus nearest percent estimates (NPEs)—on the accuracy and reliability of severity estimates over different actual pecan scab severity ranges on fruit valves, raters assessed two cohorts of images with actual area (0 to 6, 6+ to 25%, and 25+ to 75%) diseased. Mean estimated disease within each actual disease severity range varied substantially. Means estimated by NPE within each actual disease severity range were not necessarily good predictors of the H-B scale estimate at <25% severity. H-B estimates by raters most often placed severity in the wrong category compared with actual disease. Measures of bias, accuracy, precision, and agreement using Lin's concordance correlation depended on the range of actual severity, with improvements increasing with actual disease severity category (from 0 to 6 through 25+ to 75%); however, the improvement was unaffected by the H-B assessments. Bootstrap analysis indicated that NPEs provided either equally good or more accurate and precise estimate of disease compared with the H-B scale at severities of 25+ to 75%. Inter-rater reliability using NPEs was greater at 25+ to 75% actual disease severity compared with using the H-B scale. Using NPEs compared with the H-B scale will more often result in more precise and accurate estimates of pecan scab severity, particularly when estimating actual disease severities of 25+ to 75%.
First Report of Bacterial Gall on Loropetalum chinense Caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi in the United States
Authors: Conner K. N. , Olive J. , Zhang L. , Jacobi J. , Putnam M. L.
Published: January 2013

Bacterial gall symptoms were observed on Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv. in two separate commercial nurseries in South Alabama during the spring of 2012. Limb dieback and plant death was first reported by the growers. Plants with dieback symptoms had galling and irregular dark callus formation on the lower stem and lower branches. Galls were small, 0.2 to 1 cm, inconspicuous, and in some cases girdled the stem causing breakage of the main stem. In both locations, 30 to 40% of the crop was affected. Similar symptoms have been observed on L. chinense in nursery and landscape plantings in central Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia in previous years. Bacterial colonies were isolated from four plants representing two different locations. Isolates were recovered from surface sterilized symptomatic tissue on nutrient agar and King's medium B (KMB). All isolates were gram-negative and fluoresced blue-green under UV light after 48 h of growth at 28°C on KMB. One representative isolate from each site was identified as Pseudomonas savastanoi based on their fatty acid profiles (similarity index of 0.776; MIS-TSBA, version 4.0, MIDI Inc., Newark, DE) and LOPAT tests (2). The identity was confirmed by sequencing a 900-bp portion of the 16S rDNA gene, which revealed 98% similarity to the P. savastanoi type strain in NCBI (Accession No. AB021402). In greenhouse pathogenicity tests, eight Loropetalum liners were inoculated with a bacterial suspension (107 CFU/ml) of each of the two isolates. Plants were inoculated by injecting the suspension into the lower stem after wounding by puncturing with needles or slicing sections of the bark. Controls were inoculated with water. All plants inoculated with the bacteria developed gall symptoms in 8 weeks under 90% relative humidity at 30°C. The bacteria were reisolated from five inoculated plants. DNA was extracted from each isolate, amplified using primer pair 27F/1492R targeting the 16S rDNA gene (1), and sequenced. Sequences (900 bp) from all isolates shared 98 to 99% similarity to P. savastanoi type strain in GenBank (Accession No. AB021402). Nucleotide sequence data reported are available in GenBank under accessions JX915832 to 37. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial gall of L. chinense caused by P. savastanoi in the United States. Given the increasing prevalence of this disease in South Alabama, its confirmation is a significant step toward management recommendations for growers.

References: (1) D. J. Lane. 16S/23S rRNA sequencing. Page 115-175 in: Nucleic Acid Techniques in Bacterial Systematics. E. Stackebrandt and M. Goodfellow, eds. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1991. (2) N. W. Schaad et al. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001.
Preoperative Stroke and Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Bottle Alex , Mozid Abdul , Grocott Hilary P. , Walters Matthew R. , Lees Kennedy R. , Aylin Paul , Sanders Robert D.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Data are lacking on the optimal scheduling of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery after stroke. The authors investigated the preoperative predictors of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing CABG, with a focus on the importance of the time interval between prior stroke and CABG.

Methods:

The Hospital Episode Statistics database (April 2006–March 2010) was analyzed for elective admissions for CABG. Independent preoperative patient factors influencing length of stay, postoperative stroke, and mortality, were identified by logistic regression and presented as adjusted odds ratios (OR).

Results:

In all, 62,104 patients underwent CABG (1.8% mortality). Prior stroke influenced mortality (OR 2.20 [95% CI 1.47–3.29]), postoperative stroke (OR 1.99 [1.39–2.85]), and prolonged length of stay (OR 1.31 [1.11–1.56]). The time interval between stroke and CABG did not influence mortality or prolonged length of stay. However, a longer time interval between stroke and CABG surgery was associated with a small increase in risk of postoperative stroke (OR per month elapsed 1.02 [1.00–1.04]; P = 0.047). An interaction was evident between prior stroke and myocardial infarction for death (OR 5.50 [2.84–10.8], indicating the importance of the combination of comorbidities. Prominent effects on mortality were also exerted by liver disease (OR 20.8 [15.18–28.51]) and renal failure (OR 4.59 [3.85–5.46]).

Conclusions:

The authors found no evidence that more recent preoperative stroke predisposed patients undergoing CABG surgery to suffer postoperative stroke, death, or prolonged length of stay. The combination of prior stroke and myocardial infarction substantially increased perioperative risk.
Nanoscale assemblies and their biomedical applications
Authors: Doll Tais A. P. F. , Raman Senthilkumar , Dey Raja , Burkhard Peter
Published: January 2013

Nanoscale assemblies are a unique class of materials, which can be synthesized from inorganic, polymeric or biological building blocks. The multitude of applications of this class of materials ranges from solar and electrical to uses in food, cosmetics and medicine. In this review, we initially highlight characteristic features of polymeric nanoscale assemblies as well as those built from biological units (lipids, nucleic acids and proteins). We give special consideration to protein nanoassemblies found in nature such as ferritin protein cages, bacterial microcompartments and vaults found in eukaryotic cells and designed protein nanoassemblies, such as peptide nanofibres and peptide nanotubes. Next, we focus on biomedical applications of these nanoscale assemblies, such as cell targeting, drug delivery, bioimaging and vaccine development. In the vaccine development section, we report in more detail the use of virus-like particles and self-assembling polypeptide nanoparticles as new vaccine delivery platforms.
Critical cell wall hole size for lysis in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Mitchell Gabriel J. , Wiesenfeld Kurt , Nelson Daniel C. , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: January 2013

Gram-positive bacteria can transport molecules necessary for their survival through holes in their cell wall. The holes in cell walls need to be large enough to let critical nutrients pass through. However, the cell wall must also function to prevent the bacteria's membrane from protruding through a large hole into the environment and lysing the cell. As such, we hypothesize that there exists a range of cell wall hole sizes that allow for molecule transport but prevent membrane protrusion. Here, we develop and analyse a biophysical theory of the response of a Gram-positive cell's membrane to the formation of a hole in the cell wall. We predict a critical hole size in the range of 15–24 nm beyond which lysis occurs. To test our theory, we measured hole sizes in
Streptococcus pyogenes
cells undergoing enzymatic lysis via transmission electron microscopy. The measured hole sizes are in strong agreement with our theoretical prediction. Together, the theory and experiments provide a means to quantify the mechanisms of death of Gram-positive cells via enzymatically mediated lysis and provides insights into the range of cell wall hole sizes compatible with bacterial homeostasis.
Insights into the role of protein molecule size and structure on interfacial properties using designed sequences
Authors: Dwyer Mirjana Dimitrijev , He Lizhong , James Michael , Nelson Andrew , Middelberg Anton P. J.
Published: January 2013

Mixtures of a large, structured protein with a smaller, unstructured component are inherently complex and hard to characterize at interfaces, leading to difficulties in understanding their interfacial behaviours and, therefore, formulation optimization. Here, we investigated interfacial properties of such a mixed system. Simplicity was achieved using designed sequences in which chemical differences had been eliminated to isolate the effect of molecular size and structure, namely a short unstructured peptide (DAMP1) and its longer structured protein concatamer (DAMP4). Interfacial tension measurements suggested that the size and bulk structuring of the larger molecule led to much slower adsorption kinetics. Neutron reflectometry at equilibrium revealed that both molecules adsorbed as a monolayer to the air–water interface (indicating unfolding of DAMP4 to give a chain of four connected DAMP1 molecules), with a concentration ratio equal to that in the bulk. This suggests the overall free energy of adsorption is equal despite differences in size and bulk structure. At small interfacial extensional strains, only molecule packing influenced the stress response. At larger strains, the effect of size became apparent, with DAMP4 registering a higher stress response and interfacial elasticity. When both components were present at the interface, most stress-dissipating movement was achieved by DAMP1. This work thus provides insights into the role of proteins' molecular size and structure on their interfacial properties, and the designed sequences introduced here can serve as effective tools for interfacial studies of proteins and polymers.
InGaN-based vertical light-emitting diodes with acid-modified graphene transparent conductor and highly reflective membrane current blocking layer
Authors: Wang Liancheng , Zhang Yiyun , Li Xiao , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Lian , Guo Enqing , Yi Xiaoyan , Zhu Hongwei , Wang Guohong
Published: January 2013

Vertical light-emitting diodes (VLEDs) with a highly reflective membrane (HRM) as current blocking layer (CBL) and a graphene transparent conductive layer (TCL) have been fabricated and characterized. High reflectance of HRM and high transmittance of graphene ensure less loss of the optical power. The VLEDs show improved optical output and less efficiency droop, thanks to the current spreading effect of HRM CBL and graphene TCL by preventing current crowding under the top electrode and thus increasing the internal and external quantum efficiency. With further acid modification, forward electrical characteristics of VLEDs are improved.
Selection for increased mass-independent maximal metabolic rate suppresses innate but not adaptive immune function
Authors: Downs Cynthia J. , Brown Jessi L. , Wone Bernard , Donovan Edward R. , Hunter Kenneth , Hayes Jack P.
Published: January 2013

Both appropriate metabolic rates and sufficient immune function are essential for survival. Consequently, eco-immunologists have hypothesized that animals may experience trade-offs between metabolic rates and immune function. Previous work has focused on how basal metabolic rate (BMR) may trade-off with immune function, but maximal metabolic rate (MMR), the upper limit to aerobic activity, might also trade-off with immune function. We used mice artificially selected for high mass-independent MMR to test for trade-offs with immune function. We assessed (i) innate immune function by quantifying cytokine production in response to injection with lipopolysaccharide and (ii) adaptive immune function by measuring antibody production in response to injection with keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Selection for high mass-independent MMR suppressed innate immune function, but not adaptive immune function. However, analyses at the individual level also indicate a negative correlation between MMR and adaptive immune function. By contrast BMR did not affect immune function. Evolutionarily, natural selection may favour increasing MMR to enhance aerobic performance and endurance, but the benefits of high MMR may be offset by impaired immune function. This result could be important in understanding the selective factors acting on the evolution of metabolic rates.
The relative contribution of co-infection to focal infection risk in children
Authors: Lello Joanne , Knopp Stefanie , Mohammed Khalfan A. , Khamis I. Simba , Utzinger Jürg , Viney Mark E.
Published: January 2013

Co-infection is ubiquitous in people in the developing world but little is known regarding the potential for one parasite to act as a risk factor for another. Using generalized linear mixed modelling approaches applied to data from school-aged children from Zanzibar, Tanzania, we determined the strength of association between four focal infections (i.e.
Ascaris lumbricoides
,
Trichuris trichiura
, hookworm and self-reported fever, the latter used as a proxy for viral, bacterial or protozoal infections) and the prevalence or intensity of each of the helminth infections. We compared these potential co-infections with additional risk factors, specifically, host sex and age, socioeconomic status and physical environment, and determined what the relative contribution of each risk factor was. We found that the risk of infection with all four focal infections was strongly associated with at least one other infection, and that this was frequently dependent on the intensity of that other infection. In comparison, no other incorporated risk factor was associated with all focal infections. Successful control of infectious diseases requires identification of infection risk factors. This study demonstrates that co-infection is likely to be one of these principal risk factors and should therefore be given greater consideration when designing disease-control strategies. Future work should also incorporate other potential risk factors, including host genetics which were not available in this study and, ideally, assess the risks via experimental manipulation.
MMAPPR: Mutation Mapping Analysis Pipeline for Pooled RNA-seq
Authors: Hill Jonathon T. , Demarest Bradley L. , Bisgrove Brent W. , Gorsi Bushra , Su Yi-Chu , Yost H. Joseph
Published: January 2013

Forward genetic screens in model organisms are vital for identifying novel genes essential for developmental or disease processes. One drawback of these screens is the labor-intensive and sometimes inconclusive process of mapping the causative mutation. To leverage high-throughput techniques to improve this mapping process, we have developed a Mutation Mapping Analysis Pipeline for Pooled RNA-seq (MMAPPR) that works without parental strain information or requiring a preexisting SNP map of the organism, and adapts to differential recombination frequencies across the genome. MMAPPR accommodates the considerable amount of noise in RNA-seq data sets, calculates allelic frequency by Euclidean distance followed by Loess regression analysis, identifies the region where the mutation lies, and generates a list of putative coding region mutations in the linked genomic segment. MMAPPR can exploit RNA-seq data sets from isolated tissues or whole organisms that are used for gene expression and transcriptome analysis in novel mutants. We tested MMAPPR on two known mutant lines in zebrafish, nkx2.5 and tbx1, and used it to map two novel ENU-induced cardiovascular mutants, with mutations found in the ctr9 and cds2 genes. MMAPPR can be directly applied to other model organisms, such as Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans, that are amenable to both forward genetic screens and pooled RNA-seq experiments. Thus, MMAPPR is a rapid, cost-efficient, and highly automated pipeline, available to perform mutant mapping in any organism with a well-assembled genome.
The MPK6-ERF6-ROS-Responsive cis-Acting Element7/GCC Box Complex Modulates Oxidative Gene Transcription and the Oxidative Response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Du Yanyan , Zhao Xiaoliang , Miao Yuchen , Song Chun-Peng
Published: January 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been characterized as both important signaling molecules and universal stressors that mediate many developmental and physiological responses. So far, details of the transcriptional mechanism of ROS-responsive genes are largely unknown. In the study reported here, we identified seven potential ROS-responsive cis-acting elements (ROSEs) from the promoters of genes up-regulated by ROS in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We also found that the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding factor6 (ERF6) could bind specifically to the ROSE7/GCC box. Coexpression of ERF6 enhanced luciferase activity driven by ROSE7. The deficient mutants of ERF6 showed growth retardation and higher sensitivity to photodamage. ERF6 interacted physically with mitogen-activated protein kinase6 (MPK6) and also served as a substrate of MPK6. MPK6-mediated ERF6 phosphorylation at both serine-266 and serine-269 affected the dynamic alternation of the ERF6 protein, which resulted in changes in ROS-responsive gene transcription. These data might provide new insight into the mechanisms that regulate ROS-responsive gene transcription via a complex of MPK6, ERF6, and the ROSE7/GCC box under oxidative stress or a fluctuating light environment.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis for Direct-Drive Wind Turbines via Current-Demodulated Signals
Authors: Gong Xiang , Qiao Wei
Published: January 2013

Bearing faults account for a large portion of all faults in wind turbine generators (WTGs). Current-based bearing fault diagnosis techniques have great economic benefits and are potential to be adopted by the wind energy industry. This paper models the modulation effects of bearing faults on the stator currents of a direct-drive wind turbine equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) operating with a variable shaft rotating frequency. Based on the analysis, a method consisting of appropriate current frequency and amplitude demodulation algorithms and a 1P-invariant power spectrum density algorithm is proposed for bearing fault diagnosis of variable-speed direct-drive wind turbines using only one-phase stator current measurements, where 1P frequency stands for the shaft rotating frequency of a wind turbine. Experimental results on a direct-drive wind turbine equipped with a PMSG operating in a wind tunnel are provided to verify the proposed fault diagnosis method. The proposed method is demonstrated to have advantages over the method of directly using stator current measurements for WTG bearing fault diagnosis.
Association study of genetic variants of 17 diabetes‐related genes/loci and cardiovascular risk and diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese She population (中国畲族人群17个糖尿病相关基因位点的遗传变异与心血管风险和糖尿病肾病的相关性)
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Yuan , Lin Yinghua , Lai Xiaolan , Yao Jin , Huang Baoying , Chen Zichun , Huang Huibin , Fu Xianguo , Lin Lixiang , Lai Shenghan , Wen Junping
Published: January 2013

Background

Genetic determinations are important in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) pathology. We investigated associations between genetic variants of 17 diabetes‐related genes/loci, T2DM and diabetic complications in Chinese She subjects.

Methods

A comprehensive gene‐based association study was conducted using 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinese She subjects with normal glucose tolerance (n = 1119), impaired glucose regulation (n = 1767), and T2DM (n = 443). We applied major abnormal Minnesota Code findings to predict cardiovascular risk and estimated glomerular filtration rate to assess kidney function.

Results

Nine variants in FTO rs8050136, WFS1 rs10010131, CDKN2A/B rs10811661, KCNJ11 rs5219, CDC123/CAMK1D rs12779790, JAZF1 rs864745, SLC30A8 rs13266634, CDKAL1 rs10946398, and HHEX/IDE rs5015480 were significantly associated with T2DM (P < 0.05). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in WFS1 rs10010131, CDKN2A/B rs10811661, CDC123/CAMK1D rs12779790, JAZF1 rs864745, FTO rs8050136, and HHEX/IDE rs5015480 were associated with T2DM and impaired glucose regulation. Risk alleles in WFS1 rs10010131, IGF2BP2 rs4402960, CDKAL1 rs10946398, FTO rs8050136, KCNQ1 rs2237897, and ADAMTS9 rs4607103 were significantly associated with decreased homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐β (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender and body mass index, genetic variants JAZF1 rs864745, FTO rs8050136, and HHEX/IDE rs5015480 were significantly related to reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.05). Genetic variants in WFS1 rs10010131, CDKN2A/B rs10811661, CDC123/CAMID rs12779790, JAZF1 rs864745, FTO rs80501360, CDKAL1 rs10946398, and HHEX/IDE rs5015480 correlated with abnormal major Minnesota Code findings (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Variants in WFS1, CDKN2A/B, KCNJ11, CDC123/CAMK1D, JAZF1, SLC30A8, FTO, CDKAL1, and HHEX/IDE genes are significantly associated with T2DM in She Chinese subjects. JAZF1, FTO, CDKAL1, and HHEX/IDE are associated with diabetic nephropathy. WFS1, CDKN2A/B, CDC123/CAMK1D, JAZF1, FTO, CDKAL1, and HHEX/IDE are associated with cardiovascular risk.
Foreign Acquisition of Agricultural Land and Food Security: A Cautionary Note on Public Policy
Authors: Mahony Greg
Published: January 2013

Proposed amendments to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 appear motivated by concern with food security and foreign ownership. Approval would be required for acquisitions by foreigners of agricultural land over five hectares, a register of agricultural land would be established and there would be a new explicit national interest test. This article explores the variegated social, political and economic opposition to foreign acquisition of agricultural land and finds it misplaced. Increased agricultural productivity to address the challenge of global food security requires that the sector emulates the success of global manufacturing within a network of alliances global supply chain. Productivity considerations should override populism as the main driver of policy for the regulation of Foreign Direct Investment.
Healthcare Expenditure Profile of Older Australians: Evidence from Linked Survey and Health Administrative Data
Authors: Johar Meliyanni , Jones Glenn , Savage Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

This article provides a comprehensive profile of individual healthcare expenditure using the 45 and Up Study of over 267,000 NSW residents linked to administrative medical service records. Individuals aged 45 and over consume two‐thirds of healthcare expenditure in Australia. We compute annual total healthcare expenditure comprising hospital admissions, emergency presentations, out‐of‐hospital medical consultations and diagnostic tests and subsidised drugs. The average annual expenditure in the sample is $4334 in 2009 dollars. Less than 3 per cent have zero expenditure. Health service mix varies with age, with the share of hospital expenditure increasing with age. The age trends of total expenditure and its components are then examined by key demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics, providing important insights into future healthcare demand and a foundation for future research into the drivers of healthcare expenditures and the distribution of health subsidies.
The Impact of Human and Social Capital on Aboriginal Employment Income in Canada
Authors: Hossain Belayet , Lamb Laura
Published: January 2013

Employment income of Aboriginal Canadians is analysed with the objective of assessing the impact of a broader definition of capital to include the human capital component of health status and social capital on income level. The dataset of the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey is examined using an IV ordered probit model to analyse the factors affecting employment income. The results suggest that social capital and human capital, measured by education and health status, among other socio‐demographic factors, influence the level of employment income among Aboriginal Canadians. The findings have implications for public policy.
Systematic meta‐analysis of the risk factors for deliberate self‐harm before and after treatment for first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Challis S. , Nielssen O. , Harris A. , Large M.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Attempted suicide and deliberate self‐injury can occur before or after presentation with a first‐episode of psychosis. The aim of the study is to identify the factors associated with suicide attempts or deliberate self‐injury before and after treatment for first‐episode psychosis.

Method

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled studies of factors associated with either suicide attempts or deliberate self‐injury, referred to here as deliberate self‐harm (DSH).

Results

The pooled proportion of patients who reported DSH prior to treatment for first‐episode psychosis was 18.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 14.4–23.3, N = 18 studies, I2 = 93.8). The pooled proportion of patients with DSH during the period of untreated psychosis was 9.8%, (95% CI 6.7–14.2, N = 5 studies, I2 = 58.9). The pooled proportion of patients committing DSH during periods of follow up of between 1 and 7 years was 11.4%, (95% CI, 8.3–15.5, N = 13 studies, I2 = 89.2). Categorical factors associated with an increased risk of DSH were a prior history of DSH (OR = 3.94), expressed suicide ideation (OR = 2.34), greater insight (OR = 1.64), alcohol abuse (OR = 1.68) and substance use (OR = 1.46). Continuous variables associated with an increased risk of DSH were younger age of onset (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = −0.28), younger age at first treatment (SMD = −0.18), depressed mood (SMD = 0.49) and the duration of untreated psychosis (SMD = 0.20). Depressed mood and substance use were associated with DSH both before and after treatment, negative symptoms were associated with DSH after treatment but not before treatment. Positive symptoms and social and global functioning were not associated with DSH. Younger age and the duration of untreated psychosis were associated with DSH before treatment but not after treatment.

Conclusion

Earlier treatment of first‐episode psychosis and successful treatment of depression and substance use could prevent some episodes of DSH and might reduce suicide mortality in early psychosis.
Comparative micro‐computed tomography evaluation of apical root canal transportation with the use of ProTaper, RaCe and Safesider systems in human teeth
Authors: Ceyhanli Kadir T. , Erdilek Necdet , Tatar İlkan , Çetintav Bekir
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to compare apical centring ability of nickel titanium (NiTi) ProTaper, RaCe and mainly stainless steel Safesider systems using micro‐computed tomography. Thirty freshly extracted mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals and separate foramina were used for the study. Mesial roots were embedded in acrylic resin and instrumented with the ProTaper, RaCe or Safesider systems. Root canal transportation and centring ability of the instruments were evaluated using superimposed micro‐computed tomography images of the apical 4 mm of the roots taken at 1 mm intervals. One‐way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's tests were performed to compare apical transportations. Significant differences were observed between groups at the apical 1, 2 and 3 mm levels (P < 0.05). The reciprocating Safesider system transported root canals significantly more than the other two NiTi systems in the apical 1 mm level (P = 0.001) and more than RaCe system in the apical 2 mm level (P = 0.003). The ProTaper instruments caused more apical root canal transportation than did RaCe instruments at apical 3 mm (P = 0.045). NiTi instrumentation systems showed better centring ability than the mainly stainless steel Safesider system because of the flexible structure of the NiTi alloy.
Clinical comparison between the bleaching efficacy of light‐emitting diode and diode laser with sodium perborate
Authors: Koçak Sibel , Koçak Mustafa Murat , Sağlam Baran Can
Published: January 2013

The aim of this clinical study was to test the efficacy of a light‐emitting diode (LED) light and a diode laser, when bleaching with sodium perborate. Thirty volunteers were selected to participate in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The initial colour of each tooth to be bleached was quantified with a spectrophotometer. In group A, sodium perborate and distilled water were mixed and placed into the pulp chamber, and the LED light was source applied. In group B, the same mixture was used, and the 810 nm diode laser was applied. The final colour of each tooth was quantified with the same spectrophotometer. Initial and final spectrophotometer values were recorded. Mann–Whitney U‐test and Wicoxon tests were used to test differences between both groups. Both devices successfully whitened the teeth. No statistical difference was found between the efficacy of the LED light and the diode laser.
Prices, institutions, and determinants of supply in the Malian cotton sector
Authors: Theriault Veronique , Serra Renata , Sterns James A.
Published: January 2013

Cotton, both a source of livelihood for millions of poor rural households and a major source of export revenues, is a vital commodity for the economic and social development of Mali. Inefficiencies in the Malian cotton system at the ginnery and producers’ cooperative levels (e.g., late payment to farmers and poorly functioning credit schemes) have recently led to an important decline in supply, threatening the sustainability of the sector. Using regional data from 1998/1999 to 2008/2009, this study aims to quantitatively assess the contribution of key determinants, such as cotton prices and timely payment, toward the downward trend in cotton area. A dynamic supply model, based on adaptive expectations and partial adjustment, is employed to estimate the effects of prices and institutional factors, such as credit recovery rates and date of payment to farmers, on the Malian cotton supply. Results show that supply responds significantly to cotton prices relative to cereal and fertilizer prices. Date of payment varies across agricultural cycles and late payment negatively influences land devoted to cotton. Low credit repayment rates create disincentives to grow cotton. Therefore, the revitalization of the Malian cotton sector depends upon getting both prices and institutions right.
The effects of the Food Reserve Agency on maize market prices in Zambia
Authors: Mason Nicole M. , Myers Robert J.
Published: January 2013

Over the last decade, governments throughout eastern and southern Africa have increasingly used strategic reserves and/or marketing boards to influence grain market outcomes, yet little is known about how these activities are affecting grain markets. This article estimates the effects of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) on maize market prices in production and consumption regions in Zambia using a vector autoregression model and monthly data from July 1996 through December 2008. In recent years, FRA has become the dominant buyer of smallholder maize in Zambia. Simulations show that FRA activities stabilized market prices throughout the July 1996–December 2008 study period and raised mean prices between July 2003 and December 2008 by 17–19%. The price raising effects of FRA policies have assisted surplus maize producers but adversely affected net buyers of maize in Zambia, namely urban consumers and the majority of the rural poor. The increase in maize price stability is unlikely to have had substantial welfare effects on poor households. In contrast, relatively wealthy producers are likely to have benefited from the higher average and more stable maize prices resulting from FRA policies.
Potential benefits and pitfalls of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy in the treatment of thoracic malignancy
Authors: Hau Eric , Rains Melissa , Pham Trang , Muirhead Rebecca , Yeghiaian Alvandi Roland
Published: January 2013

Aim

Despite advances in radiotherapy delivery, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. Higher doses of radiation have been associated with improved outcomes but may result in higher toxicities. Respiratory gated radiotherapy (RGRT) has the potential to reduce pulmonary toxicity but there are significant limitations and pitfalls to its use. The aim of this article is to (i) describe the RGRT technique currently employed at Nepean and Westmead Hospitals; (ii) discuss the practical issues of implementing such a program; (iii) present the results of our RGRT program and (iv) review the potential uncertainties in using this technique and the methods we have used to overcome these.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who had a 4D‐computed tomography (4D‐CT) scan was undertaken. Records from treatment planning systems were used to assess the prospective gating program.

Results

Between September 2007 and June 2011, 53 patients at Nepean and 26 patients at Westmead Hospital underwent a 4D‐CT. Between April and August 2011, 26 patients at Westmead Hospital underwent a prospective 4D‐CT scan as treatment verification. Two of the 26 patients (7.7%) were found to have incomplete coverage of the planning target volume. Both patients underwent respiratory re‐coaching, alleviating the need for replanning.

Conclusion

RGRT may reduce doses to organs at risk with the potential for dose escalation. However its implementation requires significant staff training, treatment time and resources. Treatment verification with image guided radiation therapy are essential for safe delivery.
Role of octreotide in post chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy diarrhea: prophylaxis or therapy?
Authors: Sun Ju‐Xian , Yang Ning
Published: January 2013

Aim

The clinical efficacy of octreotide in controlling chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing octreotide with placebo in the prevention or therapy of chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea.

Methods

A computerized literature search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and BIOSIS databases were performed for RCT comparing the use of octreotide versus placebo in the management of patients with chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea. The main outcome measure was the response of the diarrhea.

Results

We included eight RCT comprising 572 patients. We found octreotide was significantly effective compared with the placebo (OR, 4.9; 95%, 1.58–15.2).The overall effect of octreotide was 69% (204/294), while that of placebo was 54% (149/278). When divided into prophylactic and therapeutic subgroups, the prophylactic subgroup had an OR of 2.11 (95% CI, 0.51–2.89) for chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea and the therapeutic subgroup had an OR of 7.30 (95% CI, 4.09–13.04).

Conclusion

In chemoradiotherapy‐induced diarrhea, octreotide is best used as a therapeutic rather than a prophylactic agent against diarrhea.
Feeding behaviour and performance of preterm neonates on Paladai feeding
Authors: Dalal Shamsher Singh , Mishra Satish , Agarwal Ramesh , Deorari Ashok K , Paul Vinod K , Sankar M Jeeva
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate the feeding behaviour and performance of preterm neonates receiving feeds by paladai (a small beaked receptacle).

Methods

We enrolled stable neonates – 10 each in 28–30 weeks [group I] and 31–32 weeks gestation [group II], and offered them paladai feeds. We recorded the feeding sessions on alternate days until they were on full enteral feeds. The outcome variables were (1) feeding behaviour, as assessed by changes in states of wakefulness, oromotor functions and coordination between breathing and swallowing; (2) feeding performance, as assessed by proficiency and efficiency.

Results

A total of 47 and 27 sessions were studied in groups I and II, respectively. The median postconceptional age (PCA) at start of paladai feeding was 30 (range, 29–32) and 32 (31–32) weeks in the two groups. The infants accepted paladai feedings in all behavioural states. Incoordination between feeding and breathing was observed in about 25% of the sessions in both the groups.

We observed a rapid improvement in feeding performance with experience – the median proficiency improved from 5.5 to 10.1 mL/min and 6.2–11.5 mL/min in groups I and II, respectively. The proficiency of group I infants at a median PCA of 30.9 weeks was higher than that of group II infants at median PCA 31.7 weeks.

Conclusion

Stable preterm neonates can be fed with paladai from 30 weeks PCA. The oropharyngeal ability is possibly influenced more by the postnatal experience than by maturity at birth.
Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of boys and parents about circumcision
Authors: Corduk Nergul , Unlu Gulsen , Sarioglu‐Buke Akile , Buber Ahmet , Savran Bircan , Zencir Mehmet
Published: January 2013

Aim

To determine the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of parents and previously circumcised early adolescent boys about circumcision.

Methods

Half of the boys attending the sixth class of the primary school in our city centre and their parents were included in this cross‐sectional, descriptive study. Questionnaires were prepared by the authors, which include 38 questions for parents and 25 questions for boys.

Results

Sixty‐six per cent of the students were circumcised at the age of 7 years and above, 26% between three and 6 years and 8% below 3 years of age. Forty‐two per cent of boys were circumcised by a traditional circumciser and 64% were circumcised at home. Main reasons of circumcision for parents were religious purposes (79%) and health issues (51%). When the boys were asked about their thoughts during circumcision, they mostly stated that ‘it was necessary to become a man’ (58%) and ‘it would hurt much’ (50%). Thirty‐eight per cent of boys were frightened during circumcision and 46% were worried. Boys circumcised in the 7 years and above age group were most content about their age of circumcision.

Conclusions

We consider that it is reasonable to wait up to an age at which the child could understand and participate in the decision of the concept and timing of circumcision.