bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous dopamine (DA) competes with the binding of a radiolabeled D3receptor partial agonist in vivo: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Mach Robert H. , Tu Zhude , Xu Jinbin , Li Shihong , Jones Lynne A. , Taylor Michelle , Luedtke Robert R. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Mintun Mark A.
Published: December 2010

A series of microPET imaging studies were conducted in anesthetized rhesus monkeys using the dopamine D3‐selective partial agonist, [18F]5. There was variable uptake in regions of brain known to express a high density of D3receptors under baseline conditions. Pretreatment with lorazepam (1 mg/kg, i.v. 30 min) to reduce endogenous dopamine activity before tracer injection resulted in a dramatic increase in uptake in the caudate, putamen, and thalamus, and an increase in the binding potential (BP) values, a measure of D3receptor binding in vivo. These data indicate that there is a high level of competition between [18F]5and endogenous dopamine for D3receptors in vivo. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some Surface Properties of Polysorbates and Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromine Mixed Systems
Authors: Sidim Taliha , Arda Meltem
Published: December 2010

Mixed surfactant solutions consisting of cationic/nonionic surfactants were prepared in different compositions of the components in aqueous solution in order to determine the surface properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of aqueous solutions of the individual surfactants cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and polysorbate nonionics, and their mixtures are determined at different proportions. The results show that there is synergistic behavior in mixtures at higher mole fraction of nonionic surfactant. The effect of the alkyl chain on the CMC is also determined.
The effect of delayed onset of muscle soreness on habitual trapezius activity
Authors: Wakefieldl Ellen , Holtermannl Andreas , Morkl Paul J.
Published: December 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of acute trapezius pain, induced by delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), on habitual trapezius activity. Long‐term (5 h) surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity was recorded bilaterally from the clavicular, descending, transverse, and ascending trapezius on two consecutive weekdays in eleven female subjects (mean age 22 years, range 20–24 years). Body and arm posture were recorded by inclinometers. Immediately after the first long‐term recording, the subjects performed eccentric depression exercise of the left shoulder to induce DOMS. From day 1 to day 2, pressure pain threshold (PPT) decreased and pain scores on visual analog scale (VAS) increased for the left upper trapezius (P <.004 for all comparisons). Habitual sEMG activity (median sEMG level, μV) of the clavicular and descending part of the exercised left trapezius increased from first to second long‐term recording during periods with seated posture (P <.05 for both comparisons). In contrast, trapezius sEMG activity remained unchanged for all other trapezius parts and postures. This study indicates that acute trapezius pain induces elevated habitual trapezius activity during periods with low biomechanical loading of the shoulder/neck muscles with the elevated sEMG activity being restricted to the painful part of the muscle. In contrast to the pain‐adaption model, the current study indicates a relation between acute muscle pain and elevated low‐level muscle activity; however, it remains unknown if development of chronic muscle pain can be preceded by an initial stage with elevated muscle activity.
Individual analysis of EEG background‐activity within school age: impact of age and sex within a longitudinal data set
Authors: Gmehlin Dennis , Thomas Christine , Weisbrod Matthias , Walther Stephan , Pfüller Ute , Resch Franz , Oelkers‐Ax Rieke
Published: December 2010

Objectives

Quantitative EEG can monitor changes in brain function during development and may help to understand developmental disorders. However, current EEG‐databases are primarily based on standardized frequency bands which disregard age‐related changes in alpha peak frequency (PF) and therefore complicate the interpretation of spectral estimates in the theta and alpha range.

Methods

We used a two point longitudinal design in order to analyze intraindividual changes in 40 healthy children and adolescents with age (T1: 6–18 years; interval approximately 4 years). Using a 64‐channel eyes closed resting EEG we calculated absolute/relative power in individualized frequency bands (IFB: delta, theta, alpha1/2 and beta) based on PF.

Results

PF increased with age, with changes being larger for children than adolescents. Controlling for changes in PF, changes in absolute/relative alpha1/2 power and in absolute beta power were minor. Relative beta power, however, increased while absolute/relative delta and theta power decreased massively.

Sex‐differences in PF did not reach significance. However, boys exhibited larger changes during adolescence than girls for all absolute power measures except alpha.

Conclusion

Normal EEG development during school‐age is mainly based on an absolute decrease of slow frequency activity and increases of PF which may be interpreted in terms of a reorganization of the EEG towards a higher frequency oscillatory scale rather than a maturation of the theta–alpha1/2 band power sequence. Age‐related changes differed between boys and girls suggesting a different developmental timing for the sexes. In future studies a combined analysis of PF and IFB may help to specify deviations in developmental disorders.
Severe maternal morbidity and factors associated with the occurrence of abortion in Brazil
Authors: Camargo Rodrigo S. , Santana Danielly S. , Cecatti José G. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Melo Elias F. , Sousa Maria H.
Published: December 2010

Objective

To evaluate the reported occurrence of spontaneous and induced abortion, and abortion‐associated severe maternal morbidity in Brazil.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the 2006 Brazilian Demographic Health Survey was conducted. Interview data on women's experience of spontaneous/induced abortion and associated factors were analyzed overall and by geographic region. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with abortion. The risk of associated severe maternal morbidity was estimated.

Results

The reported lifetime rates of spontaneous and induced abortion were 13.3% and 2.3%, respectively, and were highest in the north (4.3%) and northeast (3.5%). The rate of spontaneous abortion was higher among women aged 40–49 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.30) and among those with 0 or 1 children or delivery (OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.36–2.85 vs OR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.37–2.86). Induced abortion was not associated with sociodemographic factors. Abortion significantly increased the risk of complications (hemorrhage and infection).

Conclusion

Spontaneous abortion was significantly associated with parity and maternal age. Abortion in general carried a higher risk of severe maternal complications.
Postpartum urinary retention after vaginal delivery
Authors: Kekre Aruna N. , Vijayanand Shyamala , Dasgupta Rupashree , Kekre Nitin
Published: December 2010

Objective

To determine the incidence of covert and overt postpartum urinary retention (PUR) after vaginal delivery and to determine obstetric variables contributing to PUR.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, women who delivered vaginally underwent a transabdominal ultrasound scan for estimation of postvoid residual bladder volume and diagnosis of PUR. Patient data, including age, obstetric history, mode of delivery, and duration of labor, were compared between women with and those without PUR.

Results

Of the 771 participants recruited, 84 (10. 9%) had PUR: 82 (10.6%) with covert PUR and 2 (0.3%) with overt PUR. Women with instrumental delivery were more prone to develop PUR (P = 0.03), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.194 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–1.90). A duration of labor of more than 700 minutes was a good predictor of PUR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.634 (95% CI, 0.567–0.702; P < 0.001), with an OR of 1.003 (95% CI, 1.001–1.004).

Conclusion

Covert retention of urine was significantly associated with parturients who had an instrumental delivery and a duration of labor of more than 700 minutes.
Misoprostol‐induced abortions in Kosovo
Authors: Paçarada Myrvete , Zeqiri Fehmi , Kongjeli Niltene , Kongjeli Gyltene , Obërtinca Bujar
Published: December 2010

Objective

To compile and compare data on the abortions performed surgically and medically between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008, at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo.

Methods

The information for this retrospective, descriptive study was collected from the abortion register and the register of operative protocols. The variables used were age, number of births, number of abortions, duration of the terminated pregnancy, method of abortion, complications during and/or after the procedure, and attendance at consultations about family planning.

Results

A total of 1329 abortions were performed during the study period in women with a mean age of 30.12 years (range, 15–46 years). Of these abortions, 923 were performed by curettage, 108 by vacuum aspiration, and 250 using misoprostol. The rates of retained products of conception were 6.39%, 23.15%, and 8%, respectively, in these 3 groups. Heavy bleeding occurred in the 3 groups and there was 1 case of postabortion endometritis in both the curettage and the misoprostol group. However, no transfusions were needed and no uterine perforations occurred in the misoprostol group, whereas there were 9 transfusions in the vacuum aspiration group and 2 uterine perforations in the curettage group—1 followed by a hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Misoprostol was very successful in all cases, with no serious adverse effects. It is much easier to administer than to perform a surgical abortions, with less severe postabortion complications and lesser costs.
Comparison of Burch colposuspension and transobturator tape when combined with abdominal sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Moon Yeo‐Jung , Jeon Myung‐Jae , Kim Sei‐Kwang , Bai Sang‐Wook
Published: December 2010

Objective

To compare the treatment outcomes of Burch colposuspension and transobturator tape (TOT) when each is combined with abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Consecutive cases of Burch colposuspension and TOT combined with ASC were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with SUI and POP beyond stage III—according to the POP‐quantification system—were included.

Results

Mean hospital stay was longer in the Burch group (n = 49) than in the TOT group (n = 60) (11.3 vs 7.8 days; P < 0.001), as was operation time (202.7 vs 170.1 minutes; P < 0.001); furthermore, there were higher rates of urinary retention (53.1% vs 11.7%; P < 0.001), de novo urgency (18.4% vs 3.3%; P = 0.01), and recurrent SUI (18.4% vs 1.7%; P = 0.003) in the Burch group. The cure rate was significantly higher in the TOT group than in the Burch group (98.3% vs 69.7%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of TOT with ASC resulted in higher cure rates and better functional outcomes than did Burch colposuspension with ASC.
Systematic comparison of radical vaginal trachelectomy and radical hysterectomy in the treatment of early‐stage cervical cancer
Authors: Han Ling , Yang Xiao‐Yun , Zheng Ai , Wang Li , Chu Yan‐Xia , Wang Yu
Published: December 2010

Objective

To review the effects of radical vaginal trachelectomy (RVT) and radical hysterectomy (RH) on overall progression‐free survival rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complications in patients with cervical cancer (FIGO stage IA–IB1).

Methods

Electronic searches for studies of RVT and RH in the treatment of cervical cancer between 1994 and January 2010 were made on MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wan Fang dissertation database.

Results

No significant differences were found between RVT and RH in 5‐year overall survival rate (relative risk [RR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–1.02); 5‐year progression‐free survival rate (RR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95–1.02); intraoperative complications (RR 1.99; 95% CI, 0.61–6.52)]; and postoperative complications (RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.10–1.27). There were fewer blood transfusions (RR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12–0.90), less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays in patients undergoing RVT.

Conclusion

Radical vaginal trachelectomy should be considered as a viable treatment option for young patients with early cervical cancer (FIGO stage IA–IB1) who wish to preserve their fertility.
Lung lobe torsion associated with chylothorax in a cat
Authors: Mclane Megan J. , Buote Nicole J.
Published: December 2010

A 10.5-year-old domestic shorthair presented with a history of progressive inappetence, lethargy and elevated respiratory rate. Clinical and diagnostic findings confirmed the presence of a chylothorax with evidence of a mass or collapsed lung within the right cranial thorax. Computed tomography, sternotomy and histopathology confirmed the presence of a right middle lung lobe torsion associated with a chylothorax. The torsion was successfully managed with surgical removal of the affected lung lobe, and the patient continues to be asymptomatic 6 months postoperatively.
Sensitivity of cytopathological examination in the diagnosis of feline sporotrichosis
Authors: Pereira Sandro A. , Menezes Rodrigo C. , Gremião Isabella D.F. , Silva Jéssica N. , de O. Honse Carla , Figueiredo Fabiano B. , da Silva Denise T. , Kitada Amanda A. Braga , dos Reis Érica G. , Schubach Tânia M.P.
Published: December 2010

Sporotrichosis is caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The cat is the animal species most affected by this mycosis and plays an important role in the zoonotic transmission of this disease. The definitive diagnosis is made by isolation of the fungus in culture; however, cytopathological examination is frequently used in cats. Medical records from cats treated at Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion were a diagnosis by isolation of S schenckii in culture and cytopathological examination of the same lesion as that used for collection of the culture material. Eight hundred and six cats were included in the study. Yeast-like structures suggestive of S schenckii were observed in 636 cases. The sensitivity of the method was 78.9%. Its practicality, low cost and sensitivity validate cytopathology as a safe technique for the presumptive diagnosis of sporotrichosis in cats.
Design of small molecules that target metal-Aβ species and regulate metal-induced Aβ aggregation and neurotoxicity
Authors: Choi Jung-Suk , Braymer Joseph J. , Nanga Ravi P. R. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Lim Mi Hee
Published: December 2010

The accumulation of metal ions and amyloid-
β
(A
β
) aggregates found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been suggested to be involved in AD pathogenesis. To investigate metal-A
β
-associated pathways in AD, development of chemical tools to target metal-A
β
species is desired. Only a few efforts, however, have been reported. Here, we report bifunctional small molecules,
N
-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline (
L2-a
) and
N
1
,
N
1
-dimethyl-
N
4
-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)benzene-1,4-diamine (
L2-b
) that can interact with both metal ions and A
β
species, as determined by spectroscopic methods including high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Using the bifunctional compound
L2-b
, metal-induced A
β
aggregation and neurotoxicity were modulated in vitro as well as in human neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, treatment of human AD brain tissue homogenates containing metal ions and A
β
species with
L2-b
showed disassembly of A
β
aggregates. Therefore, our studies presented herein demonstrate the value of bifunctional compounds as chemical tools for investigating metal-A
β
-associated events and their mechanisms in the development and pathogenesis of AD and as potential therapeutics.
Whole-genome sequencing and intensive analysis of the undomesticated soybean (
Glycine soja
Sieb. and Zucc.) genome
Authors: Kim Moon Young , Lee Sunghoon , Van Kyujung , Kim Tae-Hyung , Jeong Soon-Chun , Choi Ik-Young , Kim Dae-Soo , Lee Yong-Seok , Park Daeui , Ma Jianxin , Kim Woo-Yeon , Kim Byoung-Chul , Park Sungjin , Lee Kyung-A , Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Kil Hyun , Shin Jin Hee , Jang Young Eun , Kim Kyung Do , Liu Wei Xian , Chaisan Tanapon , Kang Yang Jae , Lee Yeong-Ho , Kim Kook-Hyung , Moon Jung-Kyung , Schmutz Jeremy , Jackson Scott A. , Bhak Jong , Lee Suk-Ha
Published: December 2010

The genome of soybean (
Glycine max
), a commercially important crop, has recently been sequenced and is one of six crop species to have been sequenced. Here we report the genome sequence of
G. soja
, the undomesticated ancestor of
G. max
(in particular,
G. soja
var. IT182932). The 48.8-Gb Illumina Genome Analyzer (Illumina-GA) short DNA reads were aligned to the
G. max
reference genome and a consensus was determined for
G. soja
. This consensus sequence spanned 915.4 Mb, representing a coverage of 97.65% of the
G. max
published genome sequence and an average mapping depth of 43-fold. The nucleotide sequence of the
G. soja
genome, which contains 2.5 Mb of substituted bases and 406 kb of small insertions/deletions relative to
G. max
, is ∼0.31% different from that of
G. max
. In addition to the mapped 915.4-Mb consensus sequence, 32.4 Mb of large deletions and 8.3 Mb of novel sequence contigs in the
G. soja
genome were also detected. Nucleotide variants of
G. soja
versus
G. max
confirmed by Roche Genome Sequencer FLX sequencing showed a 99.99% concordance in single-nucleotide polymorphism and a 98.82% agreement in insertion/deletion calls on Illumina-GA reads. Data presented in this study suggest that the
G. soja
/
G. max
complex may be at least 0.27 million y old, appearing before the relatively recent event of domestication (6,000∼9,000 y ago). This suggests that soybean domestication is complicated and that more in-depth study of population genetics is needed. In any case, genome comparison of domesticated and undomesticated forms of soybean can facilitate its improvement.
Palmitoylation regulates raft affinity for the majority of integral raft proteins
Authors: Levental Ilya , Lingwood Daniel , Grzybek Michal , Coskun Ünal , Simons Kai
Published: December 2010

The physical basis for protein partitioning into lipid rafts remains an outstanding question in membrane biology that has previously been addressed only through indirect techniques involving differential solubilization by nonionic detergents. We have used giant plasma membrane vesicles, a plasma membrane model system that phase separates to include an ordered phase enriching for raft constituents, to measure the partitioning of the transmembrane linker for activation of T cells (LAT). LAT enrichment in the raft phase was dependent on palmitoylation at two juxtamembrane cysteines and could be enhanced by oligomerization. This palmitoylation requirement was also shown to regulate raft phase association for the majority of integral raft proteins. Because cysteine palmitoylation is the only lipid modification that has been shown to be reversibly regulated, our data suggest a role for palmitoylation as a dynamic raft targeting mechanism for transmembrane proteins.
Cultural context, obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms, and cognitions: A preliminary study of three Turkish samples living in different countries
Authors: Yorulmaz Orçun , Işık Bilgen
Published: December 2010

Previous research findings have suggested that recent cognitive accounts of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) are valid across different cultural contexts for both clinical and nonclinical samples; however, there is evidence that cultural differences may have an impact on a number of cognitive variables. For this reason, immigration provides an exceptional opportunity for an examination of the role of cultural context in cognitions and possible changes in cultural characteristics. To this end, the present study examined the interrelationships between thought–action fusion, thought control strategies and OCD symptoms in three nonclinical samples, taking the immigration factor into consideration. Thus, the current study included three Turkish sample groups: those who remigrated to Turkey from Bulgaria, those still living in Bulgaria, and those that have always resided in Turkey. The findings of the study supported the role of thought and action fusion and control strategies in OCD symptoms in a cross‐cultural context. To illustrate, worry, as a thought control strategy for OCD symptoms, was a common factor in all three sample groups. However, differences were also noted between the groups, despite having the same ethnic origin. Although they immigrated back to Turkey and have been living there for a considerable period of time, the Turkish remigrants retained similar characteristics to the respondents in Bulgaria on cognitions in general. Consequently, it may be suggested that cultural context might have a relative impact on certain correlates. A replication of these findings using different immigration groups and examining various cultural factors is strongly encouraged.
Strategic Options for Tourism Impacts on Local Sustainability: A Conceptual Approach
Authors: Christofakis Manolis
Published: December 2010

This article draws on a framework for determining the sustainability conditions of an area given the multiple effects of tourism in the local development process. To this end, after the analysis of a basic theoretical model concerning the operation of ecosystems, the equilibrium conditions are sketched. The decisive factors of the ecosystem's sustainability are determined, taking into consideration the pressure from tourism activities. The analysis leads to proposals for main strategic options in turn deriving from the need to incorporate the notion of carrying capacity into an ecosystem's balance control framework, as well as the implementation of actions with a view to increasing the performance of that ecosystem.
The Limits of Place Branding for Local Development: The Case of Tuscany and the Arnovalley Brand
Authors: Pasquinelli Cecilia
Published: December 2010

Place branding is increasingly part of the agenda of numerous public authorities, being deemed a tool for place management. Nations, regions, cities and inter-regional networks brand their developmental initiatives in order to attract and retain resources. In the light of the contemporary debate on regional and local development, this paper discusses the capacity of place branding to support an endogenous development, by legitimizing emerging social groups and by reinforcing their sense of place. The research analyzes the added value derived from the interplay of local actors who interact with the place brand. The aim is thus to understand the extent to which place branding boosts the crucial processes that lead to an endogenous development i.e. identity-building involving multiple local communities, social learning, and institutional changes. The investigation focuses on an attempt to brand the Tuscan innovative milieu, specifically the Arno Valley in Tuscan. Empirical evidence proves that the Arnovalley brand triggered limited social learning, fairly weak community-building, and left little room for institutional change.
Food Aid and Agricultural Cargo Preference
Authors: Bageant Elizabeth R. , Barrett Christopher B. , Lentz Erin C.
Published: December 2010

This paper uses an unprecedentedly rich data set to estimate the cost of agricultural cargo preference (ACP) restrictions on United States food aid programs, and to document some of the programs' competitiveness and national security impacts. ACP cost U.S. taxpayers $140 million in 2006, 46% more than competitive freight costs would have. This roughly equals the cost of non‐emergency food aid to Africa. Furthermore, 70% of ACP vessels did not satisfy the criteria that deem them militarily useful, a large share were ultimately owned by foreign corporations, and no ACP vessel crew has been mobilized for national service.
A Cut above the Rest
Authors: Botting Jonathan
Published: December 2010

This article looks at how you, as a GP in training, might pursue an interest in minor surgery by looking at the changes not only in training and assessment but also in commissioning. From this background, we look at the knowledge and skills you need to achieve and the evidence you need to record.
What is CKD?
Authors: Firth John
Published: December 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a term that describes any form of chronic kidney damage and also the circumstance where a patient's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The aims of this article are to explain this definition, including its limitations, describe the epidemiology of CKD and discuss the pros and cons of labelling patients as having CKD.
Impact of the implementation of rest days in live bird markets on the dynamics of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza
Authors: Fournié G. , Guitian F. J. , Mangtani P. , Ghani A. C.
Published: December 2010

Live bird markets (LBMs) act as a network ‘hub’ and potential reservoir of infection for domestic poultry. They may therefore be responsible for sustaining H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus circulation within the poultry sector, and thus a suitable target for implementing control strategies. We developed a stochastic transmission model to understand how market functioning impacts on the transmission dynamics. We then investigated the potential for rest days—periods during which markets are emptied and disinfected—to modulate the dynamics of H5N1 HPAI within the poultry sector using a stochastic meta-population model. Our results suggest that under plausible parameter scenarios, HPAI H5N1 could be sustained silently within LBMs with the time spent by poultry in markets and the frequency of introduction of new susceptible birds' dominant factors determining sustained silent spread. Compared with interventions applied in farms (i.e. stamping out, vaccination), our model shows that frequent rest days are an effective means to reduce HPAI transmission. Furthermore, our model predicts that full market closure would be only slightly more effective than rest days to reduce transmission. Strategies applied within markets could thus help to control transmission of the disease.
Time-resolved vortex wake of a common swift flying over a range of flight speeds
Authors: Henningsson P. , Muijres F. T. , Hedenström A.
Published: December 2010

The wake of a freely flying common swift (Apus apusL.) is examined in a wind tunnel at three different flight speeds, 5.7, 7.7 and 9.9 m s−1. The wake of the bird is visualized using high-speed stereo digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Wake images are recorded in the transverse plane, perpendicular to the airflow. The wake of a swift has been studied previously using DPIV and recording wake images in the longitudinal plane, parallel to the airflow. The high-speed DPIV system allows for time-resolved wake sampling and the result shows features that were not discovered in the previous study, but there was approximately a 40 per cent vertical force deficit. As the earlier study also revealed, a pair of wingtip vortices are trailing behind the wingtips, but in addition, a pair of tail vortices and a pair of ‘wing root vortices’ are found that appear to originate from the wing/body junction. The existence of wing root vortices suggests that the two wings are not acting as a single wing, but are to some extent aerodynamically detached from each other. It is proposed that this is due to the body disrupting the lift distribution over the wing by generating less lift than the wings.
Dual-resolution molecular dynamics simulation of antimicrobials in biomembranes
Authors: Orsi Mario , Noro Massimo G. , Essex Jonathan W.
Published: December 2010

Triclocarban and triclosan, two potent antibacterial molecules present in many consumer products, have been subject to growing debate on a number of issues, particularly in relation to their possible role in causing microbial resistance. In this computational study, we present molecular-level insights into the interaction between these antimicrobial agents and hydrated phospholipid bilayers (taken as a simple model for the cell membrane). Simulations are conducted by a novel ‘dual-resolution’ molecular dynamics approach which combines accuracy with efficiency: the antimicrobials, modelled atomistically, are mixed with simplified (coarse-grain) models of lipids and water. A first set of calculations is run to study the antimicrobials' transfer free energies and orientations as a function of depth inside the membrane. Both molecules are predicted to preferentially accumulate in the lipid headgroup–glycerol region; this finding, which reproduces corresponding experimental data, is also discussed in terms of a general relation between solute partitioning and the intramembrane distribution of pressure. A second set of runs involves membranes incorporated with different molar concentrations of antimicrobial molecules (up to one antimicrobial per two lipids). We study the effects induced on fundamental membrane properties, such as the electron density, lateral pressure and electrical potential profiles. In particular, the analysis of the spontaneous curvature indicates that increasing antimicrobial concentrations promote a ‘destabilizing’ tendency towards non-bilayer phases, as observed experimentally. The antimicrobials' influence on the self-assembly process is also investigated. The significance of our results in the context of current theories of antimicrobial action is discussed.
Rhizobium vallis sp. nov., isolated from nodules of three leguminous species
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang En Tao , Wu Li Juan , Sui Xin Hua , Li Ying , Chen Wen Xin
Published: December 2010

Four bacterial strains isolated from root nodules ofPhaseolus vulgaris,Mimosa pudicaandIndigofera spicataplants grown in the Yunnan province of China were identified as a lineage within the genusRhizobiumaccording to the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, sharing most similarity withRhizobium lusitanumP1-7T(99.1 % sequence similarity) andRhizobium rhizogenesIAM 13570T(99.0 %). These strains also formed a distinctive group from the reference strains for defined species of the genusRhizobiumin a polyphasic approach, including the phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and housekeeping genes (recA, atpD, glnII), DNA–DNA hybridization, BOX-PCR fingerprinting, phenotypic characterization, SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins, and cellular fatty acid profiles. All the data obtained in this study suggested that these strains represent a novel species of the genusRhizobium, for which the nameRhizobium vallissp. nov. is proposed. The DNA G+C content (mol%) of this species varied between 60.9 and 61.2 (Tm). The type strain ofR. vallissp. nov. is CCBAU 65647T( = LMG 25295T = HAMBI 3073T), which has a DNA G+C content of 60.9 mol% and forms effective nodules onPhaseolus vulgaris.
Halomonas rifensis sp. nov., an exopolysaccharide-producing, halophilic bacterium isolated from a solar saltern
Authors: Amjres Hakima , Béjar Victoria , Quesada Emilia , Abrini Jamal , Llamas Inmaculada
Published: December 2010

A polyphasic taxonomic study was conducted on strain HK31T, a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a solar saltern in Chefchaouen, Morocco. The strain was a Gram-reaction-negative, oxidase-positive rod, which was motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The strain required NaCl for growth and grew in salt concentrations (mixture of sea salts) of 0.5–20 % (w/v) (optimum 5–7.5 %, w/v), at 25–45 °C (optimum 32 °C) and at pH 5–10 (optimum pH 6–9). Strain HK31T did not produce acids from sugars and its metabolism was respiratory, using oxygen as terminal electron acceptor. The strain was positive for the accumulation of poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate granules and formed mucoid colonies due to the excretion of an exopolysaccharide. The DNA G+C content was 61.5 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that it belonged to the genus Halomonas in the class Gammaproteobacteria. The most phylogenetically related species was Halomonas anticariensis, with which strain HK31T showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.48 %. Its major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c , C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and C12 : 0 3-OH and the predominant respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q-9). Based on the evidence provided in this study, strain HK31T ( = CECT 7698T  = LMG 25695T) represents a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas rifensis is proposed.
Methylogaea oryzae gen. nov., sp. nov., a mesophilic methanotroph isolated from a rice paddy field
Authors: Geymonat Estefanía , Ferrando Lucía , Tarlera Silvana E.
Published: December 2010

A novel methanotroph, designated strain E10T, was isolated from a rice paddy field in Uruguay. Strain E10T grew on methane and methanol as sole carbon and energy sources. Cells were Gram-negative, non-motile, non-pigmented, slightly curved rods showing type I intracytoplasmic membranes arranged in stacks. The strain was neutrophilic and mesophilic; optimum growth occurred at 30–35 °C with no growth above 37 °C. The strain possessed only a particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain was most closely related to the moderately thermophilic strains Methylocaldum szegediense OR2T (91.6 % sequence similarity) and Methylococcus capsulatus Bath (91.5 %). Comparative sequence analysis of pmoA genes also confirmed that strain E10T formed a new lineage among the genera Methylocaldum and Methylococcus with 89 and 84 % derived amino acid sequence identity to Methylococcus capsulatus Bath and Methylocaldum gracile VKM-14LT, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 63.1 mol% and the major cellular fatty acid was C16 : 0 (62.05 %). Thus, strain E10T ( = JCM 16910T  = DSM 23452T) represents the type strain of a novel species within a new genus, for which the name Methylogaea oryzae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.
Kaistia geumhonensis sp. nov. and Kaistia dalseonensis sp. nov., two members of the class Alphaproteobacteria
Authors: Jin Long , Kim Kwang Kyu , Baek Sang-Hoon , Lee Sung-Taik
Published: December 2010

Two strains, designated B1-1T and B6-8T, were isolated from the Geumho River and the Dalseo Stream in Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed a clear affiliation of these two bacteria with the class Alphaproteobacteria, their closest relatives being Kaistia adipata KCTC 12095T, Kaistia granuli KCTC 12575T, Kaistia soli KACC 12605T and Kaistia terrae KACC 12910T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.3 –97.7 % to the two novel strains. Strains B1-1T and B6-8T shared a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 96.1 %. Cells of the two strains were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, short rods or cocci. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0 and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B1-1T and C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 2-OH, and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B6-8T. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of the strains B1-1T and B6-8T were 61.6 and 66.5 mol%, respectively. Based on the results of this polyphasic study, strains B1-1T ( = KCTC 12849T  = DSM 18799T) and B6-8T ( = KCTC 12850T  = DSM 18800T) represent two novel species of the genus Kaistia, for which the names Kaistia geumhonensis sp. nov. and Kaistia dalseonensis sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.
Carboxydothermus islandicus sp. nov., a thermophilic, hydrogenogenic, carboxydotrophic bacterium isolated from a hot spring
Authors: Novikov Andrey A. , Sokolova Tatyana G. , Lebedinsky Alexander V. , Kolganova Tatyana V. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A.
Published: December 2010

An anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium, strain SET IS-9T, was isolated from an Icelandic hot spring. Cells of strain SET IS-9Tare short, slightly curved, motile rods. The strain grows chemolithotrophically on CO, producing equimolar quantities of H2and CO2. It also grows fermentatively on lactate or pyruvate in the presence of yeast extract (0.2 g l−1). Products of pyruvate fermentation are acetate, CO2and H2. Growth occurs at 50–70 °C, with an optimum at 65 °C, and at pH 5.0–8.0, with an optimum at pH 5.5–6.0. The generation time during chemolithotrophic growth on CO under optimal conditions is 2.0 h. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggested that the organism belongs to the genusCarboxydothermus. On the basis of phenotypic features and phylogenetic analysis,Carboxydothermus islandicussp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain SET IS-9T( = DSM 21830T = VKM B-2561T). An emended description of the genusCarboxydothermusis also given.
The CRR1 Nutritional Copper Sensor in Chlamydomonas Contains Two Distinct Metal-Responsive Domains
Authors: Sommer Frederik , Kropat Janette , Malasarn Davin , Grossoehme Nicholas E. , Chen Xiaohua , Giedroc David P. , Merchant Sabeeha S.
Published: December 2010

Copper response regulator 1 (CRR1), an SBP-domain transcription factor, is a global regulator of nutritional copper signaling in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and activates genes necessary during periods of copper deficiency. We localized Chlamydomonas CRR1 to the nucleus in mustard (Sinapis alba) seedlings, a location consistent with its function as a transcription factor. The Zn binding SBP domain of CRR1 binds copper ions in vitro. Cu(I) can replace Zn(II), but the Cu(II) form is unstable. The DNA binding activity is inhibited in vitro by Cu(II) or Hg(II) ions, which also prevent activation of transcription in vivo, but not by Co(II) or Ni(II), which have no effect in vivo. Copper inhibition of DNA binding is reduced by mutation of a conserved His residue. These results implicate the SBP domain in copper sensing. Deletion of a C-terminal metallothionein-like Cys-rich domain impacted neither nutritional copper signaling nor the effect of mercuric supplementation, but rendered CRR1 insensitive to hypoxia and to nickel supplementation, which normally activate the copper deficiency regulon in wild-type cells. Strains carrying the crr1-ΔCys allele upregulate ZRT genes and hyperaccumulate Zn(II), suggesting that the effect of nickel ions may be revealing a role for the C-terminal domain of CRR1 in zinc homeostasis in Chlamydomonas.
Inflation and the dividend policy of US firms
Authors: Basse Tobias , Reddemann Sebastian
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the dividend policy of firms from a macroeconomic perspective. In order to do so inflation and real growth are also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the relationship between dividends, corporate earnings, real growth and inflation in the USA by applying cointegration techniques. In this framework, impulse response analysis is used to test the two most popular theories of dividend determination.

Findings

The data indicate three cointegration relations among the four‐time series. Impulse response analysis then shows some interesting dynamics. Dividend smoothing seems to be a relevant phenomenon. Furthermore, inflation has a positive effect on dividends.

Research limitations/implications

The most important finding of this paper is the indication of a positive relationship between inflation and dividend payments. This can be interpreted in two different ways: managers may try to follow a dividend policy, which is perceived to be optimal, believing that there is a desirable level of real dividend income to be paid to their investors. On the other hand, inflation may simply increase the nominal value of corporate earnings and therefore the dividends paid. Independently from the interpretation of the results, inflation should definitely be considered analysing dividend policy.

Practical implications

Managers should also examine the inflationary environment formulating an adequate dividend policy for their firm.

Originality/value

The paper provides an as of yet widely ignored link between the micro‐ and macroeconomic sphere examining one of the most important problems of financial economics. Neglecting the effects of inflation on dividends may, among others, be one reason for the mixed empirical findings testing theories of dividend determination.
Pricing interest rate derivatives under stochastic volatility
Authors: Tahani Nabil , Li Xiaofei
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive semi‐closed‐form solutions to a wide variety of interest rate derivatives prices under stochastic volatility in affine‐term structure models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first derives the Frobenius series solution to the cross‐moment generating function, and then inverts the related characteristic function using the Gauss‐Laguerre quadrature rule for the corresponding cumulative probabilities.

Findings

This paper values options on discount bonds, coupon bond options, swaptions, interest rate caps, floors, and collars, etc. The valuation approach suggested in this paper is found to be both accurate and fast and the approach compares favorably with some alternative methods in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could extend the approach adopted in this paper to some non‐affine‐term structure models such as quadratic models.

Practical implications

The valuation approach in this study can be used to price mortgage‐backed securities, asset‐backed securities and credit default swaps. The approach can also be used to value derivatives on other assets such as commodities. Finally, the approach in this paper is useful for the risk management of fixed‐income portfolios.

Originality/value

This paper utilizes a new approach to value many of the most commonly traded interest rate derivatives in a stochastic volatility framework.
Frequency‐domain homogenization for periodic electromagnetic structure
Authors: Meunier Gérard , Guérin Christophe , Charmoille Vincent , Labie Patrice
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a general approach for the frequency‐domain homogenization of electromagnetic periodic structures. The method allows calculating macroscopic equivalent properties including local effects. It is based on the equivalence of active and reactive electromagnetic powers on an elementary cell. This work is applied to the modelling of eddy current losses in windings, by the use of the finite element method in 2D and 3D.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on an homogenization technique, allowing describing local properties (permeability and conductivity) and local effects (eddy currents) of periodical structures, through macroscopic homogenized behaviour laws.

Findings

It was found that the presence of local loops of eddy currents at the local scale implies that the average values of the electric and magnetic field are different from the macroscopic fields. This implies some precautions to implement the homogenization. Furthermore, the question of the coupling of the macroscopic laws has been clarified.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method is limited to the frequency domain. Some additional work is necessary to extend the researches in the time domain.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology is applied for determining losses in coils with the finite element method. The major interest of the method is that it allows taking into account local effects (losses in particular), with a reduced computational time.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper is general and clarifies the principle of homogenization in the case of periodical structure in presence of local eddy currents (local loops of current).
Numerical dosimetry of currents induced in the human body by ELF magnetic fields
Authors: Scorretti Riccardo , Perrussel Ronan , Morel Laurent , Burais Noël , Nicolas Laurent
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The classical ϕ‐a formulations for numerical dosimetry of currents induced by extremely low frequency magnetic fields requires that the source field is provided through a vector potential. The purpose of this paper is to present a new formulation t‐b which directly takes the flux density as source term.

Design/methodology/approach

This formulation is implemented through finite element and validated by comparison with analytical solutions. The results obtained by both formulations are compared in the case of an anatomical computational phantom exposed to a vertical uniform field.

Findings

A good agreement between the t‐b formulation and both numerical and analytical computations was found.

Originality/value

This new formulation seems to be more accurate than the ϕ‐a formulation, and is more suited for situations where the magnetic field is known from experimental measurements, as there is no need for a magnetic vector potential.
Extended 2D magnetic equivalent circuit method
Authors: Lines Christopher R. , Cronjé Willem A. , Wigdorowitz Brian
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to devise a magnetic field modelling approach suitable for simulating the transient behaviour of a class of electromagnetic systems (particularly linear synchronous motors).

Design/methodology/approach

The classical 2D magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) approach is extended by separately accounting for leakage flux from highly permeable polygonal regions (where the MEC approach is most applicable). It capitalises on the computational efficiency of an MEC approach for regions where the flux can be assumed to be uniformly channelled through a coarse network of “flux tubes” and accounts for leakage flux from these regions by introducing mutual permeances. These mutual permeances are geometry dependent and can be calculated upfront using a surface‐current representation of the magnetomotive force attributed to each flux tube.

Findings

As demonstrated with a simple example, the magnetic field solution converges with an increasing subdivision of flux tubes, yielding a transparent trade‐off between simulation time and accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

Using Schwarz‐Christoffel mapping to approximate the mutual permeances is restrictive and introduces unnecessary error. Hence, the use of finite element or boundary element methods to obtain these permeances is under investigation. Furthermore, it is expected that introducing 2D flux tube elements for junction regions would be beneficial.

Originality/value

A novel approach is presented that aims to improve the accuracy of a traditional MEC solution, whilst retaining its computational advantage for the flux that is well channelled. The method has particular merit for the dynamic modelling of linear motors, where the machine's behaviour is dominated by the flux bridging the air gap.
Fixed‐point method for solving non linear periodic eddy current problems with T, Φ‐Φ formulation
Authors: Koczka Gergely , Bíró Oszkár
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show the application of the fixed‐point method with the T, Φ‐Φ formulation to get the steady‐state solution of the quasi‐static Maxwell's equations with non‐linear material properties and periodic excitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The fixed‐point method is used to solve the problem arising from the non‐linear material properties. The harmonic balance principle and a time periodic technique give the periodic solution in all non‐linear iterations. The optimal parameter of the fixed‐point method is investigated to accelerate its convergence speed.

Findings

The Galerkin equations of the DC part are found to be different from those of the higher harmonics. The optimal parameter of the fixed‐point method is determined.

Originality/value

The establishment of the Galerkin equations of the DC part is a new result. The method is first used to solve three‐dimensional problems with the T, Φ‐Φ formulation.