bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of the Virulent Avibacterium paragallinarum Serotype A Strain JF4211 and Identification of Two Toxins
Authors: Aguilar-Bultet Lisandra , Calderon-Copete Sandra P. , Frey Joachim , Falquet Laurent
Published: August 2013

Avibacterium paragallinarum
is an important pathogen of chicken livestock causing infectious coryza. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the virulent
A. paragallinarum
serotype A strain JF4211 (2.8 Mbp and G+C content of 41%) and the two toxin operons discovered from the annotation of the genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Virulent Clostridium chauvoei Reference Strain JF4335
Authors: Falquet Laurent , Calderon-Copete Sandra P. , Frey Joachim
Published: August 2013

Clostridium chauvoei
is the etiological agent of blackleg, a disease of cattle and sheep with high mortality rates, causing severe economic losses in livestock production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the virulent
C. chauvoei
strain JF4335 (2.8 Mbp and 28% G+C content) and the annotation of the genome.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. Syringae Strain SM, Isolated from Wheat
Authors: Dudnik Alexey , Dudler Robert
Published: August 2013

Pseudomonas syringae
is one of the most widespread plant pathogens that can cause significant damage to crop plantations. Here, we announce a noncontiguous finished genome sequence of
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. syringae strain SM, isolated from hexaploid wheat. The genome sequence revealed the smallest described complement of type III effectors.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium tyrobutyricum Strain UC7086, Isolated from Grana Padano Cheese with Late-Blowing Defect
Authors: Bassi Daniela , Fontana Cecilia , Gazzola Simona , Pietta Ester , Puglisi Edoardo , Cappa Fabrizio , Cocconcelli Pier Sandro
Published: August 2013

Clostridium tyrobutyricum
is considered the main agent of late-blowing defect in the production of hard cheese. Here, we described the draft genome sequences and annotation of
C. tyrobutyricum
strain UC7086, which was isolated from Grana Padano cheese with blowing defect, and
C. tyrobutyricum
DSM 2637 type strain in a comparative study.
Genome Sequence of an Epidemic Isolate of Mycobacterium abscessus subsp.
bolletii
from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Davidson Rebecca M. , Reynolds Paul R. , Farias-Hesson Eveline , Duarte Rafael Silva , Jackson Mary , Strong Michael
Published: August 2013

Multiple isolates of
Mycobacterium abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
, collectively called BRA100, were associated with outbreaks of postsurgical skin infections across various regions of Brazil from 2003 to 2009. We announce the draft genome sequence of a newly sequenced BRA100 strain,
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
CRM-0020, isolated from a patient in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Genome Sequence of Lysinibacillus sphaericus Strain KCTC 3346
T
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Jeong Da-Eun , Sim Young Mi , Park Seung-Hwan , Choi Soo-Keun
Published: August 2013

Lysinibacillus sphaericus
is a heterogeneous species that includes strains that produce mosquitocidal toxin proteins. Herein, we report the 4.56-Mb draft genome sequence of the nonpathogenic
L. sphaericus
strain KCTC 3346
T
, which provides clues for the phylogenetic reassessment of
L. sphaericus
species and an understanding of its physiological properties.
Comparative Genomic Analysis ofAcheta domesticusDensovirus Isolates from Different Outbreaks in Europe, North America, and Japan
Authors: Pham Hanh T. , Iwao Hajime , Szelei Jozsef , Li Yi , Liu Kaiyu , Bergoin Max , Tijssen Peter
Published: August 2013

The first densovirus from a cricket,Acheta domesticusdensovirus (AdDNV) (Parvoviridae), was isolated in Europe in 1977 and has been studied previously. We compared seven additional AdDNV genomes isolated from 4 other European outbreaks, 2 major North American outbreaks, and a Japanese outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the 2009 Japanese and North American outbreaks were not related.
Draft Genome Sequence of Winogradskyella psychrotolerans RS-3
T
, Isolated from the Marine Transect of Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kumar Pinnaka Anil , Ara Sreenivas , Singh Aditya , Shivaji S.
Published: August 2013

The 4.3-Mb genome of
Winogradskyella psychrotolerans
strain RS-3
T
, isolated from a sediment sample of a marine transect of Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Arctic Ocean, is reported.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Manhattan Strain 111113, from an Outbreak of Human Infections in Northern Italy
Authors: Sassera Davide , Gaiarsa Stefano , Scaltriti Erika , Morganti Marina , Bandi Claudio , Casadei Gabriele , Pongolini Stefano
Published: August 2013

We announce the draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Manhattan strain 111113, isolated from a patient during an outbreak in northern Italy. The genome, which was obtained with Illumina MiSeq technology, is composed of 21 contigs for a total of 4,684,342 bp, with a G+C content of 52.17%.
Spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage in early pregnancy
Authors: Keizer Alieke L , Peters Louisette W , de Vries Cees , Smets Yves F C , de Wit Laurens Th. , van Pampus Mariëlle G
Published: August 2013

A 32-year-old primigravida presented at our emergency room at 6 weeks of gestation with acute severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, radiating to the right flank. Vital signs were stable. Abdominal ultrasound showed a round inhomogeneous mass of 10 cm diameter behind the right kidney, suspected for adrenal haemorrhage. The patient was admitted for observation. An MRI showed some right-sided pleural effusion and a round mass in the adrenal region with no recognisable adrenal gland, therefore most likely originating from the right adrenal. After 10 days the patient was discharged with no change in size of the haematoma. MRI was carried out every 2 months which showed a decrease in size of the haematoma, with no other abnormalities. Based on stable MRI and the patient’s preference, a vaginal delivery mode was chosen. At 37 weeks of gestation labour was induced, followed by an uncomplicated delivery.
Probable transmission ofYersinia enterocoliticafrom a pet dog with diarrhoea to a 1-year-old infant
Authors: Hetem D J , Pekelharing M , Thijsen S F T
Published: August 2013

We report a highly probable case of transmission of aYersinia enterocoliticafrom a pet puppy dog, adopted from a Spanish asylum, to a 1-year-old girl. After several weeks of diarrhoea, a PCR detecting enteropathogenic bacteria was performed on the faeces, revealingY enterocolitica. Following cultures yielded aY enterocoliticabiotype 4, serotype O:3 in the faeces of the girl as well as puppy dog. Despite antibiotic treatment, symptoms and shedding of the organism in the faeces endured during a 2 month period.
Role of the Official Veterinarian in state veterinary medicine
Authors: Hall Simon
Published: August 2013

In July, the AHVLA confirmed that it will be changing the way it enlists the services of private practitioners to carry out TB testing and other Official Veterinarian activities on behalf of the state. Here, Simon Hall, veterinary director at the AHVLA, puts the changes into context
Absence of leucine in an essential amino acid supplement reduces activation of mTORC1 signalling following resistance exercise in young females
Authors: Moberg Marcus , Apró William , Ohlsson Inger , Pontén Marjan , Villanueva Antonio , Ekblom Björn , Blomstrand Eva
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the study was to investigate the specific effect of leucine on mTORC1 signalling and amino acid metabolism in connection with resistance exercise. Comparisons were made between ingestion of supplements with and without leucine. Eight young women performed leg press exercise on 2 occasions. In randomized order they received either an aqueous solution of essential amino acids with leucine (EAA) or without leucine (EAA-Leu), given as small boluses throughout the experiment. Muscle biopsies were taken after an overnight fast before exercise and 1 and 3 h postexercise and samples of blood were taken repeatedly during the experiment. Plasma and muscle concentrations of leucine rose 60%–140% (p < 0.05) with EAA and fell 35%–45% (p < 0.05) with the EAA-Leu supplement. In the EAA-trial, plasma and muscle levels of tyrosine (not present in the supplement) and the sum of the EAA were 15%–25% (p < 0.05) lower during recovery. Phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6k was elevated to a larger extent following 1 h of recovery with leucine in the supplement (120% vs. 49% (p < 0.05) and 59- vs. 8-fold (p < 0.05) for EAA and EAA-Leu, respectively). The levels of MAFbx and MuRF-1 mRNA and of the corresponding proteins were not significantly altered after 3 h recovery from exercise. In conclusion, the presence of leucine in the supplement enhances the stimulatory effect on mTORC1 signalling and reduces the level of tyrosine and the sum of the EAA in muscle and plasma, suggesting a stimulation of protein synthesis and (or) inhibition of breakdown, leading to improvement in net protein balance.
Geochemistry, U–Pb geochronology, and genesis of granitoid clasts in transported volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposits, Buchans, Newfoundland
Authors: Whalen J.B. , Zagorevski A. , McNicoll V.J. , Rogers N.
Published: August 2013

The Buchans Group, central Newfoundland, represents an Ordovician continental bimodal calc-alkaline arc sequence that hosts numerous volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) occurrences, including both in situ and mechanically transported sulfide breccia–conglomerate orebodies. Diverse lithic clasts associated with transported deposits include rounded granitoid clasts. Earlier workers have suggested that Buchans Group VMS-hosting felsic extrusive units, small granodiorite intrusions (e.g., Wiley’s Brook), and granitoid cobbles associated with transported ore represent co-genetic products of the same magmatic system. The granitoid cobbles and small granodiorite intrusions are geochemically similar and closely resemble Buchans Group felsic volcanic units. U–Pb zircon age determinations show a (i) 466.7 ± 0.5 Ma crystallization age for the Wiley’s Brook granodiorite (WBG), (ii) 464 ± 4 Ma crystallization age for a granitoid cobble, and (iii) 466 ± 4 Ma maximum deposition age for a conglomerate–sandstone sequence associated with transported ore. Thus, Buchans Group felsic plutonic rocks are within experimental error of felsic volcanism and VMS deposition. Furthermore, εNd (T) (T, time of crystallization) values of four granitoid cobbles (–1.95 to –4.0) overlap values obtained from Buchans Group felsic volcanic units. Our results are compatible with plutonic and volcanic rocks being related through fractional crystallization or partial melting processes but do not support a petrogenetic link between VMS deposition and exposed felsic plutons. Comparisons to modern arc analogues favour exhumation of plutonic rocks by extension along caldera or rift walls and (or) subaerial erosion. Enigmatic rounding of Buchans granitoid clasts was likely accomplished in a subaerial or shallow marine environment, and the clasts transported into a VMS-active basin by mass flows.
QUASINORMAL MODES OF CHARGED DILATON BLACK HOLES AND THEIR ENTROPY SPECTRA
Authors: SAKALLI I.
Published: August 2013

In this study, we employ the scalar perturbations of the charged dilaton black hole (CDBH) found by Chan, Horne and Mann (CHM), and described with an action which emerges in the low-energy limit of the string theory. A CDBH is neither asymptotically flat (AF) nor non-asymptotically flat (NAF) spacetime. Depending on the value of its dilaton parameter a, it has both Schwarzschild and linear dilaton black hole (LDBH) limits. We compute the complex frequencies of the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of the CDBH by considering small perturbations around its horizon. By using the highly damped QNM in the process prescribed by Maggiore, we obtain the quantum entropy and area spectra of these black holes (BHs). Although the QNM frequencies are tuned by a, we show that the quantum spectra do not depend on a, and they are equally spaced. On the other hand, the obtained value of undetermined dimensionless constant ϵ is the double of Bekenstein's result. The possible reason of this discrepancy is also discussed.
CALCULATION OF THE RAMAN FREQUENCIES AT LOW PRESSURES AND TEMPERATURES (σ-PHASE) SOLID NITROGEN
Authors: YURTSEVEN H. , ASLANTAŞ A.
Published: August 2013

We calculate the Raman frequencies of the Egmode and, the low and high frequency Tgmode as a function of temperature at a constant pressure of 2.85 kbar in the α-phase of solid nitrogen. The Raman frequencies of those lattice modes are calculated using the volume data from the literature at various temperatures (2.85 kbar) for the α-phase of solid N2through the mode Grüneisen parameter. Our predicted Raman frequencies can be compared with the experimental data and by this method the Raman frequencies can be calculated as a function of temperature at some other constant pressures.
QUANTUM INFORMATION, THERMOFIELD DYNAMICS AND THERMALIZED BOSONIC OSCILLATOR
Authors: TRINDADE M. A. S. , SILVA FILHO L. M. , SANTOS L. C. , MARTINS M. GRAÇAS R. , VIANNA J. D. M.
Published: August 2013

We show through Thermofield Dynamics approach that the action of the thermalized quantum logic gate on the thermalized state is equivalent to thermalization of the state that arise from the application of the nonthermalized quantum logic gate. In particular, we study the effect of temperature on a mixed state associated to a system capable of implementing a controlled-NOT (CNOT) quantum logic gate. According to a proposal in the literature, a way of implementing such a logic gate is by using a representation of the qubit states as elements of the Fock space of a bosonic system. We consider such a proposal and use the Thermofield Dynamics to determine the thermalized qubit states. The temperature acts as a quantum noise on pure states, making them a statistical mixture. In this context, we analyze the fidelity as a function of the temperature and using the Mandel parameter, we determine temperature ranges for which the statistics of the system becomes subpoissonian, poissonian and superpoissonian. Finally, we calculate the Wigner function, allowing an analysis of the thermal state in phase space, and we obtain that the increase of temperature decreases nonclassical properties of the system. The temperature range where one has a subpoissonian statistics and high fidelity is determined.
Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and chemical sympathectomy exacerbate anaphylaxis-induced hypotension, but not portal hypertension, in anesthetized rats
Authors: Wang Mofei , Tanida Mamoru , Shibamoto Toshishige , Kurata Yasutaka
Published: August 2013

Anaphylactic shock is sometimes life-threatening, and it is accompanied by hepatic venoconstriction in animals, which, in part, accounts for anaphylactic hypotension. Roles of norepinephrine and α-adrenoceptor in anaphylaxis-induced hypotension and portal hypertension were investigated in anesthetized ovalbumin-sensitized Sprague-Dawley rats. The sensitized rats were randomly allocated to the following pretreatment groups ( n = 6/group): 1) control (nonpretreatment), 2) α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, 3) nonselective α-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine, 4) 6-hydroxydopamine-induced chemical sympathectomy, and 5) surgical hepatic sympathectomy. Anaphylactic shock was induced by an intravenous injection of the antigen. The systemic arterial pressure (SAP), central venous pressure (CVP), portal venous pressure (PVP), and portal venous blood flow (PBF) were measured, and splanchnic [Rspl: (SAP−PVP)/PBF] and portal venous [Rpv: (PVP−CVP)/PBF] resistances were determined. Separately, we measured efferent hepatic sympathetic nerve activity during anaphylaxis. In the control group, SAP markedly decreased, followed by a gradual recovery toward baseline. PVP and Rpv increased 3.2- and 23.3-fold, respectively, after antigen. Rspl decreased immediately, but only transiently, after antigen, and then increased 1.5-fold later than 10 min. The α-adrenoceptor antagonist pretreatment or chemical sympathectomy inhibited the late increase in Rspl and the SAP recovery. Pretreatment with α-adrenoceptor antagonists, or either chemical or surgical hepatic sympathectomy, did not affect the antigen-induced increase in Rpv. Hepatic sympathetic nerve activity did not significantly change after antigen. In conclusion, α-adrenoceptor antagonists and chemical sympathectomy exacerbate anaphylaxis-induced hypotension, but not portal hypertension, in anesthetized rats. Hepatic sympathetic nerves are not involved in anaphylactic portal hypertension.
Reactive oxygen species generation is not different during isometric and lengthening contractions of mouse muscle
Authors: Sloboda Darcée D. , Brooks Susan V.
Published: August 2013

Skeletal muscles can be injured by lengthening contractions, when the muscles are stretched while activated. Lengthening contractions produce structural damage that leads to the degeneration and regeneration of damaged muscle fibers by mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated at the time of injury may initiate degenerative or regenerative processes. In the present study we hypothesized that lengthening contractions that damage the muscle would generate more ROS than isometric contractions that do not cause damage. To test our hypothesis, we subjected muscles of mice to lengthening contractions or isometric contractions and simultaneously monitored intracellular ROS generation with the fluorescent indicator 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (CM-DCFH), which is oxidized by ROS to form the fluorescent product CM-DCF. We found that CM-DCF fluorescence was not different during or shortly after lengthening contractions compared with isometric controls, regardless of the amount of stretch and damage that occurred during the lengthening contractions. The only exception was that after severe stretches, the increase in CM-DCF fluorescence was impaired. We conclude that lengthening contractions that damage the muscle do not generate more ROS than isometric contractions that do not cause damage. The implication is that ROS generated at the time of injury are not the initiating signals for subsequent degenerative or regenerative processes.
miR-153 Supports Colorectal Cancer Progression via Pleiotropic Effects That Enhance Invasion and Chemotherapeutic Resistance
Authors: Zhang Lei , Pickard Karen , Jenei Veronika , Bullock Marc D. , Bruce Amanda , Mitter Richard , Kelly Gavin , Paraskeva Christos , Strefford John , Primrose John , Thomas Gareth J. , Packham Graham , Mirnezami Alex H.
Published: August 2013

Although microRNAs (miRNA) have been broadly studied in cancer, comparatively less is understood about their role in progression. Here we report that miR-153 has a dual role during progression of colorectal cancer by enhancing cellular invasiveness and platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. miRNA profiling revealed that miR-153 was highly expressed in a cellular model of advanced stage colorectal cancer. Its upregulation was also noted in primary human colorectal cancer compared with normal colonic epithelium and in more advanced colorectal cancer stages compared with early stage disease. In colorectal cancer patients followed for 50 months, 21 of 30 patients with high levels of miR-153 had disease progression compared with others in this group with low levels of miR-153. Functional studies revealed that miR-153 upregulation increased colorectal cancer invasiveness and resistance to oxaliplatin and cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations indicated that miR-153 promoted invasiveness indirectly by inducing matrix metalloprotease enzyme 9 production, whereas drug resistance was mediated directly by inhibiting the Forkhead transcription factor Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). In support of the latter finding, we found that levels of miR-153 and FOXO3a were inversely correlated in matched human colorectal cancer specimens. Our findings establish key roles for miR-153 overexpression in colorectal cancer progression, rationalizing therapeutic strategies to target expression of this miRNA for colorectal cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 73(21); 6435–47. ©2013 AACR.
The Integrin Inhibitor Cilengitide Affects Meningioma Cell Motility and Invasion
Authors: Wilisch-Neumann Annette , Kliese Nadine , Pachow Doreen , Schneider Thomas , Warnke Jan-Peter , Braunsdorf Werner EK , Böhmer Frank-Dietmar , Hass Peter , Pasemann Diana , Helbing Cornelia , Kirches Elmar , Mawrin Christian
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Meningiomas are frequent intracranial or spinal neoplasms, which recur frequently and can show aggressive clinical behaviour. We elucidated the impact of the integrin inhibitor cilengitide on migration, proliferation, and radiosensitization of meningioma cells.

Experimental Design: We analyzed integrin expression in tissue microarrays of human meningiomas and the antimeningioma properties of cilengitide in cell cultures, subcutaneous and intracranial nude mouse models by measuring tumor volumes and survival times.

Results: αvβ5 was the predominantly expressed integrin heterodimer in meningiomas, whereas αvβ3 was mainly detected in tumor blood vessels. Application of up to 100 μg/mL cilengitide resulted in only mildly reduced proliferation/survival of meningioma cell lines. Effects on cell survival could be enhanced by irradiation. One μg/mL cilengitide was sufficient to significantly inhibit meningioma cell migration and invasion in vitro. A daily dosage of 75 mg/kg did neither affect tumor volumes nor overall survival (P = 0.813, log-rank test), but suppressed brain invasion in a significant fraction of treated animals. A combination of 75 mg/kg cilengitide daily and irradiation (2 × 5 Gy) led to a 67% reduction of MRI-estimated tumor volumes in the intracranial model (P < 0.01), whereas the corresponding reduction reached by irradiation alone was only 55% (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: These data show that a monotherapy with cilengitide is not likely to achieve major responses in rapidly growing malignant meningiomas, although brain invasion may be reduced because of the strong antimigratory properties of the drug. The combination with radiotherapy warrants further attention. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5402–12. ©2013 AACR.
Evaluation of Rural Stroke Services
Authors: Cadilhac Dominique A. , Purvis Tara , Kilkenny Monique F. , Longworth Mark , Mohr Katherine , Pollack Michael , Levi Christopher R.
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

The quality of hospital care for stroke varies, particularly in rural areas. In 2007, funding to improve stroke care became available as part of the Rural Stroke Project (RSP) in New South Wales (Australia). The RSP included the employment of clinical coordinators to establish stroke units or pathways and protocols, and more clinical staff. We aimed to describe the effectiveness of RSP in improving stroke care and patient outcomes.

Methods—

A historical control cohort design was used. Clinical practice and outcomes at 8 hospitals were compared using 2 medical record reviews of 100 consecutive ischemic or intracerebral hemorrhage patients ≥12 months before RSP and 3 to 6 months after RSP was implemented. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses of patient outcomes are presented.

Results—

Sample: pre-RSP n=750; mean age 74 (SD, 13) years; women 50% and post-RSP n=730; mean age 74 (SD, 13) years; women 46%. Many improvements in stroke care were found after RSP: access to stroke units (pre 0%; post 58%,
P
<0.001); use of aspirin within 24 hours of ischemic stroke (pre 59%; post 71%,
P
<0.001); use of care plans (pre 15%; post 63%,
P
<0.001); and allied health assessments within 48 hours (pre 65%; post 82%
P
<0.001). After implementation of the RSP, patients directly admitted to an RSP hospital were 89% more likely to be discharged home (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–2.66).

Conclusions—

Investment in clinical coordinators who implemented organizational change, together with increased clinician resources, effectively improved stroke care in rural hospitals, resulting in more patients being discharged home.
Water Is in the Air—Introduction
Authors: Malina Roger F. , Bureaud Annick
Published: August 2013

In June 25 and 26 2012, in the framework of the European StudioLab project, Leonardo/Olats co-organized with IMéRA in Marseille, France, the workshop “Water is in the Air”.
Description of three new species of Hylopanchax Poll & Lambert, 1965 from the central Congo Basin (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae: Procatopodini) with a redefinition of the genus
Authors: ZEE JOUKE R. VAN DER , SONNENBERG RAINER , SCHLIEWEN ULRICH K.
Published: August 2013

Three new species of the lampeye genus Hylopanchax are described from the central Congo basin: H. leki, new species, H. ndeko, new species, and H. moke, new species. These differ considerably in body shape from the two previously described species, H. stictopleuron and H. silvestris, with two deep bodied and one small and slender species. A redefinition of the diagnostic characters of the genus Hylopanchax is presented, including pronounced sexual dimorphism.
A review of Tychobythinus theryi species group with description of a new species from Algeria (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: Sabella Giorgio , D’URSO VERa , Nouira Said , Souissi Rhida , BESUCHET Claude
Published: August 2013

The seven species belonging to Tychobythinus theryi group are revised. Tychobythinus theryi (Guillebeau, 1894), Tychobythinus bordei (Peyerimhoff, 1919), Tychobythinus longipalpis (Normand, 1930), Tychobythinus normandi (Jeannel, 1956) and Tychobythinus peyerimhoffi (Jeannel, 1956) are redescribed and illustrated, and Tychobythinus besucheti Sabella sp. n. from north-eastern Algeria is described and illustrated. The lectotypes are designated for Tychobythinus theryi, Tychobythinus bordei and Tychobythinus peyerimhoffi. A key for species identification is provided.
The Contribution of Extratropical Waves to the MJO Wind Field
Authors: Adames Ángel F. , Patoux Jérôme , Foster Ralph C.
Published: August 2013

A method for capturing the different dynamical components of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is presented. The tropical wind field is partitioned into three components using free-space Green’s functions: 1) a nondivergent component, 2) an irrotational component, and 3) a background or environmental flow that is interpreted as the influence on the tropical flow due to vorticity and divergence elements outside of the tropical region. The analyses performed in this study show that this background flow is partly determined by a train of extratropical waves. Space–time power spectra for each flow component are calculated. The strongest signal in the nondivergent wind spectrum corresponds to equatorial Rossby, mixed Rossby–gravity, and easterly waves. The strongest signal in the irrotational winds corresponds to Kelvin and inertia–gravity modes. The strongest signal in the power spectrum of the background flow corresponds to the wave band of extratropical Rossby waves. Furthermore, a coherence analysis reveals that the background flow has the highest coherence with geopotential height variations in the latitude bands from 30° to 45° in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The flow partitions are further studied through a composite analysis based on the Wheeler–Hendon MJO index. Anomalies in the background flow are strongest in the western and central Pacific, possess an equivalent barotropic structure, and show an eastward propagation. By contrast, the irrotational and nondivergent winds possess a first-mode baroclinic structure. An oscillation in the zonally averaged background flow with the MJO phases is observed but contributes little to tropical angular momentum when compared to the nondivergent flow.
The correlates of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) in a high risk Australian aboriginal community
Authors: Wang Zaimin , Hoy Wendy E , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2013

Background

Albuminuria marks renal disease and cardiovascular risk. It was estimated to contribute 75% of the risk of all-cause natural death in one Aboriginal group. The urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) is commonly used as an index of albuminuria. This study aims to examine the associations between demographic factors, anthropometric index, blood pressure, lipid-protein measurements and other biomarkers and albuminuria in a cross-sectional study in a high-risk Australian Aboriginal population. The models will be evaluated for albuminuria at or above the microalbuminuria threshold, and at or above the “overt albuminuria” threshold with the potential to distinguish associations they have in common and those that differ.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 598 adults aged 18–76 years. All participants were grouped into quartiles by age. Logistic regression models were used to explore the correlates of ACR categories.

Results

The significant correlates were systolic blood pressure (SBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid, diabetes, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (marginally significant, p = 0.054) and serum albumin (negative association) for ACR 17+ (mg/g) for men and 25+ for women. Independent correlates were SBP, uric acid, diabetes, total cholesterol, alanine amino transferase (ALT), Cystatin C and serum albumin (negative association) for overt albuminuria; and SBP, CRP and serum albumin only for microalbuminuria.

Conclusions

This is the most detailed modelling of pathologic albuminuria in this setting to date. The somewhat variable association with risk factors suggests that microalbuminuria and overt albuminuria might reflect different as well as shared phenomena.
More of the same or a change of scenery: an observational study of variety and frequency of physical activity in British children
Authors: Brooke Hannah L , Corder Kirsten , Griffin Simon J , Ekelund Ulf , van Sluijs Esther MF
Published: August 2013

Background

Physical activity is important for children’s health, but successful physical activity promotion is challenging. Whether performing many different types of activities (Variety) is associated with higher physical activity independent of the number of activity sessions (Frequency) is unknown, but this information could inform physical activity promotion and public health strategies in children.

Methods

In the SPEEDY study we measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA; ≥2000 counts/minute) over 7 days using GT1M Actigraph accelerometers in 1700 children from Norfolk, UK (56% girls, Mean ± SD 10.3 ± 0.3 years-old). Children reported participation in 28 leisure-time activities over the previous 7 days. Sex differences in activity participation were assessed using multilevel logistic regression, clustered by school. Associations of log-transformed MVPA with z-score-Variety (number of different activities/week) and z-score-Frequency (sum of all activity sessions/week) were examined using multilevel linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, parental education and age-standardised BMI.

Results

Children’s activity participation often reflected gender stereotypes. Mean ± SD Variety was 10.8 ± 5.0 activities/week, and Frequency was 24.2±15.0 sessions/week. In separate models lnMVPA had similar strength, positive associations with z-score-Variety and z-score-Frequency (Exp β(95% CI); Variety 1.04(1.02-1.06), Frequency 1.04(1.02-1.06)). lnMVPA was not associated with z-score-Variety independent of z-score-Frequency (Variety 1.01(0.98-1.04), Frequency 1.03(1.00-1.06)).

Conclusions

Future physical activity interventions and public health strategies could allow for gender specific activity preferences and could target both Variety and Frequency of activities participated in by children.
Knowledge and attitude of ICU nurses, students and patients towards the Austrian organ donation law
Authors: Stadlbauer Vanessa , Steiner Peter , Schweiger Martin , Sereinigg Michael , Tscheliessnigg Karl-Heinz , Freidl Wolfgang , Stiegler Philipp
Published: August 2013

Background

A survey on the knowledge and attitudes towards the Austrian organ donation legislation (an opt-out solution) of selected groups of the Austrian population taking into account factors such as age, gender, level of education, affiliation to healthcare professions and health related studies was conducted.

Methods

An online survey among 3 target groups (ICU nurses, health science students and non health science students) was performed and results were compared to the answers from transplantation patients to a paper questionnaire. A total of 8415 persons were asked to participate in the survey and 2025 (24%) persons correctly completed the questionnaire. 1945 online responses (ICU nurses n = 185; students of health sciences n = 1277; students of non-health science related courses n = 483) were analysed and data were compared to 80 manually filled-in responses from patients from a previous study.

Results

84% of participants state that they know the Austrian organ donation legislation; this percentage varies significantly (p < 0.05) within the target groups and is influenced by demographic variables of the participants. 74% think that the law is good and 79% do not favour a change. Opinions and attitudes towards the legal situation are positively influenced by the affiliation to healthcare professions and health-related fields of study. Interviewed persons who were aware of the legislation before the survey had a more positive attitude towards the existing legislation (77% versus 74%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The information level on Austrian organ donation legislation is high. ICU nurses and those who did not know the law before were most critical towards the existing legislation. Therefore education to increase knowledge in the general population and goal-oriented efforts to increase awareness in the target groups should be emphasized.
Circulating concentrations of GLP-1 are associated with coronary atherosclerosis in humans
Authors: Piotrowski Katja , Becker Melanie , Zugwurst Julia , Biller-Friedmann Ingeborg , Spoettl Gerald , Greif Martin , Leber Alexander W , Becker Alexander , Laubender Rüdiger P , Lebherz Corinna , Goeke Burkhard , Marx Nikolaus , Parhofer Klaus G , Lehrke Michael
Published: August 2013

Background

GLP-1 is an incretine hormone which gets secreted from intestinal L-cells in response to nutritional stimuli leading to pancreatic insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon release. GLP-1 further inhibits gastric motility and reduces appetite which in conjunction improves postprandial glucose metabolism. Additional vasoprotective effects have been described for GLP-1 in experimental models. Despite these vasoprotective actions, associations between endogenous levels of GLP-1 and cardiovascular disease have yet not been investigated in humans which was the aim of the present study.

Methods

GLP-1 serum levels were assessed in a cohort of 303 patients receiving coronary CT-angiography due to typical or atypical chest pain.

Results

GLP-1 was found to be positively associated with total coronary plaque burden in a fully adjusted model containing age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, triglycerides, LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), hsCRP (high-sensitive C-reactive protein), and eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) (OR: 2.53 (95% CI: 1.12 – 6.08; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Circulating GLP-1 was found to be positivity associated with coronary atherosclerosis in humans. The clinical relevance of this observation needs further investigations.
Psychological investigation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bazarganipour Fatemeh , Ziaei Saeide , Montazeri Ali , Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Faghihzadeh Soghrat
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of mood disorders and examine a range of predictors for psychological well-being among Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to ascertain the factors related to psychological distress in PCOS patients in Kashan, Iran. Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition we assessed quality of life using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Socio-demographic details and clinical information of PCOS including obesity (body mass index), excessive body hair (hirsutism score), acne, menstrual cycle disturbances, infertility and endocrine profile also were recorded for each patient.

Results

In all 300 women with PCOS were entered into the study. Of these 32% (n =96) showed elevated HADS anxiety while depression was high in 5% (n =15). Quality of life was significantly impaired in women with anxiety (P <0.05), and depression (P <0.001) and in particular, in women with coexistence anxiety and depression (P <0.001) compared with unaffected participants. Compared with the non-depressed PCOS patients, the depressed women had significantly higher menstrual irregularities (P = 0.008). Moreover, we found significant difference in FAI level between the depressed and non depressed (p = 0.05), the anxious and non anxious patients (p < 0.001) compare to non affected PCOS women.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of depression and anxiety in this population suggests that initial evaluation of all women with PCOS should also include assessment of mental health disorders. The clinician should further pay attention to background of their patients especially in view of the factors influencing psychological well-being.
Highly stable carbon nanotube field emitters on small metal tips against electrical arcing
Authors: Ha Jun Mok , Kim Hyun Jin , Raza Hamid Saeed , Cho Sung Oh
Published: August 2013

Carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters that exhibit extremely high stability against high-voltage arcing have been demonstrated. The CNT emitters were fabricated on a sharp copper tip substrate that produces a high electric field. A metal mixture composed of silver, copper, and indium micro- and nanoparticles was used as a binder to attach CNTs to the substrate. Due to the strong adhesion of the metal mixture, CNTs were not detached from the substrate even after many intense arcing events. Through electrical conditioning of the as-prepared CNT emitters, vertically standing CNTs with almost the same heights were formed on the substrate surface and most of loosely bound impurities were removed from the substrate. Consequently, no arcing was observed during the normal operation of the CNT emitters and the emission current remained constant even after intentionally inducing arcing at current densities up to 70 mA/cm2.
Transnational Anti-Imperialism and the National Forces
Authors: Hirst Samuel J.
Published: August 2013

Between 1920 and 1922, Moscow dispatched guns, grain, and gold to Ankara. The obvious paradox of collaboration between Bolshevik internationalists and the Turkish National Forces has frequently been dismissed as pragmatic union born of necessity, with necessity defined in terms of national self-interest. This article places Soviet aid to Turkey in the context of Moscow’s other anti-imperialist commitments. Soviet-Turkish partnership was the first chapter of the decolonialization in which the USSR played such a prominent role. Indeed, through Turkey the Soviet leadership worked out the transition from military support of an anticolonial movement to economic support of a postcolonial state.
Learning from the East
Authors: Engerman David C.
Published: August 2013

Engerman’s essay examines Soviet encounters with India in the 1950s and 1960s, tracing the effects of such encounters on both nations. Using Soviet and Indian published as well as archival material, it pays special attention to the effects on Soviet and Indian economic ideas. Of particular interest is the emergence, in Soviet scholarly and foreign-policy discussions, of the “noncapitalist path” to socialism. This category owed much to the encounters of Soviet experts like M. I. Rubinshtein with India in the mid-1950s. The emergence of a concept of the noncapitalist path, in turn, underwrote the Soviet approach to a variety of underdeveloped nations in the 1950s and 1960s — as promoted vigorously by Nikita Khrushchev and apparatchiks in the Soviet Central Committee.
Mate preference in the painted goby: the influence of visual and acoustic courtship signals
Authors: Amorim Maria Clara P. , Nunes da Ponte Ana , Caiano Manuel , Pedroso Silvia S. , Pereira Ricardo , Fonseca Paulo J.
Published: August 2013

We tested the hypothesis that females of a small vocal marine fish with exclusive paternal care, the painted goby, prefer high parental-quality mates such as large or high condition males. We tested the effect of male body size and male visual and acoustic courtship behaviour (playback experiments) on female mating preferences, by measuring time spent near one of a two-choice stimuli. Females did not show preference for male size but preferred males that showed higher levels of courtship, a trait know to advertise condition (fat reserves). Also, time spent near the preferred male depended on male courtship effort. Playback experiments showed that when sound was combined with visual stimuli (a male confined in a small aquarium placed near each speaker), females spent more time near the male associated with courtship sound than with the control male (associated with white noise or silence). Although male visual courtship effort also affected female preference in the pre-playback period, this effect decreased during playback and disappeared in the post-playback period. Courtship sound stimuli alone did not elicit female preference in relation to a control. Taken together, the results suggest that visual and mainly acoustic courtship displays are subject to mate preference and may advertise parental quality in this species. Our results indicate that visual and acoustic signals interplay in a complex fashion and highlight the need to examine how different sensory modalities affect mating preferences in fish and other vertebrates.
Neuromuscular control of hovering wingbeat kinematics in response to distinct flight challenges in the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Authors: Mahalingam Sajeni , Welch Kenneth C.
Published: August 2013

While producing one of the highest sustained mass-specific power outputs of any vertebrate, hovering hummingbirds must also precisely modulate the activity of their primary flight muscles to vary wingbeat kinematics and modulate lift production. While recent studies have begun to explore how pectoralis (the primary downstroke muscle) neuromuscular activation and wingbeat kinematics are linked in hummingbirds, it is unclear if different species modulate these features in similar ways, or consistently in response to distinct flight challenges. In addition, little is known about how the antagonist, the supracoracoideus, is modulated to power the symmetrical hovering upstroke. We obtained simultaneous recordings of wingbeat kinematics and electromyograms (EMGs) from the pectoralis and supracoracoideus in ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) while hovering under the following conditions 1) ambient air 2) air density reduction trials 3) submaximal load lifting trials and 4) maximal load lifting trials. Increased power output was achieved through increased stroke amplitude during both treatments, but wingbeat frequency only increased at low air densities. Overall, relative EMG intensity was the best predictor of stroke amplitude and is correlated with angular velocity of the wingtip. The relationship between muscle activation intensity and kinematics was independent of treatment type, indicating reduced drag on the wings in hypodense air did not lead to high wingtip angular velocities independently of increased muscle work. EMG bursts consistently began and ended before muscle shortening under all conditions. During all sustained hovering spike number per burst consistently averaged 1.2 in the pectoralis and 2.0 in the supracoracoideus. The number of spikes increased to 2.5-3 in both muscles during maximal load lifting trials. Despite the relative kinematic symmetry of the hovering downstroke and upstroke, the supracoracoideus was activated ~1 ms earlier, EMG bursts were longer (~0.9 ms), and exhibited 1.6 times as many spikes per burst. We hypothesize that earlier and more sustained activation of the supracoracoideus fibers is necessary to offset greater compliance resulting from the presence of the supracoracoid tendon.
Geometrically Nonlinear Calculation of Trailing rod designs. Part 1. Calculation of flexible threads
Authors: Свентиков Андрей
Published: August 2013

Is treated geometrically nonlinear matrix calculation core construction with the use of flexible threads. The first part is devoted to the study the major calculation dependencies of flexible threads. It is established that the geometric nonlinearity of flexible rods depends on the cube of the ratio of the calculation in a zero-offsets end stabilize relations to its current value. Also found that the constructive nonlinearity is a special case of geometrical nonlinearity and depends on the degree of impact on the VDS of flexible thread load on its own weight. It is found that the preliminary adjustment of the length of flexible rods leads to the increase of the share of the stresses of constant load and, accordingly, to the approximation of the nature of the work of these elements into a linear model.
Actual Problems of Increase in Bearing Ability of Modular Tape Bases
Authors: Евтушенко Сергей , Evtushenko Sergey , Крахмальный Тимофей , Krakhmalnyy Timofey
Published: August 2013

It is brought this development of new designs of the modular tape bases with a broken outline of a regional zone, it is fuller using bearing ability of the basis. Calculations of bearing ability of the sandy basis of new designs of the tape bases are given.
Research of Interaction of Landslide Soil with Protective Constructions of Support of Platforms
Authors: Маций Сергей , Maciy Sergey , Лейер Дарья
Published: August 2013

Designing protective structures for trestle bents from deformations caused by landslides faces the problem of proper place-

ment of pile elements. For developing effective landslide barriers for every single trestle bent, the calculation scheme is being proposed. It simulates interaction between landslide soil and the piles of straight line protective structure. Calculation scheme carried out using finite-elements method with geotechnical software Plaxis. In the process of analyzing the interaction between landslide’s loamy soil (with low strength characteristics) and single protective structure some of the most distinctive relationships were estimated: graphical characte­ristics of soil deformation in dependence from pile space and loa­ded force and also relationships between limited soil displacement as well as landslide pressure and structure’s configuration. The achieved results were compared with the ones from laboratory testing. Effective placement of pile elements in single protective structures was estimated on the basis of complex analyzing.
Increase of Safety of Long Being Maintained Bridge Constructions on the Main Channels ­irrigating systems
Authors: Евтушенко Сергей , Evtushenko Sergey , Крахмальный Тимофей , Krakhmalnyy Timofey , Крахмальная Марина
Published: August 2013

It is brought data on a technical condition of modular ferro-concrete bridges, extent to 18–24 m located on a network of meliorative channels of the North Caucasian region. Authors reflected problems of service and repair of bridge constructions of a network of the irrigation canals being on balance of managements of land improvement on an example of administrative units of the Southern federal district.