bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horse metabolism and the photocatalytic process as a tool to identify metabolic products formed from dopant substances: the case of sildenafil
Authors: Medana Claudio , Calza Paola , Giancotti Valeria , Bello Federica Dal , Pasello Emanuela , Montana Marco , Baiocchi Claudio
Published: October 2011

Two horses were treated with sildenafil, and its metabolic products were sought in both urine and plasma samples. Prior to this, a simulative laboratory study had been done using a photocatalytic process, to identify all possible main and secondary transformation products, in a clean matrix; these were then sought in the biological samples.

The transformation of sildenafil and the formation of intermediate products were evaluated adopting titanium dioxide as photocatalyst. Several products were formed and characterized using the HPLC/HRMSn technique. The main intermediates identified in these experimental conditions were the same as the major sildenafil metabolites found in in vivo studies on rats and horses. Concerning horse metabolism, sildenafil and the demethylated product (UK 103,320) were quantified in blood samples. Sildenafil propyloxide, de‐ethyl, and demethyl sildenafil, were the main metabolites quantified in urine. Some more oxidized species, already formed in the photocatalytic process, were also found in urine and plasma samples of treated animals. Their formation involved hydroxylation on the aromatic ring, combined oxidation and dihydroxylation, N‐demethylation on the pyrazole ring, and hydroxylation. These new findings could be of interest in further metabolism studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a flow cytometric immunoassay for recombinant bovine somatotropin‐induced antibodies in serum of dairy cows
Authors: Smits Nathalie Gabriëlle Esther , Bremer Maria Gabriëlle Eleonore Gerarda , Ludwig Susann Katrina Julie , Nielen Michel Wilhelmus Franciscus
Published: October 2011

Administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) to enhance milk production in dairy cows is banned within the European Union. Therefore, methods for pinpointing rbST abuse are required. Due to the problematic detection of rbST itself in serum, methods are also focused on detecting changes in rbST‐related biomarkers. In this study, a fast and easy‐to‐perform microsphere‐based flow cytometric immunoassay (FCIA) for detection of rbST‐induced antibodies in serum was developed. Until now, detection of rbST‐induced antibodies was also problematic due to non‐specific binding of serum proteins resulting in a high rate of false positive results. Therefore, five different sample preparation methods, i.e. dilution, octanoic acid precipitation, filtration, protein G purification, and a previously described generic FCIA sample preparation were critically compared to overcome non‐specific binding to the microspheres. Only the generic FCIA sample pretreatment was effective in reducing non‐specific binding. As a result, an absolute decision level for detecting rbST antibodies in serum of dairy cows was determined and its applicability was demonstrated. In accordance with biological expectations from literature, rbST antibodies were induced in three out of four rbST‐treated dairy cows. These rbST‐induced antibodies were successfully detected for up to 4 weeks after the last rbST treatment, whereas no false positive results were obtained for 27 untreated dairy cows. This is the first method, able to overcome the interference of serum proteins and therefore, can be applied with high confidence for screening unknown herds of cattle for rbST antibodies, an important biomarker for pinpointing at rbST abuse in cattle. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of an enantioselective LC‐ESI MS/MS procedure to determine R‐ and S‐hyoscyamine following intravenous atropine administration in swine
Authors: John Harald , Mikler John , Worek Franz , Thiermann Horst
Published: October 2011

S‐hyoscyamine (S‐hyo) is a natural plant tropane alkaloid acting as a muscarinic receptor (MR) antagonist. Its racemic mixture (atropine) is clinically used in pre‐anaesthesia, ophthalmology and for the antidotal treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning with nerve agents or pesticides even though R‐hyo exhibits no effects on MR. Further investigative research is required to optimize treatment of OP poisoning. Swine are often the animal model utilized due to similarities in physiology and antidote response to humans. However, no studies have been reported that elucidated differences in the kinetics of R‐ and S‐hyo. Therefore, the concentration‐time profiles of total hyo as well as both enantiomers were analyzed in plasma after intravenous administration of atropine sulfate (Atr2SO4, 100 µg/kg) to anaesthetized swine. For quantification plasma samples were incubated separately with human serum (procedure A) and rabbit serum (procedure B). The rabbit serum used contained atropinesterase, which is suitable for stereoselective hydrolysis of S‐hyo, while human serum does not hydrolyze either enantiomer. After incubation samples were precipitated and the supernatant was analyzed by RP‐HPLC‐ESI MS/MS. Procedure A allowed determination of total hyo and procedure B remaining R‐hyo concentrations. S‐hyo was calculated as the difference of the two procedures. Concentration data were regressed by a two‐phase decay according to a two‐compartment open model revealing similar kinetics for both enantiomers thus indicating distribution, metabolism and elimination without obvious stereoselective preference in tested swine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of mesocarb abuse in horse doping
Authors: Appolonova Svetlana A. , Baranov Pavel A. , Mesonzhnik Natalia V. , Brazhnikova Daria O. , Rodchenkov Grigory M.
Published: October 2011

A method is described for the determination of mesocarb abuse in equestrian sport by combining gradient liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Mesocarb was administrated orally to two horses at a dose of 50 µg/kg. Urine samples were collected up to 120 h post administration. Hydrolyzed and conjugated urine fractions were handled using liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE). The identity of the parent drug and metabolites was confirmed using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Mesocarb and seven metabolites were detected in horse urine. Mono‐ and two di‐hydroxylated metabolites were the main metabolites observed in horse urine samples. Based on the differences in MS/MS spectra it was supposed that these metabolites were been formed by the hydroxylation of the phenylisopropyl moiety of mesocarb whilst the main process of hydroxylation of mesocarb in human occurred in the phenylcarbamoyl moiety. The main metabolites were almost completely glucuroconjugated. Minor metabolites such as p‐hydroxymesocarb and three di‐hydroxylated metabolites together with parent mesocarb were also presented in the free urine fraction. This study has shown that two mono‐ and two di‐hydroxylated metabolites are useful for controlling the abuse of mesocarb in horses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voltammetric determination of glutathione in haemolysed erythrocyte and tablet samples using modified‐multiwall carbon nanotubes paste electrode
Authors: Ensafi Ali A. , Dadkhah‐Tehrani Samira , Karimi‐Maleh Hassan
Published: October 2011

A chemically modified electrode was prepared by incorporating p‐aminophenol into multiwall carbon nanotubes paste matrix. Cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, double potential step chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of glutathione at the chemically modified electrode prepared. According to the results, p‐aminophenol multiwall carbon nanotubes paste electrode (p‐APMWCNTPE) showed high electrocatalytic activity for glutathione oxidation, producing a sharp oxidation peak current at about +0.285 vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode at pH 5.0. Chronoamperometry was also used to determine glutathione's catalytic rate constant and diffusion coefficient at p‐APMWCNTPE. The square wave voltammetric peak current of glutathione increased linearly with glutathione concentration in the range of 2.0 × 10–7 – 1.0 × 10–4 mol L–1 with a detection limit of 9.0 × 10–8 mol L–1. The method was also successfully employed as a selective, simple, and precise method for the determination of glutathione in haemolysed erythrocyte, tablet, and urine samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of minimum break point set using particle swarm optimization for system‐wide protective relay setting and coordination
Authors: Moirangthem Joymala , Dash S. S. , Ramas Ramaswami
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes an effective approach based on particle swarm optimization to identify the break point set. Determining the directional loops and the optimal break point set in the multiloop is the first step during setting and coordination of directional relays in system protection. Arbitrary starting relay locations and arbitrary consideration of relay sequence to set and coordinate relays will result in navigating loops many times and usually result in futile attempts to achieve system‐wide relay coordination. First, the network is reduced if there are any parallel lines or three end nodes. Second, all the directed loops are enumerated to enhance the algorithm. In this paper, the problem is formulated as a set covering problem, and break point set is determined using particle swarm optimization technique. Effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is implemented in different test system, and the results are compared with the existing methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the effects of memantine on clinical progression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wilkinson David
Published: October 2011

Background

As Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, patients become increasingly dependent on others, placing a substantial impact on the daily lives of patients and caregivers. A treatment that slows clinical progression is a realistic and meaningful therapeutic goal for patients and caregivers. If given early, such a treatment would be expected to maximise any potential benefit. Memantine has shown clinical benefits in the key domains of AD, both as monotherapy and in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI).

Methods

Memantine now has a considerable database of published studies and is associated with benefits in aspects of behaviour, cognition and communication, and on clinical progression. The results of these clinical studies are reviewed.

Results

Short‐term clinical studies (≤28 weeks) have shown that memantine reduces clinical worsening and has also demonstrated positive effects in aspects of cognition—language, memory, praxis, functional communication—and in activities of daily living. Furthermore, memantine has been shown to reduce the rate of emergence of troublesome behaviour in patients with AD who were asymptomatic at baseline. Long‐term follow‐up studies (>1 year) have shown that the benefits of memantine are sustained and increase over time, and that memantine can delay nursing home placement in patients with AD.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence for the benefits of memantine, either alone or in combination with a ChEI, in slowing clinical progression in AD, and indicate that early treatment initiation may maximise clinical success. The benefits of memantine increase over time, allowing patients to remain independent for longer, alleviating caregiver burden and delaying institutionalisation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EVALUATION OF VARIANCE ESTIMATORS FOR THE CONCENTRATION AND HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT INDICES: A MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Roy Kakoli , Gotway Crawford Carol A.
Published: September 2011

Although the concentration index (CI) and the health achievement index (HAI) have been extensively used, previous studies have relied on bootstrapping to compute the variance of the HAI, whereas competing variance estimators exist for the CI. This paper provides methods of statistical inference for the HAI and compares the available variance estimators for both the CI and the HAI using Monte Carlo simulation. Results for both the CI and the HAI suggest that analytical methods and bootstrapping are well behaved. The convenient regression method gives standard errors close to the other methods, provided the CI is not too large (< 0.2), but otherwise tends to understate the standard errors. In our simulation setting, the improvement from the Newey–West correction over the convenient regression method has mixed evidence when the CI ≤ 0.1 and is modest when the CI > 0.1. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Effects of urbanization on stream hydrology and water quality: the Florida Gulf Coast
Authors: Chelsea Nagy R. , Graeme Lockaby B. , Kalin Latif , Anderson Chris
Published: September 2011

At the global scale, the population density of coastal areas is nearly three times that of inland areas, and consequently, land development represents a threat to coastal ecosystems. It is critical to understand how increasing urbanization affects coastal watersheds. To that end, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of urban development on stream water quality and hydrology in a coastal setting, a scenario that has received less attention than other physiographic regions. Stream hydrologic, physicochemical, and microbial data were collected in watersheds near Apalachicola, Florida with a range of impervious surfaces from 0 to 15%. Watersheds with greater impervious cover exhibited higher pH, specific conductance, and temperature, elevated nutrient concentrations and loads (, and total phosphorus), higher bacterial concentrations (fecal coliform and Escherichia coli), and increased maximum flow and hydrograph flashiness. Different responses to development here compared to other physiographic regions included lower total suspended solid concentrations, higher total dissolved solid concentrations, and a lack of response of base flow to increased urbanization. Additionally, Na+ and Cl− concentrations were elevated to a greater extent than is often the case in non‐coastal areas. In the coming years, urban development is projected to increase substantially in coastal zones and thus there is risk of further stream degradation in coastal watersheds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidisciplinary management of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Kaifi Jussuf T. , Toth Jennifer W. , Gusani Niraj J. , Kimchi Eric T. , Staveley‐O'Carroll Kevin F. , Belani Chandra P. , Reed Michael F.
Published: September 2011

Approximately 50% of patients with metastatic disease develop a malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Prompt clinical evaluation and treatment to achieve successful palliation are the main goals of management of MPE. Optimal treatment is still controversial and there is no universal standard approach. Management options include observation, thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) or chest tube placement, pleurodesis, and surgical pleurectomy. The treatment for each patient should be based on symptoms, general condition, and life expectancy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:731–738. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite element analysis of the effect of corrosion on the behavior of reinforced earth walls
Authors: Chau Truong‐Linh , Bourgeois Emmanuel , Corfdir Alain
Published: October 2011

A simple model for the corrosion‐induced loss of stiffness and strength of the steel strips of earth‐reinforced walls was introduced in a finite element simulation of the long‐term behavior of the wall, in which the backfill‐strips interactions are taken into account by means of a generalized homogenization procedure (called a multiphase model). The results show an initial phase of slow displacements induced by the loss of stiffness, followed after a few decades by a steep acceleration of the displacements, leading to wall failure. The influences of the parameter controlling corrosion, the backfill cohesion and the heterogeneity of the corrosion process are discussed. Results are used to discuss a strategy for reinforced earth wall surveillance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bubble removal in centrifugal casting: Combined effects of buoyancy and diffusion
Authors: Mazzeo Aaron D. , Lustrino Michelle E. , Hardt David E.
Published: October 2011

This article models bubble removal in centrifugal casting of the thermosetting silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Given spin speeds, mold geometry, and resin properties for centrifugal casting, it is possible to predict the amount of spin time required to produce bubble‐free parts. For the particular conditions and materials considered in this work, required spin times range from seconds to minutes. The model itself balances two complementary physical behaviors: bubble dissolution and buoyancy. Diffusion dominates the removal of small bubbles below a critical size, while buoyancy dominates the removal of bubbles above a critical size. To simulate the removal of bubbles from a spinning solution, two first‐order nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically. To verify simulated results, designed sets of experiments related the number of remaining bubbles in cured parts to spin times and speeds. Dow Corning Sylgard 184, Sylgard 186, and 3‐6121 were the silicones tested in this work. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Wetting behaviors of hyperbranched polymer composites within ordered porous template under vibration
Authors: Xie Yun‐Chuan , Xu Yan , Yung Kai‐Leung
Published: October 2011

The wetting characteristics of hyperbranched polyesters (HBP) added cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) melt in microchannels of anodized alumina oxide (AAO) template were studied. The wetting displacements in microchannels were measured by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Compared with pure COC matrix, the composite flowed much longer in the microchannels under normal molding conditions. This may be attributed to the spherical shape of the HBP molecules. The flow study was extended by applying a series of high frequency vibration on the AAO template. Results show that vibration can enhance the wetting of the composite melts if phase separation does not occur. This paper provides useful information for micromolding based microfabrication, especially additives and vibration assisted micromolding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Super folds, networks, and barriers
Authors: Burke Sean , Elber Ron
Published: October 2011

Exhaustive enumeration of sequences and folds is conducted for a simple lattice model of conformations, sequences, and energies. Examination of all foldable sequences and their nearest connected neighbors (sequences that differ by no more than a point mutation) illustrates the following: (i) There exist unusually large number of sequences that fold into a few structures (super‐folds). The same observation was made experimentally and computationally using stochastic sampling and exhaustive enumeration of related models. (ii) There exist only a few large networks of connected sequences that are not restricted to one fold. These networks cover a significant fraction of fold spaces (super‐networks). (iii) There exist barriers in sequence space that prevent foldable sequences of the same structure to “connect” through a series of single point mutations (super‐barrier), even in the presence of the sequence connection between folds. While there is ample experimental evidence for the existence of super‐folds, evidence for a super‐network is just starting to emerge. The prediction of a sequence barrier is an intriguing characteristic of sequence space, suggesting that the overall sequence space may be disconnected. The implications and limitations of these observations for evolution of protein structures are discussed. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical integrity inspections during capital projects
Authors: Schubert Paul , Keener Travis
Published: September 2011

Putting off the initial thickness measurements (i.e., baseline) of piping and vessels in a new process unit is both common and problematic. The tendency of owners is to rely on the nominal thickness because the actual original thickness was either not measured or not recorded for calculating corrosion rates after the thickness readings of first wave are taken with the equipment having been in service for some period of time. Consequently, significant errors in calculated corrosion rates may result from variations of thickness allowed by mill tolerance standards during fabrication. Not having the original thickness can either mask potentially hazardous conditions or cause concern where none is really warranted. Involvement of the inspection department in a capital project can significantly improve quality, reduce cost, and ensure compliance. The objectives of this article are to provide: (1) justification for a detailed inspection during capital projects; (2) show effective roles for inspection departments in capital projects; (3) justification for performing vendor surveillance in capital projects; (4) the technical advantages for performing preservice baseline inspections. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
Concolic testing of the multi-sector read operation for flash storage platform software
Authors: Kim Moonzoo , Kim Yunho , Choi Yunja
Published: October 2011

In today’s information society, flash memory has become a virtually indispensable component, particularly
for mobile devices. In order for mobile devices to operate successfully, it is essential that flash memory
be controlled correctly through flash storage platform software such as the file system, flash translation layer,
and low-level device drivers. However, as is typical for embedded software, conventional testing methods often
fail to detect hidden flaws in the software due to the difficulty of creating effective test cases. As a different
approach, model checking techniques guarantee a complete analysis, but only on a limited scale. In this paper,
we describe an empirical study wherein a
concolic testing
method is applied to the multi-sector read operation for flash storage platform software. This method combines a concrete dynamic execution and a symbolic execution to automatically generate test cases for full path coverage. Through the experiments, we analyze the advantages and weaknesses of the concolic testing approach on the flash storage platform software.
The mechanical generation of fault trees for reactive systems via retrenchment I: combinational circuits
Authors: Banach Richard , Bozzano Marco
Published: September 2011

The manual construction of fault trees for complex systems is an error-prone and time-consuming activity, encouraging automated techniques. In this paper we show how the retrenchment approach to formal system model evolution can be developed into a versatile structured approach for the mechanical construction of fault trees. The system structure and the structure of retrenchment concessions interact to generate fault trees with appropriately deep nesting. We show how this approach can be extended to deal with minimisation, thereby diminishing the post hoc subsumption workload and potentially rendering some infeasible cases feasible.
Environment–KHV–carp–human linkage as a model for environmental diseases
Authors: Kawabata Zen'ichiro , Minamoto Toshifumi , Honjo Mie N. , Uchii Kimiko , Yamanaka Hiroki , Suzuki Alata A. , Kohmatsu Yukihiro , Asano Kota , Itayama Tomoaki , Ichijo Tomoaki , Omori Koji , Okuda Noboru , Kakehashi Masayuki , Nasu Masao , Matsui Kazuaki , Matsuoka Masatomi , Kong Hainan , Takahara Teruhiko , Wu Deyi , Yonekura Ryuji
Published: October 2011

To predict outbreaks of infectious disease and to prevent epidemics, it is essential not only to conduct pathological studies but also to understand the interactions between the environment, pathogen, host and humans that cause and spread infectious diseases. Outbreaks of mass mortality in carp caused by Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3), formerly known as koi herpesvirus (KHV), disease have occurred worldwide since the late 1990s. We proposed an environment–KHV–carp–human linkage as a conceptual model for “environmental diseases” and specify research subjects that might be necessary to construct and shape this linkage.
Psychological risk factors for chronic post‐surgical pain after inguinal hernia repair surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Powell R. , Johnston M. , Smith W.C. , King P.M. , Chambers W.A. , Krukowski Z. , McKee L. , Bruce J.
Published: October 2011

A significant proportion of patients experience chronic post‐surgical pain (CPSP) following inguinal hernia surgery. Psychological models are useful in predicting acute pain after surgery, and in predicting the transition from acute to chronic pain in non‐surgical contexts. This is a prospective cohort study to investigate psychological (cognitive and emotional) risk factors forCPSPafter inguinal hernia surgery. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires before surgery and 1 week and 4 months after surgery. Data collected before surgery and 1 week after surgery were used to predict pain at 4 months. Psychological risk factors assessed included anxiety, depression, fear‐avoidance, activity avoidance, catastrophizing, worry about the operation, activity expectations, perceived pain control and optimism. The study included 135 participants; follow‐up questionnaires were returned by 119 (88.1%) and 115 (85.2%) participants at 1 week and 4 months after surgery respectively. The incidence ofCPSP(pain at 4 months) was 39.5%. After controlling for age, body mass index and surgical variables (e.g. anaesthetic, type of surgery and mesh type used), lower pre‐operative optimism was an independent risk factor forCPSPat 4 months; lower pre‐operative optimism and lower perceived control over pain at 1 week after surgery predicted higher pain intensity at 4 months. No emotional variables were independently predictive ofCPSP. Further research should target these cognitive variables in pre‐operative psychological preparation for surgery.
Recognizing Dangerous Snakes in the United States and Canada: A Novel 3-Step Identification Method
Authors: Cardwell Michael D.
Published: October 2011

The rapid and accurate recognition of dangerously venomous snakes following bites is crucial to making appropriate decisions regarding first aid, evacuation, and treatment. Past recommendations for identification of dangerous North American pit vipers have often required subjective determinations of head shape or relied on traits shared with some nondangerous species (elliptical pupils and undivided subcaudal scales). Heat-sensitive facial pits are diagnostic but require close examination of the dangerous head, and cephalic traits are useless when working with a decapitated carcass. Exclusive of cephalic traits, pit vipers north of Mexico can be recognized by the combination of keeled middorsal scales and undivided subcaudal scales. The order of colored rings is usually suggested to identify coral snakes in the United States, yet extension of the colored rings across the ventral scales must be added as an essential identifying factor to ensure elimination of all harmless look-alikes. A novel 3-step flow chart is presented that allows dangerous snakes in the United States and Canada to be recognized quickly and dependably without relying on cephalic traits. This process cannot be used in other countries, however, due to greater variability of these characteristics in snakes from other parts of the world. Finally, close examination of potentially venomous snakes is extraordinarily dangerous and steps to safeguard those making such observations are discussed.
Phytoplankton distribution patterns in the northwestern Sargasso Sea revealed by small subunit rRNA genes from plastids
Authors: Treusch Alexander H , Demir-Hilton Elif , Vergin Kevin L , Worden Alexandra Z , Carlson Craig A , Donatz Michael G , Burton Robert M , Giovannoni Stephen J
Published: September 2011

Phytoplankton species vary in their physiological properties, and are expected to respond differently to seasonal changes in water column conditions. To assess these varying distribution patterns, we used 412 samples collected monthly over 12 years (1991–2004) at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-Series Study site, located in the northwestern Sargasso Sea. We measured plastid 16S ribosomal RNA gene abundances with a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism approach and identified distribution patterns for members of the Prymnesiophyceae, Pelagophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Prasinophyceae. The analysis revealed dynamic bloom patterns by these phytoplankton taxa that begin early in the year, when the mixed layer is deep. Previously, unreported open-ocean prasinophyte blooms dominated the plastid gene signal during convective mixing events. Quantitative PCR confirmed the blooms and transitions of Bathycoccus, Micromonas and Ostreococcus populations. In contrast, taxa belonging to the pelagophytes and chrysophytes, as well as cryptophytes, reached annual peaks during mixed layer shoaling, while Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) were observed only episodically in the 12-year record. Prymnesiophytes dominated the integrated plastid gene signal. They were abundant throughout the water column before mixing events, but persisted in the deep chlorophyll maximum during stratified conditions. Various models have been used to describe mechanisms that drive vernal phytoplankton blooms in temperate seas. The range of taxon-specific bloom patterns observed here indicates that different ‘spring bloom’ models can aptly describe the behavior of different phytoplankton taxa at a single geographical location. These findings provide insight into the subdivision of niche space by phytoplankton and may lead to improved predictions of phytoplankton responses to changes in ocean conditions.
Obesity‐Related Derangements of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: A Study of Obesity‐Discordant Monozygotic Twin Pairs
Authors: Kaye Sanna M. , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kotronen Anna , Joutsi‐Korhonen Lotta , Kaprio Jaakko , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele , Silveira Angela , Hamsten Anders , Lassila Riitta , Rissanen Aila
Published: September 2011

Coagulation and fibrinolytic activities are under strong genetic control. We studied the effects of acquired obesity, independent of genetic factors on coagulation and fibrinolysis activities in obesity‐discordant healthy monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs. Fourteen obesity‐discordant (BMI within‐pair difference >3 kg/m2) and 10 concordant (BMI difference <2 kg/m2) MZ twin pairs were identified from the nationwide FinnTwin16 study. Body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry), abdominal fat distribution (magnetic resonance imaging), liver fat (magnetic resonance spectroscopy), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, insulin sensitivity (euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), and a panel of different markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in the fasting state were measured. Strong resemblance was observed in most coagulation factors within all twin pairs, with the intraclass correlations ranging from 0.73 to 0.97, P < 0.03. However, the activities of fibrinogen and FIX, FXI, and FXII, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) activities were increased in the obese co‐twins (P < 0.05) and strongly correlated with the measures of adiposity, inflammation, and insulin resistance (r = 0.32–0.73, P < 0.05) among the twin individuals. Intrapair differences in fibrinogen and PAI‐1 correlated with those in BMI, adiposity, and fasting insulin levels (r = 0.40–0.58, P < 0.05) indicating the independent effect of obesity. Derangements of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are present already in early adulthood in obese subjects. Acquired obesity, independent of genetic factors, increases the activities of fibrinogen and activities of FIX, FXI, FXII, and PAI‐1. This study confirms the mechanisms of simultaneous activities of intrinsic coagulation factors and impaired fibrinolysis predisposing obese subjects to thrombosis.
Recommended Audiometric Screening Strategies With Preschool-Age English Language Learners
Authors: Weber Jennifer E. , Guiberson Mark
Published: October 2011

This article describes the increase of English language learners (ELLs) in the preschool population across the United States and the pressing need for audiologists and other individuals performing preschool hearing screenings to adequately screen this population. The authors then present a university-based, regional, early childhood collaborative screening program. The authors also present general strategies for screening preschool-age populations as well as specific strategies to screen the audiometric status of young ELLs.
An Auditory Spoken Language Matrix for Differential Diagnosis of Spanish-Speaking Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Uhler Kristin , Burns Shannon M. , Dalpes Molly , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine
Published: October 2011

A sample of children from Spanish-speaking homes who are hard-of-hearing demonstrated less than optimal outcomes following cochlear implantation. The authors developed a unique diagnostic protocol to identify potential causes. Inclusion criteria included hearing loss identified by 3 months of age, amplification, a Spanish-speaking home, and enrollment in the statewide early intervention system by 6-months of age. The authors collected extensive demographic data from participants, and the participants completed the same language assessments in 6-month time intervals, examining receptive and expressive language as well as parent-child interaction. Additional assessments included cortical auditory-evoked potentials (i.e., P1), infant speech perception, auditory skill questionnaires, and audio recordings taken over a 12–16 hour period in the child's natural language environment. This auditory spoken language matrix allowed identification of good auditory performers who performed poorly on expressive language measures and poor auditory performers with poor expressive and receptive language outcomes. The comprehensive nature of the assessment allowed examination of spoken language input and helped determine if poor language outcomes were associated with a lack of spoken language input (Hart & Risely, 1995). This matrix allowed the authors to rule out audibility, discrimination, auditory development, and quality of exposure to auditory spoken language as causes of delayed development. The article discusses additional benefits of using this protocol.
Understanding the National Standards Project: Evidence-Based Interventions To Support the Language and Social Communication of Children With ASD
Authors: Prelock Patricia A.
Published: October 2011

School-based clinicians are seeing a growing population of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on their caseloads. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a responsibility to understand the available interventions, consider the profiles of children most likely to benefit from particular interventions, and recognize those skills or behaviors most likely to be positively affected by evidence-based treatments. The National Standards Project through the National Autism Center (2009;www.nationautismcenter.org) recently identified treatments that have evidence for supporting receptive and expressive language, facilitating the social and cognitive aspects of communication, and incorporating a variety of communication modalities. Those treatments are reported here.
Advancing Social-Communication and Play (ASAP): Development of a Supplemental Intervention for Public Preschools Serving Children With Autism
Authors: Kinard Jessica , Wilson Kaitlyn , Dykstra Jessica , Watson Linda , Boyd Brian
Published: October 2011

Research indicates that targeting social-communication and play in young children with autism can lead to improved long-term language outcomes. Thus, there is a critical need for school-based interventions that target these pivotal skills. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a unique opportunity to teach these skills and collaborate with other practitioners as they provide services to children with autism in classroom settings. Advancing Social-Communication and Play (ASAP) is a school-based intervention for preschool-aged children with autism. A description of the development and features of ASAP is presented, and implications for clinical practice are discussed.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 91. Phenols with Water. Part 1. C6 and C7 Phenols with Water and Heavy Water
Authors: Góral Marian , Shaw David G. , Mączyński Andrzej , Wiśniewska-Gocłowska Barbara
Published: October 2011

The mutual solubilities and related liquid-liquid equilibria of nine binary systems of C6 and C7 phenols with water are exhaustively and critically reviewed. Reports of experimental determination of solubility that appeared in the primary literature prior to the end of 2009 are compiled. For four systems, sufficient data are available to allow critical evaluation. All data are expressed as mass percent and mole fraction as well as the originally reported units.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 91. Phenols with Water. Part 2. C8 to C15 Alkane Phenols with Water
Authors: Góral Marian , Shaw David G. , Mączyński Andrzej , Wiśniewska-Gocłowska Barbara
Published: October 2011

The mutual solubilities and related liquid-liquid equilibria of 43 binary systems of C7 to C15 phenols with water are exhaustively and critically reviewed. Reports of experimental determination of solubility that appeared in the primary literature prior to the end of 2009 are compiled. For 11 systems, sufficient data are available to allow critical evaluation. All data are expressed as mass percent and mole fraction as well as the originally reported units. The standard evaluation criteria used throughout the Solubility Data Series were applied.
Correlation of the Thermal Conductivity of Normal and Parahydrogen from the Triple Point to 1000 K and up to 100 MPa
Authors: Assael M. J. , Assael J.-A. M. , Huber M. L. , Perkins R. A. , Takata Y.
Published: October 2011

This paper contains new, representative equations for the thermal conductivity of normal and parahydrogen. The equations are based in part upon a body of experimental data that has been critically assessed for internal consistency and for agreement with theory whenever possible. Although there are sufficient data at normal temperatures, data at very low or very high temperatures as well as near the critical region are scarce. In the case of the dilute-gas thermal conductivity, a new theoretically based correlation was adopted, as it agreed very well with the existing data. Moreover, in the critical region, the experimentally observed enhancement of the thermal conductivity is well represented by theoretically based equations containing just one adjustable parameter. The correlations are applicable for the temperature range from the triple point to 1000 K and pressures up to 100 MPa for both normal hydrogen and parahydrogen.
Observational studies of reconnection in the solar corona
Authors: McKenzie David E.
Published: October 2011

In recent years, observational studies of the corona have shifted focus. Where they were once purely qualitative morphological explorations seeking to support the presence of reconnection, more investigations are providing empirical estimates of the physical conditions in the reconnecting corona. These studies are enabled and enhanced by orbiting telescopes with high angular and temporal resolution. In this article, some recent findings about the empirical quantities are reviewed, including recent estimates of the flux transferred in individual patchy reconnection episodes, the size distribution of post-reconnection flux tubes, and the energy released by the flux tubes as they shrink.
Landau damping of ion acoustic wave in Lorentzian multi-ion plasmas
Authors: Arshad Kashif , Mahmood S. , Mirza Arshad M.
Published: September 2011

The Landau damping rates of ion acoustic wave are studied by using Vlasov-Poisson model for unmagnetized Lorentzian or kappa distributed plasma containing electrons, positively and negatively charged ions. It is found that the damping rate of ion acoustic wave is increased with the decrease of kappa (i.e., the spectral index of Lorentzian distribution) value. The damping rates of the electrostatic wave in multi-ion component plasmas are discussed in detail which depends on electron to ion temperature ratio and ions masses and density ratios. The numerical results are also shown by choosing some typical experimental parameters of multi-ion plasmas.
Frictional slip lengths and blockage coefficients
Authors: Crowdy Darren
Published: September 2011

This paper shows that the frictional slip lengths for longitudinal Stokes shear flow over a superhydrophobic surface are precisely the blockage coefficients for uniform potential flow past screens with the same geometry. This observation facilitates useful knowledge transfer between two apparently disparate areas of fluid dynamics. Various ramifications of this realization are explored.
Experimental and analytical study of the shear instability of a gas-liquid mixing layer
Authors: Matas Jean-Philippe , Marty Sylvain , Cartellier Alain
Published: September 2011

We carry out an inviscid spatial linear stability analysis of a planar mixing layer, where a fast gas stream destabilizes a slower parallel liquid stream, and compare the predictions of this analysis with experimental results. We study how the value of the liquid velocity at the interface and the finite thickness of the gas jet affect the most unstable mode predicted by the inviscid analysis: in particular a zero interface velocity is considered to account for the presence in most experimental situations of a splitter splate separating the gas and the liquid. Results derived from this theory are compared with experimentally measured frequencies and growth rates: a good agreement is found between the experimental and predicted frequencies, while the experimental growth rates turn out to be much larger than expected.
Enhancement of magnetoresistance by ultra-thin Zn wüstite layer
Authors: Fuji Yoshihiko , Hara Michiko , Yuasa Hiromi , Murakami Shuichi , Fukuzawa Hideaki
Published: September 2011

We have investigated a hybrid magnetic material composed of ultra-thin oxide spin-filtering layer/ferromagnetic layer (FML) for magnetoresistance (MR) enhancement. Using Zn-Fe oxide/Fe50Co50 as a free layer in current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistive films, the MR ratio and ΔRA (the change of resistance area product) were enhanced to 26.0% and 52 mΩ μm2 at a small RA (resistance area product) of about 0.2 Ω μm2, respectively. Structural analysis revealed that the Zn wüstite structure is responsible for the enhancement of the MR ratio, and spin-polarization of wüstite/FML is higher than that of spinel ferrite/FML.
Improving peppermint essential oil yield and composition by metabolic engineering
Authors: Lange Bernd Markus , Mahmoud Soheil Seyed , Wildung Mark R. , Turner Glenn W. , Davis Edward M. , Lange Iris , Baker Raymond C. , Boydston Rick A. , Croteau Rodney B.
Published: October 2011

Peppermint (
Mentha × piperita
L.) was transformed with various gene constructs to evaluate the utility of metabolic engineering for improving essential oil yield and composition. Oil yield increases were achieved by overexpressing genes involved in the supply of precursors through the 2
C
-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Two-gene combinations to enhance both oil yield and composition in a single transgenic line were assessed as well. The most promising results were obtained by transforming plants expressing an antisense version of (+)-menthofuran synthase, which is critical for adjusting the levels of specific undesirable oil constituents, with a construct for the overexpression of the MEP pathway gene 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (up to 61% oil yield increase over wild-type controls with low levels of the undesirable side-product (+)-menthofuran and its intermediate (+)-pulegone). Elite transgenic lines were advanced to multiyear field trials, which demonstrated consistent oil yield increases of up to 78% over wild-type controls and desirable effects on oil composition under commercial growth conditions. The transgenic expression of a gene encoding (+)-limonene synthase was used to accumulate elevated levels of (+)-limonene, which allows oil derived from transgenic plants to be recognized during the processing of commercial formulations containing peppermint oil. Our study illustrates the utility of metabolic engineering for the sustainable agricultural production of high quality essential oils at a competitive cost.
The Origins and Appearance of the Kurds in Pre-Islamic Iran
Authors: Limbert John
Published: September 2011

At present the Kurds occupy parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the USSR. As the map shows, the area in which the Kurds predominate is a long are extending roughly northwest to southeast in a band of varying width from central Turkey to western Iran in the Kermanshah and Shāhābād regions. In these last areas, the historic road from Baghdad to Hamadān and beyond divides the Kurds from their Iranian cousins, the Lurs.

Within this extensive, mountainous area the Kurds speak an Iranian language divided into two groups of dialects--northern Kurdish, or Kurmandji, and southern Kurdish, called Kurdi. The dividing line between these two groups of dialects run roughly from the southwest corner of Lake Rezaiyeh to the town of Rowanduz in northern Iraq. Linguists consider Kurdish to be a northwestern Iranian language and therefore quite distinct from Persian, a southwestern language.
Genome-wide analysis of yeast stress survival and tolerance acquisition to analyze the central trade-off between growth rate and cellular robustness
Authors: Zakrzewska Anna , van Eikenhorst Gerco , Burggraaff Johanna E. C. , Vis Daniel J. , Hoefsloot Huub , Delneri Daniela , Oliver Stephen G. , Brul Stanley , Smits Gertien J.
Published: October 2011

All organisms have evolved to cope with changes in environmental conditions, ensuring the optimal combination of proliferation and survival. In yeast, exposure to a mild stress leads to an increased tolerance for other stresses. This suggests that yeast uses information from the environment to prepare for future threats. We used the yeast knockout collection to systematically investigate the genes and functions involved in severe stress survival and in the acquisition of stress (cross-) tolerance. Besides genes and functions relevant for survival of heat, acid, and oxidative stress, we found an inverse correlation between mutant growth rate and stress survival. Using chemostat cultures, we confirmed that growth rate governs stress tolerance, with higher growth efficiency at low growth rates liberating the energy for these investments. Cellular functions required for stress tolerance acquisition, independent of the reduction in growth rate, were involved in vesicular transport, the Rpd3 histone deacetylase complex, and the mitotic cell cycle. Stress resistance and acquired stress tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are governed by a combination of stress-specific and general processes. The reduction of growth rate, irrespective of the cause of this reduction, leads to redistribution of resources toward stress tolerance functions, thus preparing the cells for impending change.