bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluid dynamics of rolling wheels at low Reynolds number
Authors: Pirozzoli Sergio , Orlandi Paolo , Bernardini Matteo
Published: July 2012

We study the fluid dynamics of rolling wheels at Reynolds number ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} \leq 1000$ (where ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} $ is the Reynolds number based on the wheel diameter), with the objective of characterizing the various regimes of steady and unsteady motion. Regardless of the Reynolds number, the flow is found to separate approximately $1{0}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } $ upstream of the apex of the wheel, where a saddle point in the pseudo-streamtrace pattern is observed. Under the flow conditions here essayed, the drag coefficient steadily decreases with ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} $, and the lift coefficient remains strictly positive. The positive lift provided by the rolling wheel is associated with the presence of a strong (positive) peak of the static pressure in the upstream proximity of the contact point with the ground, which we interpret as the result of the impingement of flow particles entrained in the boundary layer that develops on the front part of the wheel. Steady laminar flow is observed up to ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} \approx 300$, which is characterized by a three-dimensional wake whose length increases with the Reynolds number. Unsteadiness is first observed at ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} \approx 400$, under which conditions the flow retains planar symmetry, and is characterized by the quasi-periodic shedding of hairpin vortices. Transition to three-dimensional flow happens at ${\mathit{Re}}_{D} \approx 500$, in which case a sinuous mode of instability in the wheel wake is established, which modulates the shedding of the hairpins, and which causes the onset of a non-zero side force. At the highest Reynolds number considered here (${\mathit{Re}}_{D} = 1000$) the wake exhibits some characters of turbulence, with wide-band frequency spectra, and its topology entirely changes, becoming split into two parts, and being much shortened compared to the lower-${\mathit{Re}}_{D} $ cases. Despite the limitation of the study to low Reynolds numbers we find that, once significant three-dimensionality and scale separation are established in the wheel wake, the nature of the flow becomes qualitatively similar to fully developed turbulent flow. In perspective, this observation opens interesting avenues for the prediction of unsteady flow around rotating tyres at moderate computational cost.
The appearance of boundary layers and drift flows due to high-frequency surface waves
Authors: Manor Ofer , Yeo Leslie Y. , Friend James R.
Published: July 2012

The classical Schlichting boundary layer theory is extended to account for the excitation of generalized surface waves in the frequency and velocity amplitude range commonly used in microfluidic applications, including Rayleigh and Sezawa surface waves and Lamb, flexural and surface-skimming bulk waves. These waves possess longitudinal and transverse displacements of similar magnitude along the boundary, often spatiotemporally out of phase, giving rise to a periodic flow shown to consist of a superposition of classical Schlichting streaming and uniaxial flow that have no net influence on the flow over a long period of time. Correcting the velocity field for weak but significant inertial effects results in a non-vanishing steady component, a drift flow, itself sensitive to both the amplitude and phase (prograde or retrograde) of the surface acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. We validate the proposed theory with experimental observations of colloidal pattern assembly in microchannels filled with dilute particle suspensions to show the complexity of the boundary layer, and suggest an asymptotic slip boundary condition for bulk flow in microfluidic applications that are actuated by surface waves.
A common haplotype of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b is associated with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Auinger A. , Rubin D. , Sabandal M. , Helwig U. , Rüther A. , Schreiber S. , Foelsch U. R. , Döring F. , Schrezenmeir J.
Published: July 2012

The carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) enzyme system facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria to provide substrates for β-oxidation. We performed an analysis including three coding SNP in the muscle isoform of the CPT1b gene (rs3213445, rs2269383 and rs470117) and one coding SNP in the CPT2 gene (rs1799821) to find associations with traits of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Male participants (n755) from the Metabolic Intervention Cohort Kiel were genotyped and phenotyped for features of the MetS. Participants underwent a glucose tolerance test and a postprandial assessment of metabolic variables after a standardised mixed meal. Carriers of the rare CPT1b 66V (rs3213445) allele had significantly higher γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities (P< 0·0001,P= 0·03 andP= 0·048, respectively) and a higher fatty liver index (FLI,P= 0·026). Fasting and postprandial TAG (P= 0·007 andP= 0·009, respectively) and fasting glucose (P= 0·012) were significantly higher in 66V-allele carriers. The insulin sensitivity index determined after a glucose load was lower in those subjects (P= 0·005). Total cholesterol (P= 0·051) and LDL-cholesterol (P= 0·062) tended to be higher in 66V-allele carriers when compared with I66I homozygotes. Homozygosity of the rare K531E allele presented with lower GGT and GOT activities (P= 0·011 andP= 0·027, respectively). E531E homozygotes tended to have lower GPT and FLI (P= 0·078 andP= 0·052, respectively). CPT2 V368I (rs1799821) genotypic groups did not differ in the investigated anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The present results confirm the association of CPT1b coding polymorphisms with the MetS, with a deleterious effect of the CPT1b I66V and a protective impact of the CPT1b K531E SNP, whereas haplotype analysis indicates a relevance of the E531K polymorphism only.
Parasite diversity and microsatellite variability in native and introduced populations of fourNeogobiusspecies (Gobiidae)
Authors: ONDRAČKOVÁ M. , ŠIMKOVÁ A. , CIVÁŇOVÁ K. , VYSKOČILOVÁ M. , JURAJDA P.
Published: July 2012

Species introduced into new areas often show a reduction in parasite and genetic diversity associated to the limited number of founding individuals. In this study, we compared microsatellite and parasite diversity in both native (lower Danube) and introduced populations of 4 Ponto-Caspian gobies, including those (1) introduced from within the same river system (middle Danube;Neogobius kessleriandN. melanostomus), and (2) introduced from a different river system (River Vistula;N. fluviatilisandN. gymnotrachelus). Microsatellite data confirmed the lower Danube as a source population for gobies introduced into the middle Danube. Both native and introduced (same river system) populations ofN. kessleriandN. melanostomushad comparable parasite species richness and microsatellite diversity, possibly due to multiple and/or continual migration/introduction of new individuals and the acquisition of local parasites. Reduced parasite species richness and microsatellite diversity were observed in introduced (different river system) populations in the Vistula. A low number of colonists found forN. fluviatilisandN. gymnotrachelusin the Vistula potentially resulted in reduced introduction of parasite species. Insufficient adaptation of the introduced host to local parasite fauna, together with introduction into an historically different drainage system, may also have contributed to the reduced parasite fauna.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced modulation in the expression of progesterone receptor and estradiol receptor leads to early pregnancy loss in mouse
Authors: Agrawal Varkha , Jaiswal Mukesh Kumar , Jaiswal Yogesh Kumar
Published: July 2012

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Gram-negative bacteria infection on ovarian steroid receptors, i.e. progesterone receptor (PR) and estradiol receptor (ER) during preimplantation days of pregnancy. A well established mouse model of Gram-negative bacteria infection was used to test this objective. Mice were treated with normal saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 0.5 of pregnancy and used to collect embryos and uterine horns on day 1.5 to day 4.42 preimplantation day of pregnancy. Total RNA was extracted and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to check the expression of PR and ER genes. The mRNA expression of PR and ER was altered in embryos and uterus of LPS-treated animals during preimplantation days of pregnancy studied. These results suggest that PR and ER play an important role in Gram-negative bacteria infection and induced implantation failure in mouse.
The Oramics Machine: From vision to reality
Authors: Manning Peter
Published: July 2012

The pioneering contributions of Daphne Oram to visual music, notably the construction of her unique synthesiser known as the Oramics Machine during the 1960s, have yet to be fully recognised. The development of this synthesiser, in terms of both the creative objectives that inspired its design and also the functional characteristics of the resulting technology, is all the more remarkable for being the product of highly individual endeavour, working entirely without the support and resources normally provided by an institution or a commercial manufacturer. Oram's background in both music and electronics was to prove invaluable in this regard, and her appointment as the founding director of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1958, having previously lobbied within the organisation for such a facility for several years, provides testament to her standing in both regards. Her decision within a year of appointment to resign from this post and establish her own private studio specifically to develop Oramics is indicative of her determination and commitment to explore new horizons in the medium of electronic music, and this paper provides a perspective of her achievements, drawing on materials in the Oram archive that have hitherto not been studied.
Characterization of olive germplasm by chemical oil components and morphological descriptors in Basilicata region (Italy)
Authors: Alba V. , Bisignano V. , Rotundo A. , Polignano G. B. , Alba E.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we describe variations among autochthonous olive cultivars from five different areas in Basilicata (Southern Italy) classified according to 33 chemical oil components and morphological traits. While all examined descriptors show no significant differences among cultivars, means and coefficients of variations have been highlighted. Principal component analysis has then been used to reduce the number of descriptors. Cultivars have been classified by cluster analysis into three groups. Following a discussion of cultivar group similarities, results suggest that an ‘a priori’ classification of cultivars according to growing area does not strictly correspond to phenotypic grouping. From the spatial distribution of cultivars, however, it has been possible to identify ‘superior’ genotypes in terms of olive oil composition.
Structural, mechanistic and regulatory studies of serine palmitoyltransferase
Authors: Lowther Jonathan , Naismith James H. , Dunn Teresa M. , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: July 2012

SLs (sphingolipids) are composed of fatty acids and a polar head group derived from L-serine. SLs are essential components of all eukaryotic and many prokaryotic membranes but S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate) is also a potent signalling molecule. Recent efforts have sought to inventory the large and chemically complex family of SLs (LIPID MAPS Consortium). Detailed understanding of SL metabolism may lead to therapeutic agents specifically directed at SL targets. We have studied the enzymes involved in SL biosynthesis; later stages are species-specific, but all core SLs are synthesized from the condensation of L-serine and a fatty acid thioester such as palmitoyl-CoA that is catalysed by SPT (serine palmitoyltransferase). SPT is a PLP (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate)-dependent enzyme that forms 3-KDS (3-ketodihydrosphingosine) through a decarboxylative Claisen-like condensation reaction. Eukaryotic SPTs are membrane-bound multi-subunit enzymes, whereas bacterial enzymes are cytoplasmic homodimers. We use bacterial SPTs (e.g. from Sphingomonas) to probe their structure and mechanism. Mutations in human SPT cause a neuropathy [HSAN1 (hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1)], a rare SL metabolic disease. How these mutations perturb SPT activity is subtle and bacterial SPT mimics of HSAN1 mutants affect the enzyme activity and structure of the SPT dimer. We have also explored SPT inhibition using various inhibitors (e.g. cycloserine). A number of new subunits and regulatory proteins that have a direct impact on the activity of eukaryotic SPTs have recently been discovered. Knowledge gained from bacterial SPTs sheds some light on the more complex mammalian systems. In the present paper, we review historical aspects of the area and highlight recent key developments.
Exploring the biochemistry at the extracellular redox frontier of bacterial mineral Fe(III) respiration
Authors: Richardson David J. , Edwards Marcus J. , White Gaye F. , Baiden Nanakow , Hartshorne Robert S. , Fredrickson Jim , Shi Liang , Zachara John , Gates Andrew J. , Butt Julea N. , Clarke Thomas A.
Published: July 2012

Many species of the bacterial Shewanella genus are notable for their ability to respire in anoxic environments utilizing insoluble minerals of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) as extracellular electron acceptors. In Shewanella oneidensis, the process is dependent on the decahaem electron-transport proteins that lie at the extracellular face of the outer membrane where they can contact the insoluble mineral substrates. These extracellular proteins are charged with electrons provided by an inter-membrane electron-transfer pathway that links the extracellular face of the outer membrane with the inner cytoplasmic membrane and thereby intracellular electron sources. In the present paper, we consider the common structural features of two of these outer-membrane decahaem cytochromes, MtrC and MtrF, and bring this together with biochemical, spectroscopic and voltammetric data to identify common and distinct properties of these prototypical members of different clades of the outer-membrane decahaem cytochrome superfamily.
Epitaxial Ni3FeN thin films: A candidate for spintronic devices and magnetic sensors
Authors: Loloee Reza
Published: July 2012

A new type of epitaxial ferromagnetic nitride (Ni3 Fe N = permalloy nitride = “PyN”) compound films were grown on Al2O3(112¯0) substrates using reactive triode magnetron sputtering. The results of electron back-scattering diffraction and x-ray diffraction techniques indicate a high quality epitaxial crystalline structure with growth normal of (100). Magnetization measurements of epitaxial PyN films revealed several unique results. (1) A textbook square hysteresis loop that suggest existence of single magnetic domain in these films. (2) A coercive field is tunable from a few mOe up to a few Oe by changing the film thickness. (3) A magnetization that switches (rotate) over a very small field range of δHC ≤ 0.05 Oe, independent of the film thickness. This small δH indicates a very large resistive sensitivity (δR/δH) of the epitaxial PyN. (4) The epitaxial PyN thermal cycling through several cycles between “2 and 800 K” (−271 °C to +527 °C) shows much less degradation only about 2–5% compared to 40% degradation of a simple Py film. Four-probe transport measurements give an anisotropic magnetoresistance of ≈6%, sufficiently higher than other known ferromagnetic materials. These interesting properties are ideal for a variety of spintronic devices and magnetic sensors.
Moisture desorption in mechanically masticated fuels: effects of particle fracturing and fuelbed compaction
Authors: Kreye Jesse K. , Varner J. Morgan , Knapp Eric E.
Published: July 2012

Mechanical mastication is increasingly used as a wildland fuel treatment, reducing standing trees and shrubs to compacted fuelbeds of fractured woody fuels. One major shortcoming in our understanding of these fuelbeds is how particle fracturing influences moisture gain or loss, a primary determinant of fire behaviour. To better understand fuel moisture dynamics, we measured particle and fuelbed drying rates of masticated Arctostaphylos manzanita and Ceanothus velutinus shrubs, common targets of mastication in fire-prone western USA ecosystems. Drying rates of intact and fractured particles did not differ when desorbing at the fuelbed surface, but these particles did dry more rapidly than underlying fuelbeds. Average response times of 10-h woody particles at the fuelbed surfaces ranged from 16 to 21 h, whereas response times of fuelbeds (composed of 1-h and 10-h particles) were 40 to 69 h. Response times did not differ between fuelbeds composed of fractured woody particles and fuelbeds composed of intact particles (P = 0.258). Particle fracturing as a result of mastication does not affect the drying rate, but the longer-than-expected response times of particles within fuelbeds underscores the needs to better understand fuel moisture dynamics in these increasingly common fuels.
Emerging modes of collective cell migration induced by geometrical constraints
Authors: Vedula Sri Ram Krishna , Leong Man Chun , Lai Tan Lei , Hersen Pascal , Kabla Alexandre J. , Lim Chwee Teck , Ladoux Benoît
Published: July 2012

The role of geometrical confinement on collective cell migration has been recognized but has not been elucidated yet. Here, we show that the geometrical properties of the environment regulate the formation of collective cell migration patterns through cell–cell interactions. Using microfabrication techniques to allow epithelial cell sheets to migrate into strips whose width was varied from one up to several cell diameters, we identified the modes of collective migration in response to geometrical constraints. We observed that a decrease in the width of the strips is accompanied by an overall increase in the speed of the migrating cell sheet. Moreover, large-scale vortices over tens of cell lengths appeared in the wide strips whereas a contraction-elongation type of motion is observed in the narrow strips. Velocity fields and traction force signatures within the cellular population revealed migration modes with alternative pulling and/or pushing mechanisms that depend on extrinsic constraints. Force transmission through intercellular contacts plays a key role in this process because the disruption of cell–cell junctions abolishes directed collective migration and passive cell–cell adhesions tend to move the cells uniformly together independent of the geometry. Altogether, these findings not only demonstrate the existence of patterns of collective cell migration depending on external constraints but also provide a mechanical explanation for how large-scale interactions through cell–cell junctions can feed back to regulate the organization of migrating tissues.
Switchgrass - practical issues in developing a fuel crop.
Authors: Shastri Y. N. , Hansen A. C. , Rodriguez L. F. , Ting K. C.
Published: July 2012

The biomass-based energy sector will play an important role in our drive towards renewable energy. Switchgrass has been identified as one of the candidate-dedicated energy crops in the USA because of its various desirable traits. However, many challenges still exist in ensuring a commercially viable switchgrass crop that is sustainable and techno-economically feasible. This article reviews the existing literature to highlight those challenges and potential solutions and recommendations to address those in the future. Various stages in the switchgrass-based biofuel system, namely crop production, provision and logistics, and conversion, are analysed. For each of these stages, the important challenges as reported in the literature are mentioned, and research gaps are identified. The systems-level issues as well as the challenges associated with the practical implementation of switchgrass production are also highlighted. The review illustrates that although switchgrass is a viable biofuel feedstock, considerable progress is necessary to achieve large-scale practical success.
Selection of growth functions for describing length-at-age relationships in fish species displaying different life history traits: unexpected alternatives to the von Bertalanffy equation and advantages of a pluralistic statistical approach.
Authors: Dumas A. , López S. , Kebreab E. , Gendron M. , Thornley J. H. M. , France J.
Published: July 2012

Simple growth models have proven helpful to study and predict growth trajectories of fish with different life histories and from various environments, and have found numerous applications in ecology, fisheries and aquaculture worldwide. The most applied simple models (e.g. von Bertalanffy) convey little information about life history traits, are facing criticism, and their goodness of fit is assessed using a limited number of statistical outputs. This review challenges the von Bertalanffy and certain statistical outputs using real-life data, and proposes more explanatory alternatives. The length-at-age relationship from three different wild populations of four fish species (lake herring, lake whitefish, northern pike and walleye) is described using the monomolecular, Schumacher, Gompertz, logistic, von Bertalanffy and Richards equations. Comparison between models was based on least squares and likelihood theories involving several statistical outputs currently encountered in model comparison and selection studies. The analysis demonstrates that the monomolecular, Schumacher and Richards equations often stood as alternatives to the von Bertalanffy and highlighted residual sum of squares, standard error (SE) of parameter estimates and, to a lesser extent, Akaike weight as statistical outputs facilitating discrimination between candidate models. Based on visual appraisal, different equations fitted similar trajectories across the 12 growth profiles. However, the assumptions and statistical performance served to select the most appropriate models and discern life history traits of the species under study. Results indicate that comparison and selection of models should consider not only the statistical performance of equations but also the purpose of the study along with the biological/physical interpretation of parameters.
When Garibaldi went to Azerbaijan: A Study of British Perceptions of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, Part I, 1906–07
Authors: Andic Savka
Published: July 2012

In the early years of the twentieth century, a wave of constitutional revolutions swept over the developing world, attracting the attention of European observers. One of these was the Iranian Constitutional Revolution of 1906–11. British perceptions of this “brave new world” in Iran were more nuanced and diverse than one would expect for this era, commonly portrayed as a time of jingoism and rampant “Orientalist” racism. This study identifies four broad perspectives which shaped British perceptions: the imperialist, Europeanist, liberal idealist and local pragmatist. Within the context of these perspectives, British perceptions were further shaped by different understandings of Iran—influenced by a specifically Iranian-flavored literary Orientalism, Aryanism and history—and by understandings of what constituted an authentic reform or revolutionary movement.
Palliative haematological aspects
Authors: Watson Max , Lucas Caroline , Hoy Andrew , Wells Jo
Published: July 2012

This chapter on palliative haematological aspects covers anaemia in chronic disorders, blood transfusion, erythropoietin, bleeding and haemorrhage, blood products, bleeding directly related to cancer, haemoptysis, haematemesis, rectal bleeding, haematuria, massive terminal haemorrhage, thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), chronic venous thrombosis, warfarin in patients with cancer, and developing a good relation with haematology colleagues.
Heart failure
Authors: Watson Max , Lucas Caroline , Hoy Andrew , Wells Jo
Published: July 2012

This chapter covers the definition, incidence, prognosis, clinical features, management, and end-of-life care for heart failure.
Death certification and referral to the coroner
Authors: Watson Max , Lucas Caroline , Hoy Andrew , Wells Jo
Published: July 2012

This chapter includes information on registration of death, reference to the coroner, and completing the MCCD.
Consultation with other services
Authors: Forsyth Rob , Newton Richard
Published: July 2012

General principles 470

Cardiology consultations 471

Endocrinology consultations 474

Gastroenterology consultations 476

Neonatal neurology 480

Neonatal encephalopathy 487

Neurosurgical consultations 500

Oncology consultations 502

PICU consultations 507

Psychiatry consultations 517

Neuropsychiatric liaison work 520

Renal consultations 523

Respiratory consultations 526

Rheumatology consultations 531

Consultation requests should be met with:...
Importance of Fungicide Seed Treatment and Environment on Seedling Diseases of Cotton
Authors: Rothrock C. S. , Winters S. A. , Miller P. K. , Gbur E. , Verhalen L. M. , Greenhagen B. E. , Isakeit T. S. , Batson W. E. , Bourland F. M. , Colyer P. D. , Wheeler T. A. , Kaufman H. W. , Sciumbato G. L. , Thaxton P. M. , Lawrence K. S. , Gazaway W. S. , Chambers A. Y. , Newman M. A. , Kirkpatrick T. L. , Barham J. D. , Phipps P. M. , Shokes F. M. , Littlefield L. J. , Padgett G. B. , Hutmacher R. B. , Davis R. M. , Kemerait R. C. , Sumner D. R. , Seebold K. W. , Mueller J. D. , Garber R. H.
Published: July 2012

The importance of fungicide seed treatments on cotton was examined using a series of standardized fungicide trials from 1993 to 2004. Fungicide seed treatments increased stands over those from seed not treated with fungicides in 119 of 211 trials. Metalaxyl increased stands compared to nontreated seed in 40 of 119 trials having significant fungicide responses, demonstrating the importance of Pythium spp. on stand establishment. Similarly, PCNB seed treatment increased stands compared to nontreated seed for 44 of 119 trials with a significant response, indicating the importance of Rhizoctonia solani in stand losses. Benefits from the use of newer seed treatment chemistries, azoxystrobin and triazoles, were demonstrated by comparison with a historic standard seed treatment, carboxin + PCNB + metalaxyl. Little to no stand improvement was found when minimal soil temperatures averaged 25°C the first 3 days after planting. Stand losses due to seedling pathogens increased dramatically as minimal soil temperatures decreased to 12°C and rainfall increased. The importance of Pythium increased dramatically as minimal soil temperature decreased and rainfall increased, while the importance of R. solani was not affected greatly by planting environment. These multi-year data support the widespread use of seed treatment fungicides for the control of the seedling disease complex on cotton.
First Report of Fusicoccum aesculi Causing Leaf Spots of Paeonia suffruticosa in Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhang M. , Wu H. Y. , Geng Y. H. , Yu S. Q.
Published: July 2012

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is regarded as the national flower of China and is cultivated throughout the country. In early August 2010, a moderately severe leaf spot was observed on tree peony cultivated in a garden of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, where approximately 15% of trees were diseased. In 2011, a less damaging leaf spot was also observed in another area of the city with approximately 10% of trees diseased. Early symptoms appeared as small, round, pale-brown lesions on the leaves. Lesions expanded into 5- to 20-mm-diameter spots that were elliptical or irregular, brown to dark brown. A fungus was consistently isolated from the leaf spots on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in grey-black colonies, but produced few pycnidia. Black pycnidia were ostiolate, globose, papillate, formed in uniloculate or multiloculate stromata that were immersed in the leaf, and became erumpent at maturity. Conidiophores or conidiogenous cells were hyaline and cylindrical. Conidia were hyaline, granular, fusoid to ellipsoid, aseptate, with a sub-truncate base, and 20 to 28 × 4.5 to 7.5 μm (mean dimensions of 50 conidia: 24.5 × 5.2 μm). The pathogen was identified as Fusicoccum aesculi, anamorphic stage of Botryosphaeria dothidea, on the basis of morphology (2). The identity of the fungus was confirmed to be F. aesculi by DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (GenBank Accession No. JQ323001), which was 100% identical to those of other F. aesculi isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. GU997686.1 and GU723469.1) (1). Pathogenicity tests were done by inoculating each of 10 leaves on one 7-year-old tree with a mycelial plug (0.5 cm diameter) harvested from the periphery of a 7-day-old colony. An equal number of leaves on the same tree, serving as controls, were mock-inoculated with plugs of PDA medium. Inoculated leaves were covered with plastic for 24 h to maintain high relative humidity and incubated at about 25°C. The plugs were removed after 48 h. After 7 days, 80% of the inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed in the field under natural conditions, whereas controls remained symptom-free. Reisolation of the fungus from lesions on inoculated leaves confirmed that the causal agent was F. aesculi. Pathogenicity tests were repeated on the other two trees by the same methods with the same results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. aesculi infecting P. suffruticosa in China.

References: (1) S. Mohali et al. Mycol. Res. 110:405, 2006. (2) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes. CABI Publishing, New York, 1980.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Goal-directed Hemodynamic Treatment of Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Bartha Erzsebet , Davidson Thomas , Hommel Ami , Thorngren Karl-Göran , Carlsson Per , Kalman Sigridur
Published: July 2012

Background

Health economic evaluations are increasingly used to make the decision to adopt new medical interventions. Before such decisions, various stakeholders have invested in clinical research. But health economic factors are seldom considered in research funding decisions. Cost-effectiveness analyses could be informative before the launch of clinical research projects, particularly when a targeted intervention is resource-intensive, total cost for the trial is very high, and expected gain of health benefits is uncertain. This study analyzed cost-effectiveness using a decision analytic model before initiating a large clinical research project on goal-directed hemodynamic treatment of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Methods

A probabilistic decision analytic cost-effectiveness model was developed; the model contains a decision tree for the postoperative short-term outcome and a Markov structure for long-term outcome. Clinical effect estimates, costs, health-related quality-of-life measures, and long-term survival constituted model input that was extracted from clinical trials, national databases, and surveys. Model output consisted of estimated medical care costs related to quality-adjusted life-years.

Results

In the base case analysis, goal-directed hemodynamic treatment reduced average medical care costs by €1,882 and gained 0.344 quality-adjusted life-years. In 96.5% of the simulations, goal-directed hemodynamic treatment is less costly and provides more quality-adjusted life-years. The results are sensitive to clinical effect size variations, although goal-directed hemodynamic treatment seems to be cost-effective even with moderate clinical effect.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that cost-effectiveness analysis is feasible, meaningful, and recommendable before launch of costly clinical research projects.
Effect of Spinal Fixation in Rabbits With Metastatic Tumor Using a Novel Spinal Fusion Model
Authors: Yamada Kentaro , Terai Hidetomi , Matsumoto Tomiya , Okabe Takahiro , Suzuki Akinobu , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: July 2012

Study Design:

An experimental assessment of the impact of spinal stabilization on metastasis growth using a rabbit model.

Objective:

To investigate the influence of spinal stabilization on the growth of metastatic spinal tumors in rabbits using a novel method of spinal fusion.

Summary of Background Data:

For spinal metastasis patients, gait disturbances caused by back pain or paraplegia correlates with their prognosis. Palliative surgeries are good options for some patients; however, the appropriate timing and method of spinal surgery remains controversial.

Methods:

The biomechanical properties of a novel spinal fixation model with a locking plating system were first examined on the L2–L4 fixed vertebrae of 18 Japanese white rabbits. Biomechanical and radiographic examinations were performed at 0, 4, and 8 weeks as compared with controls. After this, another 31 rabbits were then inoculated with VX2 carcinoma cells into the L3 vertebral body and divided into fixation (N=16) and sham (N=15) groups to assess the impact of spinal stabilization on tumor growth. The time to paraplegia, and tumor cell growth and proliferation were evaluated by rabbit behavior, computed tomography, myelogram, and cell proliferation marker (MIB-1 index).

Results:

In the biomechanical loading test, fixed segments showed one eighth of the range of motion and 15 times bending stiffness as compared with controls at each timepoint. No pathologic fractures were observed in the rabbits inoculated with VX2 carcinoma cells before paraplegia, and there was no difference in the time to paraplegia between the fixation and sham groups (26.7 and 28 d, respectively). Similarly, no differences were observed in osteolytic area expansion or tumor cell proliferation (MIB-1 index; 38.1% and 38.0%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Our locking plate fixation of rabbit spines exhibited sufficient biomechanical properties. Spinal fixation had little influence on the growth of the aggressive carcinoma and the time to paraplegia. However, further investigation is needed to determine the influence of spinal stabilization on slow-growing tumors.
Strain-dependent effects of PB1-F2 of triple-reassortant H3N2 influenza viruses in swine
Authors: Pena Lindomar , Vincent Amy L. , Loving Crystal L. , Henningson Jamie N. , Lager Kelly M. , Li Weizhong , Perez Daniel R.
Published: July 2012

The PB1-F2 protein of the influenza A viruses (IAVs) can act as a virulence factor in mice. Its contribution to the virulence of IAV in swine, however, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we chose two genetically related H3N2 triple-reassortant IAVs to assess the impact of PB1-F2 in virus replication and virulence in pigs. Using reverse genetics, we disrupted the PB1-F2 ORF of A/swine/Wisconsin/14094/99 (H3N2) (Sw/99) and A/turkey/Ohio/313053/04 (H3N2) (Ty/04). Removing the PB1-F2 ORF led to increased expression of PB1-N40 in a strain-dependent manner. Ablation of the PB1-F2 ORF (or incorporation of the N66S mutation in the PB1-F2 ORF, Sw/99 N66S) affected the replication in porcine alveolar macrophages of only the Sw/99 KO (PB1-F2 knockout) and Sw/99 N66S variants. The Ty/04 KO strain showed decreased virus replication in swine respiratory explants, whereas no such effect was observed in Sw/99 KO, compared with the wild-type (WT) counterparts. In pigs, PB1-F2 did not affect virus shedding or viral load in the lungs for any of these strains. Upon necropsy, PB1-F2 had no effect on the lung pathology caused by Sw/99 variants. Interestingly, the Ty/04 KO-infected pigs showed significantly increased lung pathology at 3 days post-infection compared with pigs infected with the Ty/04 WT strain. In addition, the pulmonary levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and gamma interferon were regulated differentially by the expression of PB1-F2. Taken together, these results indicate that PB1-F2 modulates virus replication, virulence and innate immune responses in pigs in a strain-dependent fashion.
Chromosome end protection by blunt-ended telomeres
Authors: Kazda Anita , Zellinger Barbara , Rössler Max , Derboven Elisa , Kusenda Branislav , Riha Karel
Published: July 2012

Single-stranded telomeric DNA protrusions are considered to be evolutionarily conserved structural elements essential for chromosome end protection. Their formation at telomeres replicated by the leading strand mechanism is thought to involve poorly understood post-replicative processing of blunt ends. Unexpectedly, we found that angiosperm plants contain blunt-ended and short (1- to 3-nucleotide) G-overhang-containing telomeres that are stably retained in post-mitotic tissues, revealing a novel mechanism of chromosome end protection. The integrity of blunt-ended telomeres depends on the Ku70/80 heterodimer but not on another telomere capping protein, STN1. Curiously, Ku-depleted telomeres are fully functional. They are resected by exonuclease 1, promoting intrachromatid recombination, which may facilitate formation of an alternative capping structure. These data challenge the view that telomeres require ssDNA protrusions for forming a functional capping structure and demonstrate flexibility in solutions to the chromosome end protection problem.
The visual orientation memory of Drosophila requires Foraging (PKG) upstream of Ignorant (RSK2) in ring neurons of the central complex
Authors: Kuntz Sara , Poeck Burkhard , Sokolowski Marla B. , Strauss Roland
Published: July 2012

Orientation and navigation in a complex environment requires path planning and recall to exert goal-driven behavior. Walking Drosophila flies possess a visual orientation memory for attractive targets which is localized in the central complex of the adult brain. Here we show that this type of working memory requires the cGMP-dependent protein kinase encoded by the foraging gene in just one type of ellipsoid-body ring neurons. Moreover, genetic and epistatic interaction studies provide evidence that Foraging functions upstream of the Ignorant Ribosomal-S6 Kinase 2, thus revealing a novel neuronal signaling pathway necessary for this type of memory in Drosophila.
A novel one-dimensional silver cylinder stabilized by mixed 2-mercaptobenzoic acid and ethylenediamine ligands
Authors: Sun Di , Yan Zhi-Hao
Published: July 2012

A novel infinite one-dimensional silver cylinder, namely poly[μ-ethylenediamine-μ5-(2-sulfanidylbenzoato)-μ4-(2-sulfanidylbenzoato)-tetrasilver(I)], [Ag4(C7H4O2S)2(C2H8N2)]n, has been synthesized by one-pot reaction of equivalent molar silver nitrate and 2-mercaptobenzoic acid (H2mba) in the presence of ethylenediamine (eda). One Ag atom is located in an AgS2NO four-coordinated tetrahedral geometry, two other Ag atoms are in an AgS2O three-coordinated T-shaped geometry and the fourth Ag atom is in an AgSNO coordination environment. The two mba ligands show two different binding modes. The μ2-N:N′-eda ligand, acting as a bridge, combines with mba ligands to extend the AgIions into a one-dimensional silver cylinder incorporating abundant Ag...Ag interactions ranging from 2.9298 (11) to 3.2165 (13) Å. Interchain N—H...O hydrogen bonds extend the one-dimensional cylinder into an undulating two-dimensional sheet, which is further packed into a three-dimensional supramolecular framework by van der Waals interactions; no π–π interactions were observed in the crystal structure.
Identifying migrations in marine fishes through stable‐isotope analysis
Authors: Trueman C. N. , MacKenzie K. M. , Palmer M. R.
Published: July 2012

The isotopic composition of many elements varies across both land and ocean surfaces in a predictable fashion. These stable‐isotope ratios are transferred into animal tissues, potentially providing a powerful natural geospatial tag. To date, most studies using stable isotopes as geolocators in marine settings have focussed on mammals and seabirds conducting large ocean‐basin scale migrations. An increasing understanding of isotopic variation in the marine environment, and improved sampling and analytical techniques, however, means that stable isotopes now hold genuine promise as a natural geolocation tag in marine fishes. Here, the theoretical background underpinning the use of stable isotopes of C, N and O in otolith, scale and muscle tissues as geolocation tools in the marine environment is reviewed, and examples of their applications are provided.
The use of otolith chemistry to characterize diadromous migrations
Authors: Walther B. D. , Limburg K. E.
Published: July 2012

Chemical constituents in otoliths have become a valuable tool for fish ecologists seeking to reconstruct migratory patterns and life‐history diversity in a wide range of species worldwide. This approach has proved particularly effective with fishes that move across substantial salinity gradients over the course of their life, including many diadromous species. Freshwater endmembers of several elemental and isotope ratios (e.g. Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr) are typically identifiably distinct from marine values, and often differ among freshwater tributaries at fine spatial scales. Because these chemical tags are generally incorporated in proportion to their ambient dissolved concentrations, they can be effective proxies for quantifying the presence, duration and frequency of movements between freshwater and marine habitats. The development of high precision probe‐based analytical techniques, such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and microbeam methods, has allowed researchers to glean increasingly detailed life‐history profiles of these proxies across otoliths. Researchers are also combining multiple chemical proxies in an attempt to refine interpretations of habitat residence patterns. A thorough understanding of the spatial and temporal variation in water chemistry as well as environmental and physiological controls on incorporation of specific elements into otoliths is required for confident estimation of lifetime salinity experience. First some assumptions, methodological considerations and data processing options that are particularly relevant to diadromous otolith chemistry studies are discussed. Insights into diadromous migrations obtained from decades of otolith chemistry research, highlighting the increasingly recognized importance of contingent behaviour and partial migration are then discussed. Finally, areas for future research and the need to integrate otolith chemistry studies into comprehensive assessments of the effects of global environmental change are identified.
Responses in growth rate of larval northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) to anomalous upwelling in the northern California Current
Authors: TAKAHASHI MOTOMITSU , CHECKLEY DAVID M. , LITZ MARISA N.C. , BRODEUR RICHARD D. , PETERSON WILLIAM T.
Published: July 2012

We examined variability in growth rate during the larval stage of northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) in response to physical and biological environmental factors in 2005 and 2006. The onset of spring upwelling was anomalously delayed by 2–3 months until mid‐July in 2005; in contrast, spring upwelling in 2006 began as a normal year in the northern California Current. Larval and early juvenile E. mordax were collected in August, September, and October off the coast of Oregon and Washington. Hatch dates ranged from May to September, with peaks in June and August in 2005 and a peak in July in 2006, based on the number of otolith daily increments. Back‐calculated body length‐at‐age in the June 2005 hatch cohort was significantly smaller than in the August 2005 cohort, which had comparable growth to the July 2006 cohort. Standardized otolith daily increment widths as a proxy for seasonal variability in somatic growth rates in 2005 were negative until late July and then changed to positive with intensification of upwelling. The standardized increment width was a positive function of biomass of chlorophyll a concentration, and neritic cold‐water and oceanic subarctic copepod species sampled biweekly off Newport, Oregon. Our results suggest that delayed upwelling in 2005 resulted in low food availability and, consequently, reduced E. mordax larval growth rate in early summer, but once upwelling began in July, high food availability enhanced larval growth rate to that typical of a normal upwelling year (e.g., 2006) in the northern California Current.
Use of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf for improving oxidative stability of microwave‐precooked traditional Thai pork patty and its frozen storage trial
Authors: Chinprahast Ninnart , Suwannadath Akarapon , Homjabok Thiti
Published: July 2012

A study was carried out to assess the effects of rosemary leaf, microwave cooking time and meat particle size on the oxidative stability of Thai‐style seasoned patties. A preliminary investigation to determine the optimum marination and microwave cooking times showed that they were, respectively, 120 and 12 min. These conditions were used to prepare patties for the main study, which showed that patties formed with smaller meat particles (1.5 vs. 4.7 mm) were more stable with regard to oxidative stability. Increased TBARS formation was observed for increasing microwave cooking time. Finally, patties with added rosemary leaf (3.2% by weight of the meat) were significantly more stable to oxidation than the controls and had a shelf life of 3–4 months in frozen storage (−18 °C). The microwave cooking time over 12 min seems excessively long.
Genome shuffling to improve fermentation properties of acetic acid bacterium by the improvement of ethanol tolerance
Authors: Wei Ke , Cao Xiaohong , Li Xin , Wang Chunling , Hou Lihua
Published: July 2012

Whole‐cell biocatalysts are commonly limited by low tolerance of extreme process conditions such as alcoholic strength, temperature, pH and concentration of solute. Here, we describe the use of genome shuffling to improve the ethanol tolerance of acetic acid bacterium, which is a poorly characterised industrial strain. The best strain A3‐11 was constructed and selected after three rounds of shuffling from the wild‐type strain of acetic acid bacterium. A3‐11 could grow in liquid medium with 13% ethanol. During the vinegar fermentation, the organic acid components produced were distinctly improved by A3‐11. It was found that the content of acetic acid was twice as much as the control. Furthermore, the concentration of tartaric acid was 4.04‐fold more than the control. Notably, A3‐11 increased in butanedioic acid production by up to 71.73% compared with the control.