bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxiliary and focal assessment models: a proof-of-concept involving time-varying catchability and fishery stock-status evaluation
Authors: Thorson James T.
Published: October 2011

Thorson, J. T. 2011. Auxiliary and focal assessment models: a proof-of-concept involving time-varying catchability and fishery stock-status evaluation. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 2264–2276. Many assessment models evaluate stock status, and biases can arise when time-varying processes are modelled as being time-invariant. An “auxiliary/focal” assessment process is presented, where an “auxiliary” assessment model estimates functional parameters that are used in a “focal” assessment of stock status. This process is evaluated in two steps. First, estimates of density-dependent catchability from single- or multispecies auxiliary models are compared, confirming that multispecies auxiliary models are more accurate when catch-at-age data are abundant. Possible output from the multispecies auxiliary assessment is then used in a focal model, and the results are compared with four other methods: (i) assuming that catchability is constant, (ii) ignoring fishery-dependent indices, (iii) a random-walk catchability model, and (iv) estimating density-dependent catchability without prior information. Results show that the constant catchability model leads to non-conservative biases in stock-status estimates, and a random-walk model decreases bias and has high precision when age data are available. The auxiliary/focal procedure performs best when fishery indices are used without age data, and the density-dependent model without prior information performs well with fishery and survey indices, but without age data. Different methods are optimal, therefore, depending on data availability, and the auxiliary/focal assessment process performs best of the available methods when using just fishery-dependent indices.
Female Genital Prolapse
Authors: Zemaryalai Tamana , Kansagra Tila
Published: October 2011

Afemale genital prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse, is a hernia of one or more pelvic organ (uterus, vaginal apex, bladder or rectum) and its associated vaginal segment into the vaginal canal. The exact prevalence of prolapse is unclear because many women do not report it; however, prolapse is a common presenting complaint in primary care. It is therefore vital for GPs to understand how to diagnose and treat women with this important condition in an empathetic and sensitive manner.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) Flowability with Varying Process and Storage Parameters
Authors: Bhadra Rumela , Muthukumarappan K. , Rosentrater Kurt A.
Published: October 2011

Neural network (NN) modeling techniques were used to predict flowability behavior of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) prepared with varying levels of condensed distillers solubles (10, 15, and 20%, wb), drying temperatures (100, 200, and 300°C), cooling temperatures (–12, 25, and 35°C), and storage times (0 and 1 month). Response variables were selected based on our previous research results and included aerated bulk density, Hausner ratio, angle of repose, total flowability index, and Jenike flow index. Various NN models were developed using multiple input variables in order to predict single‐response and multiple‐response variables simultaneously. The NN models were compared based on R2, mean square error, and coefficient of variation obtained. In order to achieve results with higher R2 and lower error, the number of neurons in each hidden layer, the step size, the momentum learning rate, and the number of hidden layers were varied. Results indicate that for all the response variables, R2 > 0.83 was obtained from NN modeling. Compared with our previous studies, NN modeling provided better results than either partial least squares modeling or regression modeling, indicating greater robustness in the NN models. Surface plots based on the predicted values from the NN models yielded process and storage conditions for favorable versus cohesive flow behavior for DDGS. Modeling of DDGS flowability using NN has not been done before, so this work will be a step toward the application of intelligent modeling procedures to this industrial challenge.
Calcineurin inhibitors acutely improve insulin sensitivity without affecting insulin secretion in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Øzbay Lara Aygen , Møller Niels , Juhl Claus , Bjerre Mette , Carstens Jan , Rungby Jørgen , Jørgensen Kaj Anker
Published: October 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• New onset diabetes after transplantation is related to treatment with immunosuppressive medications. Clinical studies have shown that risk of new onset diabetes is greater with tacrolimus compared with ciclosporin. The diabetogenicity of ciclosporin and tacrolimus has been attributed to both beta cell dysfunction and impaired insulin sensitivity.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This is the first trial to investigate beta cell function and insulin sensitivity using gold standard methodology in healthy human volunteers treated with clinically relevant doses of ciclosporin and tacrolimus. We document that both drugs acutely increase insulin sensitivity, while first phase and pulsatile insulin secretion remain unaffected. This study demonstrates that ciclosporin and tacrolimus have similar acute effects on glucose metabolism in healthy humans.

AIM The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) ciclosporin (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac) has improved the outcome of organ transplants, but complications such as new onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) cause impairment of survival rates. The relative contribution of each CNI to the pathogenesis and development of NODAT remains unclear. We sought to compare the impact of CsA and Tac on glucose metabolism in human subjects.

METHODS Ten healthy men underwent 5 h infusions of CsA, Tac and saline in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study. During infusion glucose metabolism was investigated using following methods: a hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycemic clamp, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (i.v.GTT), glucose‐stimulated insulin concentration–time series and indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS Clamp derived insulin sensitivity was increased by 25% during CsA (P < 0.0001) and 13% during Tac administration (P = 0.047), whereas first phase and pulsatile insulin secretion were unaffected. Coinciding with the CNI induced improved insulin sensitivity, glucose oxidation rates increased, while insulin clearance rates decreased, only non‐significantly. Tac singularly lowered hsCRP concentrations, otherwise no changes were observed in circulating glucagon, FFA or adiponectin concentrations. Mean blood concentrations of CNIs were 486.9 ± 23.5 µg l−1 for CsA and 12.8 ± 0.5 µg l−1 for Tac.

CONCLUSIONS Acute effects of i.v. CsA, and to a lesser degree Tac infusions, in healthy volunteers include increased insulin sensitivity, without any effect on first phase or pulsatile insulin secretion.
Carriage of the EGF rs4444903 A>G functional polymorphism associates with disease progression in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Cmet S , Fabris C , Fattovich G , Falleti E , Bitetto D , Cussigh A , Fontanini E , Fornasiere E , Pirisi M , Toniutto P
Published: October 2011

Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) up-regulation is characteristic of the cirrhotic liver, we hypothesised that the EGF rs4444903 A > G functional polymorphism might be associated with a worse disease course in patients with chronic HBV infection. To verify this hypothesis, 170 HBV-positive patients (125 males) with a median age of 52 years were studied. Sixty-two of these patients were followed longitudinally for a median time of 21 years. Genotyping for the EGF rs4444903 A > G polymorphism was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. In the cross-sectional study, the EGF rs4444903 A > G polymorphism genotypic frequencies significantly differed between transplant patients (A/A = 20·4%, A/G = 52·3%, G/G = 27·3%) and HBsAg+ carriers (active and inactive: A/A = 35·7%, A/G = 47·6%, G/G = 16·7%, P = 0·036 for the linear trend). In the longitudinal study, the EGF rs4444903 A > G polymorphism was found to be an independent predictor of cirrhosis development (O.R. 7·73, 95% C.I. 1·21–49·5, P = 0·007). Three groups of patients were identified: A/A female homozygotes (n = 9), A/A male homozygotes (n = 13) and carriers of the G allele of either gender (n = 40). Cirrhosis did not occur among A/A females (n = 0/9), seldom occurred among A/A males (n = 2/13) and reached the highest frequency among G/* patients (n = 13/40, P = 0·026). In conclusion, the EGF rs4444903 A > G polymorphism appears to be associated with an unfavourable disease course of chronic HBV infection and cirrhosis development. This effect might be modulated, at least in part, by the gender of the patient.
An increased level of haemoglobin A1C predicts a poorer clinical outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Chang Mei HuangFu , Chen Lili , Jiang Lin , He Min , Chen Jian , Hu Zhupeng , Ye Hongying , Hu Hong , Zhou Linuo , Li Yiming , Hu Renming
Published: October 2011

Objective  To compare the clinical features of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with and without diabetes.

Design, patients and measurements  We retrospectively collected 318 patients with AP in two clinical centres from January 2009 to October 2010. Patients with a previous history of diabetes or with glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) higher than 6·5% were identified as having acute pancreatitis with diabetes (APD), while patients without a history of diabetes and in whom the HbA1c was not higher than 6·5% were considered as AP only. The clinical characteristics and prognosis data of these patients were analysed. Survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to test the association between the clinical prognostic factors and mortality in patients with AP.

Results  In total, 318 patients with AP were enrolled. Among them, 40 had APD and 278 had AP; thus, in this study, the prevalence of diabetes in AP was 12·6% (40/318). Twenty‐five per cent (10/40) of the APD cases were indentified using HbA1c. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the APD group (15·0%, 6/40) than that in the AP group (1·1%, 3/278). Survival curves showed that there was a significant survival difference between the APD group and AP group via the log‐rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that sex, age, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and C‐peptide were significantly associated with mortality. Compared with AP patients, subjects with APD had significantly longer time from initial symptoms to admission [1·6 (95% CI: 0·5–3·2) vs 0·9 (95% CI: 0·1–2·2) days], older age of onset (57·2 ± 11·0 vs 44·3 ± 7·8 years), higher levels of glucose (13·9 ± 8·2 vs 7·3 ± 4·1 mm), higher levels of HbA1c [8·5 (95% CI: 6·6–11·4)%vs 5·9 (95% CI: 4·9–6·4)%], lower levels of C‐peptide (0·882 ± 0·337 vs 2·621 ± 0·526 ng/ml) and longer duration of hospitalization (18·3 ± 4·6 vs 13·2 ± 5·1 day). Electrocardiograms showed that APD patients had a significantly higher risk of heart ischaemia than AP patients (22/40 vs 20/278).

Conclusions  HbA1c may be a useful marker to identify unrecognised diabetes in patients with acute pancreatitis; this group of patients has a higher in hospital mortality.
Tonic Regulation of GABAergic Synaptic Activity on Vasopressin Neurones by Cannabinoids
Authors: Wang L. , Armstrong W. E.
Published: October 2011

Synaptic activity in magnocellular neurosecretory neurones is influenced by the retrograde (i.e. somatodendritic) release of vasopressin, oxytocin and cannabinoids (CBs). For oxytocin neurones, oxytocin exerts constitutive effects on pre‐synaptic activity through its ability to release CBs post‐synaptically. In the present study, we examined evoked inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (eIPSCs) and spontaneous inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (sIPSCs) in identified vasopressin (VP) neurones in coronal slices from virgin rats to determine: (i) the extent to which CBs may also tonically modulate VP synaptic activity; and (ii) to determine whether depolarisation‐induced suppression of inhibition was present in VP neurones, and if so, whether it was mediated by VP or CBs. The CB1 antagonists AM251 (1 μm) and SR14171 (1 μm) consistently increased the frequency of sIPSCs in VP neurones without affecting their amplitude, suggesting a tonic CB presence. This effect on frequency was independent of action potential activity, and blocked by chelating intracellular calcium with 10 mm ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA). AM251 also increased the amplitude of eIPSCs and decreased the paired‐pulse ratio (PPR) in VP neurones‐effects that were completely blocked with even low (1 mm EGTA) internal calcium chelation. Bouts of evoked firing of VP neurones consistently suppressed sIPSCs but had no effect on eIPSCs or the PPR. This depolarisation‐induced suppression of IPSCs was reduced by AM251, and was totally blocked by 10 μm of the mixed vasopressin/oxytocin antagonist, Manning compound. We then tested the effect of vasopressin on IPSCs at the same time as blocking CB1 receptors. Vasopressin (10–100 nm) inhibited sIPSC frequency but had no effect on sIPSC or eIPSC amplitudes, or on the PPR, in the presence of AM251. Taken together, these results suggest a tonic, pre‐synaptic inhibitory modulation of IPSCs in VP neurones by CBs that is largely dependent on post‐synaptic calcium, and an inhibitory effect of VP on IPSCs that is independent of CB release.
Conservative Nature of Oestradiol Signalling Pathways in the Brain Lobes of Octopus vulgaris Involved in Reproduction, Learning and Motor Coordination
Authors: De Lisa E. , Paolucci M. , Di Cosmo A.
Published: October 2011

Oestradiol plays crucial roles in the mammalian brain by modulating reproductive behaviour, neural plasticity and pain perception. The cephalopod Octopus vulgaris is considered, along with its relatives, to be the most behaviourally advanced invertebrate, although the neurophysiological basis of its behaviours, including pain perception, remain largely unknown. In the present study, using a combination of molecular and imaging techniques, we found that oestradiol up‐regulated O. vulgaris gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (Oct‐GnRH) and O. vulgaris oestrogen receptor (Oct‐ER) mRNA levels in the olfactory lobes; in turn, Oct‐ER mRNA was regulated by NMDA in lobes involved in learning and motor coordination. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis revealed that oestradiol binds Oct‐ER causing conformational modifications and nuclear translocation consistent with the classical genomic mechanism of the oestrogen receptor. Moreover, oestradiol triggered a calcium influx and cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation via membrane receptors, providing evidence for a rapid nongenomic action of oestradiol in O. vulgaris. In the present study, we demonstrate, for the first time, the physiological role of oestradiol in the brain lobes of O. vulgaris involved in reproduction, learning and motor coordination.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tablet, suspension and paste formulations of atenolol in cats
Authors: KHOR K. H. , CAMPBELL F. E. , CHARLES B. G. , NORRIS R. L. G. , GREER R. M. , RATHBONE M. J. , MILLS P. C.
Published: October 2011

Khor, K. H., Campbell, F. E., Charles, B. G., Norris, R. L. G., Greer, R. M., Rathbone, M. J., Mills, P. C. Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tablet, suspension and paste formulations of atenolol in cats.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 437–445.

This study compared the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of an extemporaneously prepared (compounded) atenolol paste and suspension for oral administration, against the commercially available divided tablet in healthy cats. Eleven healthy cats (mean: age 4 ± 0.4 year, weight 5.0 ± 0.7 kg) were dosed twice‐daily with 12.5 mg atenolol (tablet, paste or suspension) for 7 days in a randomized cross‐over design with a 7‐day wash‐out period. On day 7, an electrocardiogram was performed before and immediately after stress provocation (jugular venipuncture) at prestudy screening, and at 2, 6 and 12 h after morning dosing. Systolic arterial blood pressure (BP) was assessed following the second electrocardiogram. Plasma was collected at prestudy screening, and at 1, 2, 6 and 12 h to measure atenolol plasma concentrations. Mean atenolol dose was 2.5 mg/kg (range: 2.1–3.3 mg/kg). Stress‐induced rise in heart rate was attenuated (P < 0.05) at every time point compared to baseline for all formulations. Although the paste significantly attenuated stress‐induced elevation in heart rate at all time points, the effect was not consistently equivalent to the tablet. The BP was not altered (P > 0.05) at any time point by any formulation. In conclusion, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters or pharmacodynamic profiles of the paste and suspension compared to the commercially available tablet.
Genetic structure in a dynamic baboon hybrid zone corroborates behavioural observations in a hybrid population
Authors: CHARPENTIER M. J. E. , FONTAINE M. C. , CHEREL E. , RENOULT J. P. , JENKINS T. , BENOIT L. , BARTHÈS N. , ALBERTS S. C. , TUNG J.
Published: October 2011

Behaviour and genetic structure are intimately related: mating patterns and patterns of movement between groups or populations influence the movement of genetic variation across the landscape and from one generation to the next. In hybrid zones, the behaviour of the hybridizing taxa can also impact the incidence and outcome of hybridization events. Hybridization between yellow baboons and anubis baboons has been well documented in the Amboseli basin of Kenya, where more anubis‐like individuals tend to experience maturational and reproductive advantages. However, it is unknown whether these advantages are reflected in the genetic structure of populations surrounding this area. Here, we used microsatellite genotype data to evaluate the structure and composition of baboon populations in southern Kenya. Our results indicate that, unlike for mitochondrial DNA, microsatellite‐based measures of genetic structure concord with phenotypically based taxonomic distinctions and that the currently active hybrid zone is relatively narrow. Isolation with migration analysis revealed asymmetric gene flow in this region from anubis populations into yellow populations, in support of the anubis‐biased phenotypic advantages observed in Amboseli. Populations that are primarily yellow but that receive anubis gene flow exhibit higher levels of genetic diversity than yellow populations far from the introgression front. Our results support previous work that indicates a long history of hybridization and introgression among East African baboons. Specifically, it suggests that anubis baboons are in the process of gradual range expansion into the range of yellow baboons, a pattern potentially explained by behavioural and life history advantages that correlate with anubis ancestry.
Altered PKR Signalling and C / EBPβ Expression is Associated with HLA‐B27 Expression in Monocytic Cells
Authors: Sahlberg A. S. , Ruuska M. , Colbert R. A. , Granfors K. , Penttinen M. A.
Published: October 2011

Infection caused by certain gram‐negative bacteria, e.g. Salmonella, can trigger inflammatory joint disease reactive arthritis (ReA). It is suggested that the disease‐triggering bacteria or bacterial components persist in patients for an abnormally long time. Development of ReA is strongly associated with tissue antigen HLA‐B27. Previously, we reported an enhanced replication of Salmonella enteritidis and altered p38 MAP kinase signalling in HLA‐B27‐expressing monocytic cells. Here we aimed to investigate the role of HLA‐B27 in regulation of double‐stranded RNA‐activated kinase (PKR)‐related signalling in Salmonella‐infected or Salmonella lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human U937 monocytic cells, as PKR has been reported to modify p38 signalling in Salmonella‐infected cells. In cells expressing HLA‐B27, PKR is overexpressed and hypophosphorylated, and the expression of transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) is increased upon Salmonella infection and LPS stimulation. The expression of C/EBPβ is PKR‐dependent in LPS‐stimulated mock cells, whereas in LPS‐stimulated B27 cells the majority of C/EBPβ is expressed in a PKR‐independent manner. Our results show that the expression of HLA‐B27 disturbs the PKR‐mediated signalling pathway. Moreover, altered signalling is related to misfolding‐linked Glu45 in the B pocket of the HLA‐B27 heavy chain. We suggest that the expression of HLA‐B27 HCs modulates the intracellular environment of monocyte/macrophages and the mechanisms that are important in eliminating intracellular S. enteritidis by altering the intracellular signalling. This phenomenon is at least partly dependent on the misfolding feature of the B27 molecule. These observations offer a novel mechanism by which HLA‐B27 may modulate inflammatory response induced by ReA‐triggering bacteria.
Capturing and modelling metre‐scale spatial facies heterogeneity in a Jurassic ramp setting (Central High Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: AMOUR FRÉDÉRIC , MUTTI MARIA , CHRIST NICOLAS , IMMENHAUSER ADRIAN , AGAR SUSAN M. , BENSON GREGORY S. , TOMÁS SARA , ALWAY ROBERT , KABIRI LACHEN
Published: October 2011

Each simulation algorithm, including Truncated Gaussian Simulation, Sequential Indicator Simulation and Indicator Kriging is characterized by different operating modes, which variably influence the facies proportion, distribution and association of digital outcrop models, as shown in clastic sediments. A detailed study of carbonate heterogeneity is then crucial to understanding these differences and providing rules for carbonate modelling. Through a continuous exposure of Bajocian carbonate strata, a study window (320 m long, 190 m wide and 30 m thick) was investigated and metre‐scale lithofacies heterogeneity was captured and modelled using closely‐spaced sections. Ten lithofacies, deposited in a shallow‐water carbonate‐dominated ramp, were recognized and their dimensions and associations were documented. Field data, including height sections, were georeferenced and input into the model. Four models were built in the present study. Model A used all sections and Truncated Gaussian Simulation during the stochastic simulation. For the three other models, Model B was generated using Truncated Gaussian Simulation as for Model A, Model C was generated using Sequential Indicator Simulation and Model D was generated using Indicator Kriging. These three additional models were built by removing two out of eight sections from data input. The removal of sections allows direct insights on geological uncertainties at inter‐well spacings by comparing modelled and described sections. Other quantitative and qualitative comparisons were carried out between models to understand the advantages/disadvantages of each algorithm. Model A is used as the base case. Indicator Kriging (Model D) simplifies the facies distribution by assigning continuous geological bodies of the most abundant lithofacies to each zone. Sequential Indicator Simulation (Model C) is confident to conserve facies proportion when geological heterogeneity is complex. The use of trend with Truncated Gaussian Simulation is a powerful tool for modelling well‐defined spatial facies relationships. However, in shallow‐water carbonate, facies can coexist and their association can change through time and space. The present study shows that the scale of modelling (depositional environment or lithofacies) involves specific simulation constraints on shallow‐water carbonate modelling methods.
AtRbohF is a crucial modulator of defence‐associated metabolism and a key actor in the interplay between intracellular oxidative stress and pathogenesis responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chaouch Sejir , Queval Guillaume , Noctor Graham
Published: October 2011

This work investigated the contribution of AtRbohD and AtRbohF to regulating defence‐associated metabolism during three types of interaction: (i) incompatible and (ii) compatible interaction with Pseudomonas syringae; and (iii) intracellular oxidative stress in the catalase‐deficient cat2 background. In all three cases, loss of function of either gene modulated the response of defence compounds. AtRbohF gene function was necessary for rapid and full induction of salicylic acid (SA) during compatible and incompatible interactions, and for resistance to virulent bacteria. Both artrboh mutations modulated the effects of intracellular ROS in the cat2 background, although the predominant effect was mediated by atrbohF. Loss of this gene function increased lesion formation in cat2 but uncoupled this effect from cat2‐triggered induction of SA and camalexin, accumulation of glutathione and disease resistance, all of which were much lower in cat2 artbohF than in cat2. A detailed comparison of GC‐TOF‐MS profiles produced by the three interactions revealed considerable overlap between cat2 effects and those produced by bacterial infection in the wild‐type background. Analysis of the impact of the two atrboh mutations on these profiles provided further evidence that AtRbohF interacts closely with intracellular oxidative stress to tune dynamic metabolic responses during infection. Thus, AtRbohF appears to be a key player not only in HR‐related cell death but also in regulating metabolomic responses and resistance. Based on the results obtained during the three types of interaction, a model is proposed of how NADPH oxidases and intracellular ROS interact to determine the outcome of pathogen defence responses.
Pythium aphanidermatum May Reduce Cucumber Growth without Affecting Leaf Photosynthesis
Authors: Panova Gaiane G. , Heißner Adolf , Grosch Rita , Kläring Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2011

Plants respond to many stress factors, including infections caused by root pathogens, with reductions in photosynthesis and growth. We studied the response of mature cucumber plants after a weak inoculation of the roots with Pythium aphanidermatum. The epidemiology of the disease was recorded using an indirect ELISA. Although mycelium was detected in the roots, photosynthesis was not affected over a period of five weeks. Nevertheless, plant growth was significantly reduced by the pathogen. Possible modes of action are discussed.
Genomic variation of new cultivars selected from distant hybridization in Lilium
Authors: Zhang Xianxian , Ren Guiling , Li Kehu , Zhou Guixue , Zhou Shujun
Published: October 2011

With 1 figure and 1 table

One of the main trends in Lilium breeding is to combine horticultural traits of Asiatic (AA), Longiflorum (LL), Oriental (OO) and Trumpet (TT) lilies. We used genomic in situ hybridization to examine the genomic variation of 19 new cultivars, bred by hybridization between different lily groups, to determine how the cultivars arose. Two of them are diploid (2n = 2x = 24), selected from F1 OT hybrids, 16 are allotriploid (2n = 3x = 36), mainly from 2n gametes and less possibly from diploid × amphidiploid crosses; and one cultivar was allotetraploid with three L‐genomes and one O‐genome. Our results indicate that allotriploid breeding is a future trend for new cultivars in Lilium and that most of the allotriploid lily cultivars originate from 2n gametes produced by F1 distant hybrids.
Oral erosive lichen planus associated with thymoma treated with etretinate
Authors: Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Sugaya Makoto , Miyamoto Akie , Nagata Mayumi , Ichimura Yohei , Mitsui Hiroshi , Sato Shinichi
Published: October 2011

A 68‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with a 1‐year history of multiple erosions on the oral mucosa and a few pruritic, bean‐sized, reddish‐blue plaques on the body. Based on physical examination, pathological findings, and immunofluorescence findings, a diagnosis of lichen planus (LP) was made. Computed tomography scan revealed a thymoma. After thymectomy, cutaneous LP lesions subsided spontaneously. Oral lesions responded well to oral etretinate therapy. We speculate that direct tissue injury by CD8+ T cells, activated by abnormal regulation of lymphocytes within the thymus, may cause LP.
Advancing the Understanding of Sociospatial Dependencies in Terrorist Networks
Authors: Medina Richard M. , Hepner George F.
Published: October 2011

Terrorist networks operate in hybrid space where activities in social and geographic spaces are necessary for logistics and security. The Islamist terrorist network is analyzed as a sociospatial system using social network analysis, Geographic Information Science (GISc), and novel techniques designed for hybrid space analyses. This research focuses on identifying distance and sociospatial dependencies within the terrorist network. A methodology for analyzing sociospatial systems is developed and results lead to a greater understanding of terrorist network structures and activities. Distance and sociospatial dependencies are shown to exist for the Islamist terrorist network structure. These findings are discordant with recent literature that focuses on terrorist network tendencies toward decentralization in the information age. In this research, the Islamist terrorist network is theorized to use multiple structures of hierarchical and decentralized organization for effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience. Implications for counterterrorism policy and strategies are given.
Discovering Chasing Behavior in Moving Object Trajectories
Authors: de Lucca Siqueira Fernando , Bogorny Vania
Published: October 2011

With the increasing use of mobile devices, a lot of tracks of movement of objects are being collected. The advanced trajectory data mining research has allowed the discovery of many types of patterns from these data, like flocks, leadership, avoidance, frequent sequences, and other types of patterns. In this article we introduce a new kind of pattern: a chasing behavior between trajectories. We present the main characteristics of chasing and propose a new method that extracts this new kind of trajectory behavior pattern, considering time, distance, and speed as the main thresholds. Experimental results show that our method finds patterns that are not discovered by related approaches.
TARIFF JUMPING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT DECISION IN A QUALITY‐DIFFERENTIATED MARKET
Authors: WANG KUANG‐CHENG ANDY , LIN CHUN‐HUNG A. , CHIOU JIUNN‐RONG
Published: October 2011

Using a product differentiation model, this paper discusses the issue of transnational firms evading tariffs and investing directly in a host country (through foreign direct investment (FDI)). Where product quality is differentiated between foreign and host country firms and assuming a firm's quality requirement is a long‐term strategy and is not affected by a foreign firm's trade decision, we obtain the following findings. First, whether or not a host country firm produces high or low quality products, raising the quality requirement for foreign products will increase the possibility of a foreign firm choosing FDI instead of exporting a product to the host country. Second, raising the quality requirement for domestic products will lower the possibility of foreign firms choosing FDI without regard to the product's quality. Finally, given a competitor in the host country, in FDI, a foreign high‐quality product‐producing firm has an advantage over a low‐quality product‐producing firm. We also find that even when firms' quality decisions are affected by a foreign firm's trade decision, most of the above results will still hold.
LONG‐RUN GROWTH AND WELFARE EFFECTS OF TAX REFORM
Authors: CHANG WEN‐YA , LEE KUO‐HAO , CHANG JUIN‐JEN
Published: October 2011

This paper introduces an endogenously‐determined fertility rate into a Romer‐type endogenous growth model and, accordingly, investigates the effects on fertility, economic growth and social welfare of a revenue‐neutral tax reform that involves switching from an income tax to a consumption tax. We show that, in a departure from the existing literature, tax reform could be harmful, rather than favourable, to both growth and welfare, due to an endogenous fertility rate. We also conduct a simple numerical analysis to investigate under what conditions the negative effect on growth and welfare occurs.
Pre‐emptive Corruption, Hold‐up and Repeated Interactions
Authors: Dechenaux Emmanuel , Samuel Andrew
Published: October 2011

This paper analyses repeated interactions between a firm and an inspector who monitors regulatory compliance. The firm may offer a bribe to pre‐empt the inspection. Corruption is unfeasible in the one‐shot game because of inspector hold‐up. In an infinitely repeated game, we characterize the set of bribes that can be sustained as equilibrium paths using the trigger strategy. In this model, the most likely bribe‐givers are not the firms that benefit the most from the illegal behaviour. Furthermore, strengthening anti‐corruption policies has ambiguous welfare effects because it improves compliance only among a subset of firms, and increases monitoring effort.
Staying Power of UK Buy‐Outs
Authors: Jelic Ranko
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This paper examines 1,089 private equity (PE) backed and non‐PE backed (pure) UK buy‐outs, determinants of their survival, and their exit behaviour during the period of 1966–2004. Our results suggest that 56% of the pure sample buy‐outs remained in a buy‐out organisational form for at least seven years after the original buy‐out transaction, thus lending support to views that buy‐outs present long rather than short term form. PE backed buy‐outs exhibit higher exit rates, fewer early (within 12 months) exits and fewer liquidations than their pure counterparts. Buy‐outs sponsored by PE syndicates, those harvested during periods with strong market conditions and greater supply of PE funding, tend to have shorter longevity. The most notable difference between the survival experiences of PE backed and pure buy‐outs is documented in IPO exits, where a significant number of pure buy‐outs exit early to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
Not across the North Pole: Plant migration in the Arctic
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias H.
Published: October 2011

The vascular plant flora of 66 arctic islands was studied to determine whether the islands have been occupied by random long‐distance dispersal (LDD) or in a highly structured northward migration pattern via intervening islands as stepping‐stones.

A maximum parsimonious migration model minimizing dispersal distances of 1256 vascular plant taxa was calculated in the framework of network analysis.

Plant dispersal is not stochastic in the Arctic at the global scale. Inferred mean dispersal distances of the plants occurring on arctic islands are c. 580 km (median 460 km). A LDD across the North Pole could not be inferred in the model and species may be recruited mainly from the nearest mainland or islands. At smaller scales, among adjacent islands, dispersal of vascular plants may be incomplete. Arctic islands do not yet appearto be saturated with species.

The results suggest that changes in biodiversity in Arctic islands can be more easily predicted at the global scale than at the local scale. Because islands are not yet saturated with species, new colonizations may not necessarily be linked to climate change.
Temporal expression and mitochondrial localization of a Foxp2 isoform lacking the forkhead domain in developing Purkinje cells
Authors: Tanabe Yuko , Fujiwara Yuji , Matsuzaki Ayumi , Fujita Eriko , Kasahara Tadashi , Yuasa Shigeki , Momoi Takashi
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 72–80.

FOXP2, a forkhead box‐containing transcription factor, forms homo‐ or hetero‐dimers with FOXP family members and localizes to the nucleus, while FOXP2(R553H), which contains a mutation related to speech/language disorders, features reduced DNA binding activity and both cytoplasmic and nuclear localization. In addition to being a loss‐of‐function mutation, it is possible that FOXP2(R553H) also may act as a gain‐of‐function mutation to inhibit the functions of FOXP2 isoforms including FOXP2Ex10+ lacking forkhead domain. Foxp2(R552H) knock‐in mouse pups exhibit impaired ultrasonic vocalization and poor dendritic development in Purkinje cells. However, expressions of Foxp2 isoforms in the developing Purkinje are unclear. The appearance of ‘apical cytoplasmic swelling’ (mitochondria‐rich regions that are the source of budding processes) correlates with dendritic development of Purkinje cells. In the present study, we focused on Foxp2 isoforms localizing to the apical cytoplasmic swelling and identified two isoforms lacking forkhead domain: Foxp2Ex12+ and Foxp2Ex15. They partly localized to the membrane fraction that includes mitochondria. Foxp2Ex12+ mainly localized to the apical cytoplasmic swelling in early developing Purkinje cells at the stellate stage (P2–P4). Mitochondrial localization of Foxp2Ex12+ in Purkinje cells was confirmed by immune‐electron microscopic analysis. Foxp2Ex12+ may play a role in dendritic development in Purkinje cells.
Montelukast ameliorates kidney function and urinary bladder sensitivity in experimentally induced renal dysfunction in rats
Authors: Suddek Ghada M.
Published: October 2011

Effect of montelukast on the renal dysfunction induced by cisplatin was investigated. A single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg, i.p.) induced nephrotoxicity, which was manifested by increasing the sensitivity of isolated urinary bladder rings to acetylcholine (ACh) together with a significant elevation of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and lactate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, serum albumin was significantly decreased. Moreover, renal dysfunction was further confirmed by a significant increase in lipid peroxides that were measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue homogenate. Kidney reduced glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured, which were decreased and increased, respectively. Administration of montelukast (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) 5 days before and 5 days after cisplatin injection significantly ameliorated the renotoxic effects of cisplatin, as judged by a significant reduction in the responses of isolated bladder rings to ACh. The deleterious changes induced by cisplatin treatment in kidney function parameters and oxidative stress markers were significantly mitigated by montelukast treatment. Conclusion: Montelukast may be a beneficial remedy for cisplatin‐induced renal dysfunction.
Benchmark Attainment by Maternal and Child Health Clients Across Public Health Nursing Agencies
Authors: Monsen Karen A. , Radosevich David M. , Johnson Susan C. , Farri Oladimeji , Kerr Madeleine J. , Geppert Joni S.
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT Objectives: Benchmark client outcomes across public health nursing (PHN) agencies using Omaha System knowledge, behavior, and status ratings as benchmarking metrics.

Design and Sample: A descriptive, comparative study of benchmark attainment for a retrospective cohort of PHN clients (low‐income, high‐risk parents, primarily mothers) from 6 counties.

Measures: Omaha System Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes data for selected problems. Benchmark measures were defined as a rating of 4 on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Intervention: Family home visiting services to low‐income, high‐risk parents.

Results: The highest percentage of benchmark attainment was for the Postpartum problem (knowledge, 76.2%; behavior, 94.0%; status, 96.6%), and the lowest was for the Interpersonal relationship problem (knowledge, 21.7%; behavior, 69.0%; status, 40.7%). All counties showed significant increases in client knowledge benchmark attainment, and 4 of 6 counties showed significant increases from baseline in behavior and status benchmark attainment. Significant differences were found between counties in client characteristics and benchmark attainment for knowledge, behavior, and status outcomes.

Conclusions: There were consistent patterns in benchmark attainment and outcome improvement across counties and family home visiting studies. Benchmarking appears to be useful for comparison of population health status and home visiting program outcomes.
Fiber‐Matrix Compatibility in an All‐Oxide Ceramic Composite with RBAO Matrix
Authors: Goushegir Seyed M. , Guglielmi Paula O. , da Silva João G. P. , Hablitzel Murilo P. , Hotza Dachamir , Al‐Qureshi Hazim A. , Janssen Rolf
Published: October 2011

In the present study, fiber‐matrix compatibility in an all‐oxide ceramic composite is examined. Reaction‐bonding aluminum oxide is used as porous matrix to ensure weak interfaces with fibers. Matrix cracks have been deflected around the interface for sintering temperatures up to 1300°C, due to the effectiveness of porous matrix in enabling damage tolerance. Above 1300°C, densification of the matrix resulted in brittle fracture of the samples, with matrix cracks going through the fibers. Observation of fracture surfaces confirmed the fiber pull‐out phenomenon up to processing temperatures of 1300°C. The well‐known He and Hutchinson criteria for crack deflection was used to predict debonding behavior at the fiber‐matrix interface as a function of matrix porosity. Furthermore, evaluation of the microstructure evolution of Nextel™ 610 alumina fibers showed a pronounced grain coarsening at sintering temperatures above 1300°C. Changes in crack deflection behavior and fiber microstructure of a composite sample aged for 100 h are also presented.
Strength Evolution of Injection‐Molded Ceramic Parts During Wick‐Debinding
Authors: Gorjan Lovro , Dakskobler Aleš , Kosmač Tomaž
Published: October 2011

The mechanical properties of partially wick‐debinded, Al2O3‐based ceramic parts, prepared by low‐pressure injection molding have been investigated. These properties depend on the residual paraffin wax binder content and on the chemical nature of the binder, which changes drastically if the wick‐debinding takes place in air at a temperature above 190°C. Under these conditions, the paraffin binder undergoes a transformation, as a result of complex exothermic chemical reactions with oxygen. Part of it forms volatile products, while the remaining part cures into a nonvolatile, brown‐colored, solid substance, which resides in the wick‐debinded part and bonds the powder particles firmly together. The curing can be beneficial, as strong wick‐debinded parts with bending strengths up to 14 MPa, containing less than 2% of the residual binder, can be obtained without flaws. The strength of the partially debinded parts increases with the dwelling time at 200°C, whereas the binder content reaches a minimum value of about 1.6% and then remains constant with the dwell time. Strong debinded parts can be easily manipulated and can be rapidly sintered due to the low amount of the residual organic phase.
High Heat Generation Ability in AC Magnetic Field of Y3Fe5O12 Powder Prepared Using Bead Milling
Authors: Aono Hiromichi , Ebara Hiroki , Senba Ryota , Naohara Takashi , Maehara Tsunehiro , Hirazawa Hideyuki , Watanabe Yuji
Published: October 2011

We found that the nano‐sized Y3Fe5O12 powder prepared by bead milling has the highest heat generation ability in an AC magnetic field of reported superparamagnetic materials. The heat generation ability in an AC magnetic field was strongly improved by a decrease in the average crystallite size of the bead milled samples. The highest heat ability in the AC magnetic field was for the fine Y3Fe5O12 powder with ca. 15 nm crystallite size (the samples milled for 4 h using 0.1 mmφ beads). The reasons for the high heat generation properties of the milled samples are ascribed to an increase in the Néel relaxation of the superparamagnetic material. The heat generation ability (W·g−1) can be estimated using a 3.58 × 10−4 f·H2 frequency (f/kHz) and the magnetic field (H/kA·m−1) for the sample milled for 4 h using 0.1 mmφ beads.
Effect of Firing Rates on Electrode Morphology and Electrical Properties of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Samantaray M. M. , Kaneda K. , Qu W. , Dickey E. C. , Randall C. A.
Published: October 2011

Over the past decade, multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) have been able to achieve very high volumetric capacitance due to continuous improvement in their process technology. However, the performance of these devices is severely limited by the presence of electrode defects such as electrode porosity and roughness. To assess the effect of microstructure on MLCC performance, two sets of multilayer capacitors subjected to different processing conditions are compared for their microstructure and electrical properties. It is shown that more continuous and planar electrode morphology leads to lower local electric fields and thus, superior performance. These computational predictions are verified using electrical property measurements. Capacitors with higher electrode continuity exhibit proportionally higher capacitance, provided the grain‐size distributions are similar. From the leakage current measurements, it is found that the Schottky barrier at the electrode–dielectric interface controls the conduction mechanism. This barrier height is adversely affected by the microstructural defects such as electrode discontinuities and roughness. These results are further supported by frequency‐dependent impedance measurements.
Prolongation of the effective copulation period by fractionated‐dose irradiation in the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius
Authors: Kumano Norikuni , Kuriwada Takashi , Shiromoto Keiko , Haraguchi Dai , Kohama Tsuguo
Published: October 2011

The sterile insect technique (SIT), based on the principles of population and behavioral ecology, is widely used to suppress or eradicate target pest insect populations. The effectiveness of SIT depends on the ability of released sterile males to mate with and inseminate wild females; however, the use of gamma radiation to induce sterility negatively affects both somatic cells as well as reproductive cells. Consequently, sterilization by irradiation drastically diminishes mating performance over time. It is well known that fractionated‐dose irradiation, in which a sterilizing dose is delivered via a series of smaller irradiations, reduces radiation damage. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of fractionated‐dose irradiation on fertility, longevity, and mating propensity in Cylas formicarius (Summers) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) for 16 days after irradiation. Fractionated‐dose irradiation with 200 Gy induced full sterility regardless of the number of radiation doses. Although the mating propensity of males sterilized by a single 200 Gy dose (the current standard of the Okinawa Prefecture SIT program) was equal to that of non‐irradiated weevils for the first 6 days, the mating propensity of males sterilized by a series of three doses was maintained for at least the first 12 days. These results demonstrated that fractionated‐dose irradiation can be highly advantageous in C. formicarius eradication programs.