bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogenic amine receptor gene expression in the ovarian tissue of the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Vergoz V. , Lim J. , Oldroyd B. P.
Published: September 2011

In the honey bee Apis mellifera loss of the queen from a colony induces increased levels of the biogenic amine dopamine in the brain of workers, and this elevation is correlated with ovary activation. In the present study we use real‐time quantitative PCR to investigate expression of five biogenic amine receptor genes. We show that biogenic amine receptors are expressed in ovarian tissue, and that their expression is strongly influenced by the presence or absence of a queen in the colony. In contrast to the brain, where all three dopamine receptors are expressed, only two dopamine receptors are expressed in the ovaries, and their expression is strongly correlated with the reproductive status of workers. We conclude that biogenic amine receptors are expressed in the ovaries and are likely to be directly influential in the regulation of worker sterility in honey bees.
Retrospective long‐term evaluation of autotransplantation of premolars to the central incisor region
Authors: Mendoza‐Mendoza A. , Solano‐Reina E. , Iglesias‐Linares A. , Garcia‐Godoy F. , Abalos C.
Published: September 2011

Mendoza‐Mendoza A, Solano‐Reina E, Iglesias‐Linares A, Garcia‐Godoy F. Abalos C. Retrospective long‐term evaluation of autotransplantation of premolars to the central incisor region. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 88–97, 2012.

Aim  This retrospective case‐series study aimed to examine the long‐term outcomes of autogenously transplanted premolars.

Methodology  Twelve patients in whom donor premolars were used to replace maxillary central incisors lost by trauma were clinically and radiologically monitored. Standardized clinical and radiographic records were systematically obtained during the follow‐up period of 14 years, to determine the influence of specific clinical criteria on the overall success rate of transplantation.

Results  The success rate of premolar autotransplantation in the maxillary central incisor area was 80% after 14 years follow‐up. The highest success rate occurred in those teeth transplanted with two‐thirds of full root development. Complete pulp obliteration was positively related to autotransplant viability, followed by root formation in the bony crypt.

Conclusions  Autotransplantation of donor teeth, at the stage of ½ to ¾ of their expected root length, can provide a successful treatment solution for over 14 years.
Comparison of the surface tension of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution with three new sodium hypochlorite‐based endodontic irrigants
Authors: Palazzi F. , Morra M. , Mohammadi Z. , Grandini S. , Giardino L.
Published: September 2011

Palazzi F, Morra M, Mohammadi Z, Grandini S, Giardino L. Comparison of the surface tension of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution with three new sodium hypochlorite‐based endodontic irrigants. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 129–135, 2012.

Aim  To investigate the surface tension characteristics of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and three recently introduced sodium hypochlorite solutions, which had been modified to reduce their surface tension: Chlor‐Xtra, Hypoclean A and Hypoclean B.

Methodology  Freshly produced MilliQ water was used as a reference liquid. All measurements of surface tension were taken by the Wilhelmy plate technique, using a Cahn DCA‐322 Dynamic Contact Angle Analyzer at the temperature of 22 °C. A glow‐discharge cleaned glass slide was immersed in 5 mL of the test liquid in a beaker cleaned with hot chromic acid, rinsed with MilliQ water and finally air plasma‐cleaned in a glow‐discharge reactor. The force on the glass slide was recorded continuously by the instrument software as the beaker was raised and withdrawn at the constant speed of 40 micron/s, until at least 1 cm of the glass slide was immersed. The typical accuracy was 0.5 mJ m−2. For each sample, fifteen measurements were taken, and mean values were calculated. A Kruskal–Wallis anova analysis, followed by Mann–Whitney’s U rank sum test for pair‐wise comparisons, was used to compare surface tension values. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.

Results  MilliQ water (72.13 mJ m−2) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (48.90 mJ m−2) had the highest surface tension values (P < 0.01) compared to Chlor‐Xtra (33.14 mJ m−2), Hypoclean B (30.00 mJ m−2) and Hypoclean A (29.13 mJ m−2). Hypoclean A had the lowest surface tension (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  The new 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solutions modified with surfactants, Hypoclean A and Hypoclean B, had surface tension values that were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than Chlor‐Xtra and 5.25% NaOCl. Because of their low surface tension and increased contact with dentinal walls, these new irrigants have the potential to penetrate more readily into uninstrumented areas of root canal system as well as allow a more rapid exchange with fresh solution, enabling greater antimicrobial effectiveness and enhanced pulp tissue dissolution ability.
Weight gain and lipid–glucose profiles among patients taking antipsychotic medications: comparisons for prescriptions administered using algorithms versus usual care
Authors: KOCH D. A. , SCOTT A. J.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

Metabolic disturbances, especially weight gain, are associated with the use of many psychotropic drugs.

Algorithms assist healthcare practitioners with decisions regarding appropriate medication treatment choices.

The use of evidence‐based practice guidelines has a positive effect on weight and triglycerides, and cholesterol.

The purpose of this study was to determine if treatment strategy had a significant effect on the occurrence of physiological changes consistent with metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes in patients using atypical antipsychotic medications. The four variables assessed were: weight gain, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. The two strategies compared were (1) evidence‐based practice, derived from the Texas Medication Algorithm Project, and (2) practitioner preference. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with a chronic psychiatric disorder being treated with atypical antipsychotics. The dates of the reviewed records were from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. The sample of patients totaled 113. Statistical analysis included logistic regression for each of the four variables assessed. The use of evidence‐based practice guidelines was found to have strong positive effects on two of the four variables assessed. Further studies need to be conducted to include medications being taken to lower lipids and blood sugar. Overall, the use of evidence‐based practice guidelines has a positive effect on weight, triglycerides and cholesterol. It is important that patients be closely monitored and changes made in a timely manner to minimize adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics.
ABERRANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION 2/RFL, the rice ortholog of Arabidopsis LEAFY, suppresses the transition from inflorescence meristem to floral meristem through interaction with APO1
Authors: Ikeda‐Kawakatsu Kyoko , Maekawa Masahiko , Izawa Takeshi , Itoh Jun‐Ichi , Nagato Yasuo
Published: September 2011

The temporal and spatial control of meristem identity is a key element in plant development. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate inflorescence and flower architecture, we characterized the rice aberrant panicle organization 2 (apo2) mutant which exhibits small panicles with reduced number of primary branches due to the precocious formation of spikelet meristems. The apo2 mutants also display a shortened plastochron in the vegetative phase, late flowering, aberrant floral organ identities and loss of floral meristem determinacy. Map‐based cloning revealed that APO2 is identical to previously reported RFL gene, the rice ortholog of the Arabidopsis LEAFY (LFY) gene. Further analysis indicated that APO2/RFL and APO1, the rice ortholog of Arabidopsis UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS, act cooperatively to control inflorescence and flower development. The present study revealed functional differences between APO2/RFL and LFY. In particular, APO2/RFL and LFY act oppositely on inflorescence development. Therefore, the genetic mechanisms for controlling inflorescence architecture have evolutionarily diverged between rice (monocots) and Arabidopsis (eudicots).
Roles of target site location and sequence complementarity in trans‐acting siRNA formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Changqing , Ng Danny W.‐K. , Lu Jie , Chen Z. Jeffrey
Published: September 2011

In plants, many mRNAs and non‐coding RNAs are cleaved by RNA‐induced silencing complexes. After cleavage, only a limited number of RNAs are processed into trans‐acting siRNAs (tasiRNAs). One reason is that 22 nt small RNAs, but not the more common 21 nt small RNAs, can efficiently trigger tasiRNA formation. The characteristics of the target transcripts may also affect tasiRNA production. Here we report the effects of target site location and sequence complementarity on tasiRNA formation. A synthetic sequence that included a miR173 target site and two siRNAs targeting an endogenous mRNA encoding PHYTOENE DESATURASE3 was introduced into a protein‐coding (GFP) gene in the coding region or 3′ UTR. tasiRNAs were generated in the transgenic seedlings, and the PDS3 mRNA level was reduced, leading to a photobleaching phenotype. It was found that tasiRNAs were most efficiently produced when the miR173 target site was placed immediately after the stop codon. Introducing premature stop codons caused a dramatic reduction of tasiRNAs and over‐accumulation of 3′ cleavage products, suggesting positive effects of translation on processing the 3′ cleavage products into tasiRNAs. By systematically mutating the miR173 target site, we found that perfect complementarity between the 3′ end of miR173 and the 5′ end of the target sequence was crucial. Mismatches at that position abolished tasiRNA formation, but mismatches at the 5′ end of miR173 had less effect. These data suggest important roles for translation and specific sequence complementarity in tasiRNA formation, providing new insights into tasiRNA biogenesis as well as a strategy for improving the efficiency of RNA interference (RNAi) using tasiRNAs.
The Arabidopsis APC4 subunit of the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is critical for both female gametogenesis and embryogenesis
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Hou Yingnan , Gu Hongya , Kang Dingming , Chen Zhangliang , Liu Jingjing , Qu Li‐Jia
Published: September 2011

The anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is involved in regulating cell‐cycle progression. It has been widely studied in yeast and animal cells, but the function and regulation of the APC/C in plant cells are largely unknown. The Arabidopsis APC/C comprises at least 11 subunits, only a few of which have been studied in detail. APC4 is proposed to be a connector in the APC/C in yeast and animals. Here, we report the functional characterization of the Arabidopsis APC4 protein. We examined three heterozygous plant lines carrying apc4 alleles. These plants showed pleiotropic developmental defects in reproductive processes, including abnormal nuclear behavior in the developing embryo sac and aberrant cell division in embryos; these phenotypes differ from those reported for mutants of other subunits. Some ovules and embryos of apc4/+ plants also accumulated cyclin B protein, a known substrate of APC/C, suggesting a compromised function of APC/C. Arabidopsis APC4 was expressed in meristematic cells of seedlings, ovules in pistils and embryos in siliques, and was mainly localized in the nucleus. Additionally, the distribution of auxin was distorted in some embryos of apc4/+ plants. Our results indicate that Arabidopsis APC4 plays critical roles in female gametogenesis and embryogenesis, possibly as a connector in APC/C, and that regulation of auxin distribution may be involved in these processes.
Phylogeographic patterns and cryptic speciation across oceanographic barriers in South African intertidal fishes
Authors: von der HEYDEN S. , BOWIE R. C. K. , PROCHAZKA K. , BLOOMER P. , CRANE N. L. , BERNARDI G.
Published: September 2011

Biogeographic boundaries are the meeting zone of broadly distributed faunas, or the actual cause of a faunal break. In the latter case, closely related sister species should be found across such a boundary. To achieve such a situation, preliminary stages are expected, where phylogeographic breaks followed by genetic cryptic speciation would be observed. Biogeographic boundaries, in the Cape Point/Cape Agulhas region of southern Africa, offer an ideal system to test such predictions. Here, we studied two intertidal clinid fish species that are endemic to southern Africa, Clinus superciliosus (n = 127) and Muraenoclinus dorsalis (n = 114). Using mitochondrial control region, 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA and NADH2 genes and the nuclear rhodopsin and the first intron of the S7 ribosomal protein gene, we show both phylogeographic breaks and likely cryptic speciation in each species. Pairwise Φst results suggest population genetic structuring for both species, with higher levels for M. dorsalis (Φst = 0.34–0.93) than for C. superciliosus (Φst = 0.1–0.74). Further, we recover two and three distinct lineages within M. dorsalis and C. superciliosus, respectively. Phylogenetic topologies, concordance between nuclear and mitochondrial markers and levels of sequence divergence, which are consistent with closely related sister species pairs, suggest the presence of cryptic species. Our results therefore meet the expectation for reduced gene flow at a biogeographic barrier, which translates into significant genetic breaks and cryptic sister species.
‘Morfeo’ Elm: a new variety resistant to Dutch elm disease
Authors: Santini A. , Pecori F. , Pepori A. , Brookes A.
Published: September 2011

Dutch elm disease (DED) has spread through Europe and North America since the beginning of the twentieth century. In response, several independent genetic improvement programmes for breeding DED‐resistant elms have been established on both sides of the Atlantic. Assimilating a wide range of resistant clones of different parentage should help ensure survival of the elm in the event of mutation of the pathogen. The Italian elm breeding programme began in the late 1970s and has recently raised a new variety by crossing a specimen of U. chenmoui with the Dutch hybrid clone ‘405’. This new release, named ‘Morfeo’, is extremely resistant to DED and has an attractive form and foliage. It is also fast‐growing, tolerant of drought and soils waterlogged in winter, therefore proving well adapted to the climates of both north‐western Europe and the Mediterranean. Following trials in England, ‘Morfeo’ is considered of potential importance in the conservation of several invertebrates endangered by the consequences of DED.
Mucin‐positive epithelial mesothelioma of the peritoneum: Small bowel involvement
Authors: Kim Jo‐Heon , Kwon Kun‐Young , Jeon Yoon‐Kyung , Nam Jong‐Hee , Choi Chan , Hyeon Chang‐Lim , Choi Yoo‐Duk
Published: September 2011

Mucin‐positive epithelial mesothelioma has been reported in the peritoneum only once, and that mainly involved the stomach wall. We report the second peritoneal case and this is the first case mainly involving the small bowel wall. A 65‐year‐old man showed diffuse involvement from the duodenum to the ileum and metastatic masses in the left adrenal gland. Segmental resection of the small bowel was performed; 2 months later the patient died. Light microscopy showed diffusely anaplastic epithelioid cell proliferation and foci of glandular formation with granular mucinous materials in the cytoplasmic vacuoles or within glandular lumina. Histochemically, these mucin materials were PAS‐positive and diastase‐resistant. Immunohistochemically, the various mesothelial markers were positive, and a few adenocarcinoma markers were focally positive. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells showed long slender microvilli on the apical surface, consistent with mesothelioma. Electron microscopy can play a decisive role in the case of ambiguous histochemical and immunohistochemical results.
Characterization of the rumen microbiota of pre‐ruminant calves using metagenomic tools
Authors: Li Robert W. , Connor Erin E. , Li Congjun , Baldwin, VI Ransom L. , Sparks Michael E.
Published: September 2011

The temporal sequence of microbial establishment in the rumen of the neonatal ruminant has important ecological and pathophysiological implications. In this study, we characterized the rumen microbiota of pre‐ruminant calves fed milk replacer using two approaches, pyrosequencing of hypervariable V3–V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene and whole‐genome shotgun approach. Fifteen bacterial phyla were identified in the microbiota of pre‐ruminant calves. Bacteroidetes was the predominant phylum in the rumen microbiota of 42‐day‐old calves, representing 74.8% of the 16S sequences, followed by Firmicutes (12.0%), Proteobacteria (10.4%), Verrucomicrobia (1.2%) and Synergistetes (1.1%). However, the phylum‐level composition of 14‐day‐old calves was distinctly different. A total of 170 bacterial genera were identified while the core microbiome of pre‐ruminant calves included 45 genera. Rumen development seemingly had a significant impact on microbial diversity. The dazzling functional diversity of the rumen microbiota was reflected by identification of 8298 Pfam and 3670 COG protein families. The rumen microbiota of pre‐ruminant calves displayed a considerable compositional heterogeneity during early development. This is evidenced by a profound difference in rumen microbial composition between the two age groups. However, all functional classes between the two age groups had a remarkably similar assignment, suggesting that rumen microbial communities of pre‐ruminant calves maintained a stable function and metabolic potentials while their phylogenetic composition fluctuated greatly. The presence of all major types of rumen microorganisms suggests that the rumen of pre‐ruminant calves may not be rudimentary. Our results provide insight into rumen microbiota dynamics and will facilitate efforts in formulating optimal early‐weaning strategies.
Human distal gut microbiome
Authors: Marchesi Julian R.
Published: September 2011

The distal gut and its associated microbiota is a new frontier in the quest to understand human biology and evolution. The renaissance in this field has been partly driven by advances in sequencing technology and also by the application of a variety of ‘omic’ technologies in a systems biology framework. In the initial stages of understanding what constitutes the gut, culture‐independent methods, primarily inventories of 16S rRNA genes, have provided a clear view of the main taxonomic groups of Bacteria in the distal gut and we are now moving towards defining the functions that reside in the distal gut microbiome. This review will explore recent advances in the area of the distal gut and the use of a variety of omic approaches to determine what constitutes this fascinating collection of microbes.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for slow transit constipation: a pilot study
Authors: Collins B. , Norton C. , Maeda Y.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Chronic constipation is a problem with debilitating effects on patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in patients with slow transit constipation.

Method  Eighteen patients (17 women, median age 47 years, range 21–74) with slow transit constipation previously failing maximal biofeedback therapy participated in the study. Patients had 12 sessions of 30 minutes of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Wexner constipation score (0–30, 30 being the worst) was the primary outcome, colonic transit time, bowel diary and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC‐QOL) were evaluated pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results  Wexner constipation score improved significantly with treatment (median 18 pre‐treatment, range 10–24, to median 14 post‐treatment, range 7–22; P = 0.003). The PAC‐QOL also showed significant improvement (median 2.31, range 1.36–3.61, to median 1.43, range 0.39–3.78; P = 0.008). Stool frequency increased (P = 0.048) and the use of laxatives decreased (P = 0.025). There was no change in colonic transit time (P = 0.45).

Conclusion  Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation has potential as an affordable and minimally invasive treatment for slow transit constipation.
Examining supply changes in Australia's cocaine market
Authors: HUGHES CAITLIN E. , CHALMERS JENNY , BRIGHT DAVID A. , MATTHEW‐SIMMONS FRANCIS , SINDICICH NATASHA
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. Media attention to cocaine use and supply has increased following some of the largest cocaine seizures in Australia's history. Whether there has been an expansion in supply remains unclear. This paper examines the evidence behind assertions of increased supply in Australia and the scale and nature of any apparent increase, using proxy indicators of cocaine importation, distribution and use.

Design and Methods. Eight proxies of cocaine importation, distribution and use were adopted, including amount of importation, mode of importation and supply flows to Australia. Each proxy indicator was sourced using publicly available and Australia‐wide data, including information on the total weight of border seizures, mode of detection and country of embarkation of individual seizures. Data permitting, trends were examined for up to a 12 year period (1997–1998 to 2009–2010).

Results. Since 2006–2007 there was evidence of increased cocaine importation, albeit less than between 1998–1999 and 2001–2002. There were further signs that the 2006–2007 expansion coincided with a diversification of trafficking routes to and through Australia (beyond the traditional site of entry—Sydney) and shifts in the geographic distribution of use.

Discussion and Conclusions. The congruity between indicators suggests that there has been a recent expansion in cocaine supply to and distribution within Australia, but that the more notable shift has concerned the nature of supply, with an apparent growth in importation and distribution beyond New South Wales. The diversification of cocaine supply routes may increase risks of market entrenchment and organised crime throughout Australia.[Hughes CE, Chalmers J, Bright DA, Matthew‐Simmons F, Sindicich N. Examining supply changes in Australia's cocaine market. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:263–272]
INTRODUCTION: ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM IN GREECE, ITALY, PORTUGAL AND SPAIN
Authors: KICKERT WALTER
Published: September 2011

This symposium presents an overview of the state and administrative reforms in Southern Europe. The papers are written by scholars who are not only celebrated in their field, but also native to the country they write about. The report on Greece is by Dimitri A. Sotiropoulos and Calliope Spanou of Athens University. Edoardo Ongaro of Bocconi University Milan reports on Italy. In the case of Portugal, the reporter is José Magone, himself Portuguese and now working at the Berlin School of Economics. Reform in Spain is covered by Carlos Alba and Carmen Navarro of the Autonomous University Madrid.
THE DIFFICULT TRANSFORMATION OF STATE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN PORTUGAL. EUROPEANIZATION AND THE PERSISTENCE OF NEO‐PATRIMONIALISM
Authors: MAGONE JOSÉ M.
Published: September 2011

Portugal has been characterized by a late discontinuous democratization process. This contribution discusses the case of state and public administration reform in Portugal by using approaches from democratization, modernization and Europeanization theories. In order to understand the Portuguese case, the concept of ‘neo‐patrimonialism’ is used. We characterize Portuguese public administration as still having ‘neo‐patrimonial’ features, and therefore is still in transition from old closed‐minded practices such as particularistic decision making or clientelistic relationships to new open‐minded ones. The ‘new’ governance agenda combines new public management instruments and a growing flexibilization of public administration towards networks with non‐statal actors and has certainly led to some improvement in the quality of the services associated with public administration. Although is still too early to assess, top‐down and horizontal Europeanization processes, particularly since the late 1990s, may have contributed to a more reflexive approach in moving towards a more endogenous strategic vision based on the needs of the Portuguese state and public administration.
Characterization of nectin processing mediated by presenilin‐dependent gamma‐secretase
Authors: Kim Jinsook , Chang Allison , Dudak Amanda , Federoff Howard J. , Lim Seung T.
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 945–956.

Nectins play an important role in forming various intercellular junctions including synapses. This role is regulated by several secretases present at intercellular junctions. We have investigated presenilin (PS)‐dependent secretase‐mediated processing of nectins in PS1 KO cells and primary hippocampal neurons. The loss of PS1/γ‐secretase activity delayed the processing of nectin‐1 and caused the accumulation of its full‐length and C‐terminal fragments. Over‐expression of PS2 in PS1 KO cells compensated for the loss of PS1, suggesting that PS2 also has the ability to regulate nectin‐1 processing. In mouse brain slices, a pronounced increase in levels of 30 and 24 kDa C‐terminal fragments in response to chemical long‐term potentiation was observed. The mouse brain synaptosomal fractionation study indicated that nectin‐1 localized to post‐synaptic and preferentially pre‐synaptic membranes and that shedding occurs in both compartments. These data suggest that nectin‐1 shedding and PS‐dependent intramembrane cleavage occur at synapses, and is a regulated event during conditions of synaptic plasticity in the brain. Point mutation analysis identified several residues within the transmembrane domain that play a critical role in the positioning of cleavage sites by ectodomain sheddases. Nectin‐3, which forms hetero‐trans‐dimers with nectin‐1, also undergoes intramembrane cleavage mediated by PS1/γ‐secretase, suggesting that PS1/γ‐secreatse activity regulates synapse formation and remodeling by nectin processing.
A panbiogeographical model to prioritize areas for conservation along large rivers
Authors: Arzamendia Vanesa , Giraudo Alejandro R.
Published: September 2011

Aim  The large rivers of the Neotropics are considered areas of high diversity and endemism, which play an important role in the distribution patterns and evolution of Neotropical biota. Several methods have been proposed for prioritizing terrestrial conservation areas, but there has been little effort to develop models for river systems. We propose a panbiogeographical approach to identify priority areas for conservation along rivers.

Location  The Plata Basin rivers.

Methods  We compared the individual tracks (IT) of 96 snake taxa and identified the species associated with rivers using the concept of preferential direction of distribution. For each taxon, we measured the angular deviations between the line of its IT and the course of the rivers on a 100 × 100 km scaled grid. Average angular values < 45° indicated a positive association with rivers. We detected 35 taxa associated with rivers, and their IT were used to determine the generalized tracks (GT) and nodes. We applied a complementarity algorithm to identify the minimum set of nodes required to represent all species.

Results  Six nodes were found. The region where the High and Upper Paraná Rivers converge (Node 1) is of first priority, with 60 of 96 species. The second priority is the Lower Paraguay River and northern section of Middle Paraná River (Node 2). The third is the High Paraná, which together with Nodes 1 and 2, comprises 94% of the total species. The fourth and fifth are the High and Middle Uruguay, and the western section of the Upper Paraná and Iberá Marsh system, respectively. These five nodes include all species.

Main conclusions  Our results highlight the areas of particular interest for the conservation of rivers and provide a biogeographical algorithm for detecting priority conservation areas. The nodes are a biogeographical approach that allows evolutionary and ecological traits to be included in conservation assessment.
Productivity Growth in German Dairy Farming using a Flexible Modelling Approach
Authors: Emvalomatis Grigorios
Published: September 2011

A random‐coefficients specification of an output distance function is used to measure and decompose productivity growth in German dairy farming. This specification can accommodate heterogeneity with respect to the technology employed by dairy farms, allowing for specialised and non‐specialised farms to be included in the analysis. The proposed modelling approach is favoured by the data when compared with the conventional translog specification of distance functions. The average total factor productivity growth rate for German dairy farms is estimated at 1.1%, with the technical progress component contributing most of this growth.
Racial Barrier Socialization and the Well‐Being of African American Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Mother–Adolescent Relationship Quality
Authors: Cooper Shauna M. , McLoyd Vonnie C.
Published: September 2011

Racial socialization has been suggested as an important factor in helping African American adolescents cope effectively with racism and discrimination. Although multiple studies have reported a positive link between racial pride socialization and psychological adjustment among African American youth, assessments of the association between adolescent adjustment and another dimension of racial socialization—racial barrier socialization—have yielded inconsistent findings. Using a sample of 190 African American adolescents, the present study focuses on the quality of mother–adolescent relationships as an indicator of affective context, and examines its moderating influence on the association between racial barrier socialization and adolescent adjustment. Regression analyses indicated that the link between racial barrier socialization and adolescent adjustment is moderated by mother–adolescent relationship quality. However, these associations varied by gender.
Antibodies to co‐trimoxazole (trimethoprim and/or sulfamethoxazole) related to the presence of the drug in a commercial low‐ionic‐strength solution
Authors: Pham Bach‐Nga , Gien Dominique , Bensaad Farid , Babinet Jérome , Dubeaux Isabelle , Rouger Philippe , Pennec Pierre‐Yves Le
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Drug‐dependent antibodies have been associated with approximately 10% of acquired immune hemolytic anemia cases. These antibodies are a rare cause of interference in pretransfusion red blood cell (RBC) serologic testing. The aim of this work was to report three cases of subjects developing antibodies against co‐trimoxazole, a combination of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX).

CASE REPORT AND METHODS: Blood samples of donor/patients were referred to our laboratory for the exploration of a positive antibody detection test. There was no recent history of drug taking. Antibody identification was performed by gel test using an indirect antiglobulin test, with reagent RBCs in low‐ionic‐strength solutions (LISS) containing co‐trimoxazole or not.

RESULTS: All three sera showed positive reactions when RBCs were resuspended in LISS containing co‐trimoxazole, but negative reactions when RBCs were resuspended in LISS without antibiotic. We detected antibodies against co‐trimoxazole showing three different antibody patterns: anti‐TMP plus anti‐SMX, anti‐TMP alone, or anti‐SMX alone. Anti‐TMP showed an apparent anti‐Ku specificity in the two cases where it was present. Anti‐SMX showed an apparent anti‐H specificity in one of the two cases described. The drug‐dependent antibodies were not associated with acquired hemolytic anemia or other pathologies.

CONCLUSION: Antibodies against co‐trimoxazole may only be detected when using a diluent for reagent RBCs containing the drug in question. Antibody pattern (anti‐TMP and/or anti‐SMX) may vary according to individuals' immune response. Drug‐dependent antibodies may react as antibodies against a high‐prevalence antigen, supporting the hypothesis of antibodies to drug and membrane components. Drug‐dependent antibodies such as anti‐co‐trimoxazole may be a serologic finding without clinical features.
Molecular Basis of Insulin‐Responsive GLUT4 Trafficking Systems Revealed by Single Molecule Imaging
Authors: Hatakeyama Hiroyasu , Kanzaki Makoto
Published: September 2011

Development of a ‘static retention’ property of GLUT4, the insulin‐responsive glucose transporter, has emerged as being essential for achieving its maximal insulin‐induced surface exposure. Herein, employing quantum‐dot‐based nanometrology of intracellular GLUT4 behavior, we reveal the molecular basis of its systematization endowed upon adipogenic differentiation of 3T3L1 cells. Specifically, (i) the endosomes‐to‐trans‐Golgi network (TGN) retrieval system specialized for GLUT4 develops in response to sortilin expression, which requires an intricately balanced interplay among retromers, golgin‐97 and syntaxin‐6, the housekeeping vesicle trafficking machinery. (ii) The Golgin‐97‐localizing subdomain of the differentiated TGN apparently serves as an intermediate transit route by which GLUT4 can further proceed to the stationary GLUT4 storage compartment. (iii) AS160/Tbc1d4 then renders the ‘static retention’ property insulin responsive, i.e. insulin liberates GLUT4 from the static state only in the presence of functional AS160/Tbc1d4. (iv) Moreover, sortilin malfunction and the resulting GLUT4 sorting defects along with retarded TGN function might be etiologically related to insulin resistance. Together, these observations provide a conceptual framework for understanding maturation/retardation of the insulin‐responsive GLUT4 trafficking system that relies on the specialized subdomain of differentiated TGN.
Human Placental Alkaline Phosphatase‐Mediated Hydrolysis Correlates Tightly with the Electrostatic Contribution from Tail Group
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Wang Ketai , Li Wentao , Adelstein S. James , Kassis Amin I.
Published: September 2011

Human placental alkaline phosphatase has been identified as a hydrolase that is significantly overexpressed on the surface of various solid tumor cells, and is therefore a suitable prodrug design target for non‐invasive cancer imaging and therapy. Structure‐based prediction of enzymatic activities is essential for rational prodrug design. We have been probing the catalytic proficiency – (kcat/KM)/kw– of placental alkaline phosphatase toward several widely diverse substrate structures experimentally and correlating these results to in silico predictions that are based on the free energy estimates obtained from docking of each substrate structure with placental alkaline phosphatase. We have found that electrostatic contribution from the tail group is the most crucial factor to determine the catalytic efficiencies of the substrates. The electrostatic contribution and the total binding energy of the tail group are well correlated with catalytic efficiencies (R2 = 0.79 and 0.89, respectively). However, hydrophobic contribution from the tail group does not correlate with the catalytic efficiencies (negative correlation, R2 = 0.27). This supports the prior hypothesis stating that alkaline phosphatase‐mediated differential hydrolysis of its substrates is attributable to the differential interactions with the tail group, determined by the electrostatic contributions from the non‐bridging oxygen atoms. Calculation of the electrostatic potentials within the active site of human placental alkaline phosphatase also suggests that the local positive electrostatic environment may account for its capability to distinguish various substrates. Our study is likely to have immediate implications in the design of prodrugs against human placental alkaline phosphatase and other esterases overexpressed by human tumor cells.
Birth Outcomes Across Three Rural‐Urban Typologies in the Finger Lakes Region of New York
Authors: Strutz Kelly L. , Dozier Ann M. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Glantz J. Christopher
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The study is a descriptive, population‐based analysis of birth outcomes in the New York State Finger Lakes region designed to determine whether perinatal outcomes differed across 3 rural typologies.

Methods: Hospital birth data for the Finger Lakes region from 2006 to 2007 were used to identify births classified as low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm delivery (PTD). Maternal residences were defined using 3 existing ZIP code‐level rural‐urban typologies: Census Bureau ZIP codes, Rural‐Urban Commuting Area codes, and Primary Service Areas. Within each typology, rural maternal characteristics and birth outcomes were compared to those in urban areas using multivariable logistic regression models.

Findings: In bivariate analyses, rurality was associated with LBW and SGA for all typologies, whereas PTD was associated with residence in the Census Bureau typology only. After controlling for demographic characteristics, births to mothers in the most rural level of the Census Bureau typology and to all rural mothers in the Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) and Primary Service Area typologies were more likely to be LBW and PTD. SGA was not consistently associated with residence across typologies.

Conclusions: The typologies produced similar results for these outcomes, although effects were of greater magnitude in the RUCA and Primary Service Area typologies than in the Census Bureau typology. Comparison across typologies can have practical implications for researchers and policy makers interested in understanding the dynamics of rurality and birth outcomes in their regions.
Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotope Reference Materials for the Analysis of Water Inclusions in Halite
Authors: Rigaudier Thomas , Gardien Véronique , Martineau François , Reverdy Ghislaine , Lécuyer Christophe
Published: September 2011

Fluid inclusions represent a unique opportunity for a straightforward determination of the chemical and isotopic composition of fluids that composed the hydrosphere and atmosphere over Earth’s history. The production of reference materials in the laboratory is needed to monitor and to validate the determination of hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of water inclusions. We propose a protocol leading to the experimental synthesis of halite crystals that contain water inclusions whose δD and δ18O values can be related to those of surrounding evaporating waters where the crystals grew. Corrections to isotopic measurements were performed by applying an orthogonal projection of the raw data to the water evaporation trajectory line whose slope can be predicted by taking into account the parameters developed in the linear resistance model of Craig and Gordon (1965). Several hundreds of grams of halite reference material can be produced rapidly (within 2 d) at a low cost and can be stored within a vacuum desiccator at ambient temperature over several months or years. The described method is especially useful for the analysis of anhydrous salts and the interpretation of isotopic fractionations that operate within the surficial water cycle.
An exploratory study into whether self‐monitoring improves adherence to daily flossing among dental patients
Authors: Suresh Ruby , Jones Katharine C. , Newton Jonathan Timothy , Asimakopoulou Koula
Published: September 2011

Objectives: This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an action‐control behavioral intervention on adherence to dental flossing in patients with periodontal disease. Action control, that is, monitoring one's behavior and evaluating it against a self‐set standard, has been suggested as a self‐regulatory strategy that can assist people who intend to engage in behavioral change.

Methods: In a single‐center, single‐blind prospective trial, 73 dental patients received a behavioral intervention, which was either matched or mismatched to their stage of behavioral change. Through responses to a standardized self‐report measure, participants were classified either as motivational (i.e., not ready to change) or volitional (i.e., contemplating change) with regard to dental flossing. The intervention consisted of a simple self‐monitoring tool for dental flossing in the form of a diary. Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores were measured before and at 4 weeks postintervention.

Results: Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores improved (P < 0.001) in both stage‐matched and stage‐mismatched patients.

Conclusions: A brief behavioral intervention enhances adherence to dental flossing, regardless of participants' stage of change. Keeping a flossing diary can increase dental flossing and reduce plaque and bleeding scores in patients with periodontal disease, in the short term.
Population differentiation and phylogeographic pattern of a relict species, Conandron ramondioides (Gesneriaceae), revealed from sequence polymorphism and haplotypes of the CYCLOIDEA gene
Authors: XIAO Li‐Hong , LI Zhi , WANG Rui , WANG Yin‐Zheng
Published: September 2011

Abstract  Historical events are expected to affect population genetic differentiation and DNA molecular evolution, but the impact of these effects remains a matter of debate. Here, for Conandron ramondioides (Gesneriaceae), we analyzed the genetic structure and phylogeographical pattern of 248 individuals from 13 populations, distributed in mainland China and Taiwan Island, based on the nucleotide sequence and haplotype of the coding sequence of CYCLOIDEA1 (GCYC1). Among the populations, we found a high level of haplotype diversity (h= 0.831) and a relatively low level of nucleotide diversity (Dij= 0.004). Both the haplotype network and the neighbor‐joining tree constructed from GCYC1 haplotypes suggest two major geographical groupings, one on the mainland and the other on Taiwan. Consistently, amova analysis revealed high genetic differentiation between these groupings, with 84.65% variation partitioning the two regions, and the two groupings shared no haplotype. On the mainland, population genetic differentiation was correlated with more recent events, presumably Pleistocene glaciations and human activities since the Neolithic. In addition, C. ramondioides GCYC1 rapidly accumulated neutral mutations, consistent with this gene being silenced or down‐regulated in actinomorphic lineages of the Lamiales, such as Conandron.
Experimental Analysis of Soot Formation and Oxidation in a Gas Turbine Model Combustor Using Laser Diagnostics
Authors: Geigle Klaus Peter , Zerbs Jochen , Köhler Markus , Stöhr Michael , Meier Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

Sooting ethylene/air flames were investigated experimentally in a dual swirl gas turbine model combustor with good optical access at atmospheric pressure. The goals of the investigations were a detailed characterization of the soot formation and oxidation processes under gas turbine relevant conditions and the establishment of a data base for the validation of numerical combustion simulations. The flow field was measured by stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, the soot volume fractions by laser-induced incandescence, the heat release by OH chemiluminescence imaging and the temperatures by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. Two flames are compared: a fuel-rich partially premixed flame with moderate soot concentrations and a second one with the same parameters but additional injection of secondary air. Instantaneous as well as average distributions of the measured quantities are presented and discussed. The measured soot distributions exhibit a high temporal and spatial dynamic. This behavior correlates with broad temperature probability density functions. With injection of secondary air downstream of the flame zone the distributions change drastically. The data set, including PDFs of soot concentration, temperature and flow velocity, is unique in combining different laser diagnostics with a combustor exhibiting a more challenging geometry than existing validation experiments.
Combustor Design Optimization Using Co-Kriging of Steady and Unsteady Turbulent Combustion
Authors: Wankhede Moresh J. , Bressloff Neil W. , Keane Andy J.
Published: September 2011

In the gas turbine industry, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are often used to predict and visualize the complex reacting flow dynamics, combustion environment and emissions performance of a combustor at the design stage. Given the complexity involved in obtaining accurate flow predictions and due to the expensive nature of simulations, conventional techniques for CFD based combustor design optimization are often ruled out, primarily due to the limits on available computing resources and time. The design optimization process normally requires a large number of analyses of the objective and constraint functions which necessitates a careful selection of fast, reliable and efficient computational methods for the CFD analysis and the optimization process. In this study, given a fixed computational budget, an assessment of a co-Kriging based optimization strategy against a standard Kriging based optimization strategy is presented for the design of a 2D combustor using steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) formulation. Within the fixed computational budget, using a steady RANS formulation, the Kriging strategy successfully captures the underlying response; however with unsteady RANS the Kriging strategy fails to capture the underlying response due to the existence of a high level of noise. The co-Kriging strategy is then applied to two design problems, one using two levels of grid resolutions in a steady RANS formulation and the other using steady and unsteady RANS formulations on the same grid resolution. With the co-Kriging strategy, the multifidelity analysis is expected to find an optimum design in comparatively less time than that required using the high-fidelity model alone since less high-fidelity function calls should be required. However, using the applied computational setup for co-Kriging, the Kriging strategy beats the co-Kriging strategy under the steady RANS formulation whereas under the unsteady RANS formulation, the high level of noise stalls the co-Kriging optimization process.
LOWER BOUNDS ON THE SECOND ORDER NONLINEARITY OF BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS
Authors: LI XUELIAN , HU YUPU , GAO JUNTAO
Published: September 2011

It is a difficult task to compute the r-th order nonlinearity of a given function with algebraic degree strictly greater than r > 1. Though lower bounds on the second order nonlinearity are known only for a few particular functions, the majority of which are cubic. We investigate lower bounds on the second order nonlinearity of cubic Boolean functions [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], dl = 2il + 2jl + 1, m, il and jl are positive integers, n > il > jl. Furthermore, for a class of Boolean functions [Formula: see text] we deduce a tighter lower bound on the second order nonlinearity of the functions, where [Formula: see text], dl = 2ilγ + 2jlγ + 1, il > jl and γ ≠ 1 is a positive integer such that gcd(n,γ) = 1.

Lower bounds on the second order nonlinearity of cubic monomial Boolean functions, represented by fμ(x) = Tr(μx2i+2j+1), [Formula: see text], i and j are positive integers such that i > j, were obtained by Gode and Gangopadhvay in 2009. In this paper, we first extend the results of Gode and Gangopadhvay from monomial Boolean functions to Boolean functions with more trace terms. We further generalize and improve the results to a wider range of n. Our bounds are better than those of Gode and Gangopadhvay for monomial functions fμ(x). Especially, our lower bounds on the second order nonlinearity of some Boolean functions F(x) are better than the existing ones.